linda thompson, “paint and powder beauty,”
from: Fashionably late, 2002
Linda Thompson is regrettably one of the missing pieces in British folk rock history, often relegated to the shadows of her ex-husband Richard. Let’s quickly dispense of that unfortunate dynamic. She is stunningly talented as this work stridently demonstrates. Mention has been made of the producer/arranger Robert Kirby in a recent post. He was influential in the music of the late Nick Drake and many other artists from the 1960’s. His deft classical touches elevated other musical persuasions in what we shall call “mindblowing proportions.” He reappeared for these sessions with Ms. Thompson and works his magic poignantly detailing “Paint and Powder Beauty.” This is a song of unique pathos, and if you like that kind of thing you’ll find none more tenderly searing.
