Richard Thompson
Henry the Human Fly - Island 1972 Comments:Richard Thompson's first solo album "Henry the Human Fly" was released in 1972 almost simultaneously with the Fairport Convention leisure project "The Bunch" who released a single album, "Rock On", on which Thompson also starred. "Rock on" was an album of oldies, on which also Thompson’s later wife. Linda was one of the vocalists. Thompson, was a founding member in Fairport Convention, but he left the group in 1971, during preparation for "Angel Delight". In addition to being a virtuoso and very personal guitarist, Thompson was one of the most diligent songwriters in the group, and naturally he had ambitions of trying his luck as a soloist. Possibly also because he wrote more songs than the group could record.
"Henry the Human Fly" is a testament to a great and versatile songwriter who goes far in terms of genre, instrumentation and lyrical universe. It is possibly Thompson's most complete album in terms of songwriting and originality; and there is overall not much "debutant" feeling to be traced. Vocally, Thompson did not play a major role in Fairport Convention, but his somewhat special style perfectly with these twelve new songs.
As mentioned, the album spans wide in genre, with Thompson's folk roots shining through to varying degrees on the tracks. Not very surprising, when looking at the musician list which includes folk-rock pioneers as Pat Donaldson, Timi Donald, Sandy Denny, Barry Dransfield, John Kitkpatrick, Ashley Hutchings and others.
With maybe two exceptions, all songs are favorites. As a big Fairport fan, I bought the album as soon as I saw the it in the local music store; it was only later that I realized that I had been lucky to find it at all, and that it was going to become a sought-after rarity. The album was first released very late on CD and is already relatively hard to find at a reasonable price. However, two tracks are includedvon the big Linda and Richard Thompson boxset released here in 2020.
To the songs:
"Roll over Vaugn Williams" is a folkish rocker with great Thompson guitar and backpipes. A tribute to the old composer and a great overture.
"Nobody's Wedding" is a great folkish song, with nice acoustic guitar and a fun dance break (a little like "Morris On")
"The Poor Ditching Boy" is also a song with acoustic guitar and strong roots in the folk tradition. One of the album's finest songs and one of many highlights.
"Shaky Nancy" is a bit in the same genre, but with a more rock feel with i.a. drums. Also, the first of two where Sandy Denny and Linda Peters back up vocally. Incidentally, there is a certain common feel between this album and Sandy Denny’s debut ”The North Star Grassman and the Raven,” on which Thompson also plays a major role.
"The Angels Took My Racehorse Away" is the album's only real rocker. Upbeat, catchy and featuring charming choir vocals from Sandy and Linda. A highligt on the album.
"Wheely Down" is a dark droning folk-type song. One of two songs that never really hit me.
The New St. George ”opens side two, and again a fine choice for a opener. Nice melody with most of Thompson’s characteristics present. Folk rock with, accordion, horns, violins and drums.
"Painted Ladies" is more sparsely instrumented, with acoustic guitar, bass, drums and nice electric guitar from Thompson. A melancholy folkish ballad.
"Cold Feet" begins a little in the same vein; with the song shifting to a more upbeat feeling on the chorus. A song that could have fit in nicely on one of the coming Linda & Richard Thompson albums.
"Mary and Joseph" is a quirky hymn, with a weird horn accompaniment. The album's shortest track – perhaps not so bad!
"The Old Changing Way" is a waltzy ballad. Great folkish ballad. A highlight.
"Twisted" is another song with different beats. Also a fine song.
One of very few albums that comes close to perfection
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