Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson - The Calvary Cross (Reaction/Request - So Calm and Beautiful!) 

The live version of this on Live (More or Less) was my introduction to the thompsons one rum and hash addled night 45 years ago, and I have loved their work passionately ever since. Even living in the middle of Nebraska, I've been able to see Richard live three times. Absolutely phenomenal talent.

It sounds amazing because Richard is one of the greats, using an old 50's Strat and Fender Deluxe Reverb black face amp or similar model. Recorded on analogue 2" tape, a format never equalled by digital.

After hearing the live version on the watching the dark box set, this now seems like half a song without the driven solo afterwards .

I remember reading Bob Dylan say how back when they sang folk songs they didn't change the genders because it changes the meaning of the song. For example, on his debut album when he sang 'House of the Rising Song,' he sang it from the woman's point of view. However, when The Animals sang the same song, they changed it to correspond to a male perspective -- and that completely alters the meaning of the song. Anyway, on this album Richard sing lead vocals on some songs while Linda sings lead on others. That being said, after Richard and Linda divorced Richard would sing 'Withered and Died,' which was formerly sang by Linda, and he changed the gender from female to male. Finally, there's a live version of 'Calvary Cross' which has a blistering guitar solo which begins where the studio version fades out. Personally, I consider it the definitive version.

I am amazed that these largely passed over classics from Richard Thompson are being relived through younger people in America now. I bought them all on Vinyl in the early 80's.

Yes. It’s such a great song but I was equally pleased by you realising it’s the song you wanted. I’ve been there and the happiness and air drumming comes out.

Richard Thompson is a stone genius, without any question. For my money he's both the best guitarist AND one of the very best songwriters the UK has ever produced. He's got better as a singer too, as he's got older. This whole album is superb. My favourite song on it is the last one, The Great Valerio, sung magnificently by Linda. RT has written DOZENS of classics, too many to list here, but if I had to recommend a few, try Wall Of Death (with Linda, this could've and should've been a hit), Woods Of Darney, or 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.

Here I am! Drunk, AIR GUITAR pounding

Richard & Linda met in a recording studio, I think in London. He was recording an album. She was doing a voice over for Kelloggs Cornflakes. I saw their last ever gig together in 1981 at the Dominion, Tottenham Court Rd., London.

Dive down the rabbit hole. Richard has over 50 years of great music, from the legendary Fairport Convention (started as a teen), to a decade with Linda (his greatest period but don't skip before or after), to nearly forty years solo. If you ever get the chance to see him he's amazing with a band or solo. "Calvary Cross" was one of his favorite live vehicles to stretch out on the guitar. Linda is one of my favorite singers. Try "Down Where the Drunkards Roll" or "Withered and Died" from this album. For a song with both amazing vocals and killer guitar try "Walking on a Wire," one of their very best.

In the Night House it's appropriate they play Richard Thompson every time she crosses over to the land of the dead as he is a modern day Orphee/Orpheus

Thanks for the reaction! Great reaction! I didn’t realize that Richard Thompson’s music was used in many films. “Bright Lights” is such a good album. Linda sings lead on most of the songs, Richard just happened so sing this one. Their live version of Calvary Cross is very good too. He turns it into a 14 minute electric guitar workout. Amazing. You can listen here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Cc_jra5FQyM.html Next you should try “Night Comes In”, also very beautiful and the live version is also a tremendous guitar workout ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jzVEOxDn9Vs.html. Keep going with Richard and Linda Thompson. They made some great music up until their 1980 album “Shoot Out The Lights”, which was a perfect album, then their marriage fell apart and Richard continued solo.

Got to listen to the live version.

yes Mike I agree, it's a very chill song, and I remember you reacting to that film, infact since you're linking it I'll watch it again

Hi Mike, hope you are keeping well, I was just thinking today about Richard and Linda, thinking when I get home to listen to them, and wow I find you doing a reaction!! brilliant my friend 😃 Peace and Love ❤

It took me a while to find it as well. I was already familiar with Richard Thompson from a country song he wrote back in the 80’s.

We met Richard after a show. My buddy asked him what those opening lyrics meant. Richard claimed not to remember, but I was never sure if he was just being coy.

I love this song

Check out the live version on Guitar, Vocal. AMAZING

It such a good song

Totally different tack but find Fairport's ' Now be thankful ' ...Total stone cold genius...Like a Tudor hymn done by the first ever folk rock band......Live at Glastonbury in 1970

I'm going to watch the movie now it's on HBO max

Highly suggest you listen to the live version. Since you dug his playing on Hard On Me, you will definitely dig this.