Nakedly Examined MusicNakedly Examined Music

Song Analysis with the Songwriter

folk rock

NEM#217: Richard Thompson’s Moments in Time

by Leave a Comment

Richard started as guitarist in the folk-rock staple Fairport Convention in 1967 but left in 1970 after five albums. He then recorded his debut solo album, six as Richard and Linda Thompson, and has since recorded 20 more solo albums of lyrically inventive, stylistically varied tunes that nearly always feature very skilled guitar work.

We discuss “Freeze,” the first single from his new album Ship to Shore, “The Ghost of You Walks” from You? Me? Us? (1996), and “Don’t Take It Lying Down” from Still/Variations EP (2015). End song: “When I Get to the Border” by Richard and Linda Thompson from I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974). Intro: “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” from Rumor and Sigh (1991). More at richardthompson-music.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Support us on Patreon.

NEM#123: Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span) Slows Down

by Leave a Comment

Rick played bass on 15 albums with Steeleye Span between 1971 and 2016 and had released five solo albums since 1996 (plus another with his then-wife Maddy Prior). We discuss “Race Against Time” from Perfect Blue (2018) and two Steeleye tunes: “Cromwell’s Skull” from Dodgy Bastards (2016) and “Samain” from They Called Her Babylon (2004). We conclude by listening to “Bachelor’s […]

NEM#82: Byron Isaacs Emerges from Bassland

by 3 Comments

Byron is an in-demand session/touring bassist whose main band since 2004 has been NYC’s Ollabelle. We talk about “Losing You” and “Gypsy Wind” from his debut solo album, Disappearing Man (2018), plus “Gone Today” by Ollabelle from Riverside Battle Songs (2007), and finish with”Horizontal Man” by Lost Leaders from their 2014 eponymous album. Intro: “Heaven’s Pearls” by Levon Helm from Electric Dirt (2009). For more, visit byronisaacs.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

NEM#77: Shawn Phillips: Uncategorizable from Texas

by 1 Comment

Shawn started as a ’60s folk singer, went to England to cavort with the greats of classic rock, and emerged in the ’70s with ten albums of eclectic, progressive music with shamanic lyrics delivered with a twang.

We discuss “Woman” from Second Contribution (1971), “A Christmas Song” from Faces (1972) and “Mr. President” from Furthermore (1974), then play two songs from his new album, Continuance: “C’mon Round” and “Bach to the Fusion.” Opening music: “I’m a Loner (I’m a Drifter)” from I’m a Loner (1964). For more, see shawnphillips.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.