If the name Teddy Thompson isn't ringing any bells, don't sweat it. However, if the name of his father, Richard Thompson, doesn't sound familiar, it's time to go back to Rock ‘n' Roll 101. Brit-legend Richard Thompson, quite possibly the world's greatest guitarist, has been putting out solid albums for the last three-and-a-half decades. With ex-wife Linda—a brilliant musician in her own right—Richard had a son, Teddy, who just released his second album, Separate Ways. The big question, though, is if sins of the father are transgenerational, does that also apply to talent?
Exhibit A: Everybody Move It,\ the third track of the album. It's a mid-tempo head-nodding good time. The banjo highlighting the chorus cannot help but bring a smile, and the lyrics are practically demanding enjoyment: ""This is a party, no frowns allowed / Everybody move it / Bump and grind and have a good time / Free yourself and lose your mind."" While these lyrics seem like they should be accompanied by a hardcore thumping bass, the song as is—with its laid-back but confident sound—carries the listener along on a relaxing, feel-good wave.Exhibit B: ""Separate Ways,"" the title track. A more ominous tone hovers over this one, with the vocals strongly carrying it at the beginning and little instrumentation. Add slight percussion, a stringed instrument slowly alternating between two different strings and a few plucks of the guitar for good measure. Thompson's voice carries the song so powerfully that it could make a happy-go-lucky optimist get a few sniffles. As the song progresses, though, the instrumentation becomes louder and a bit more varied, matching Thompson's vocals. The tone remains the same, but intensified. By the time the strings close out the song, it is safe to say there would not be a dry eye in the house at a live show.Exhibit C: ""That's Enough Out of You,"" the one genuine rocking song on the album. With electric guitars and echoing vocals, this too-short number has some awesome licks, and lyrics sure to crack a smile, such as, ""Hey now / That's enough out of you / I get tired / Just watching your jaw move."" Desperate to get rid of the girl, he ""lied, cheated and been unkind,"" asking of her, ""What else can I do?"" The verdict: Thompson isn't trying to emulate his pop—there's no ""I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight"" or ""Vincent Black Lightning"" on Separate Ways, but there doesn't need to be. Teddy has found his own style and his own sound. Does he have the talent of his dad? Sure. But does he need Richard Thompson as a crutch? No way.
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