Teddy Thompson
Upfront & Down Low
Verve Forecast
Teddy’s third release on a major label is a bit of a head-scratcher. His solo CDs, along with his contributions to mom Linda Thompson’s solo releases, show he has the talent to pen a tune, but why produce an entire CD—with the exception of one self-penned song—of country ballads? Most boutique CD releases usually mean end-of-contract filler, or no songs left in the well, or a cash grab. There’s no doubt Teddy can pull the songs off with his talent, but the Upfront & Down Low songs are all performed in the same tempo, which might lull you to sleep after you hear the first four to five songs. Strange.
Aaron Hartling
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.