Plaudits must go to Free Reed records and music for coming up with some of the best box sets available in the folk music genre. Among the finest must be this 5 disc set from legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist, Richard Thompson.
Housed in a sturdy box, four of the CDs come in jewel cases and represent Thompson at his very best. One disc covers essential Richard Thompson as voted for by fans, friends and fellow musicians. Another features some lengthy improvisational workouts in a live setting. The third disc contains his version of songs by other artists, while the fourth disc has twenty songs by Thompson based upon real life events, real places and real people.
The final disc in the package comes in a mini replica album sleeve and contains fifteen real rarities. Unreleased songs drawing on live recordings, demos and studio out-takes spanning the period between 1971 and 2005. Add to all of this glorious music a superb 172 page book written and researched by Nigel Schofield, and you will realise what great value this package represents (the book alone sells separately for £12.99). Incidentally you also get a replica 1952 Vincent brochure. Fans of Richard Thompson will understand the significance of this.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention that as a purchaser of one of the first 5,000 of these sets, I also received a unique bonus CD drawing together Thompson contributions to Free Reed packages by other artists including Martin Carthy, Ashley Hutchings, Albion Country Band, Elvis Costello and of course, Fairport Convention.
You can read the full details of this wonderful set on the official Richard Thompson website, Beeswing. (http://www.richardthompson-music.com/boxedset.asp)
The package is still currently available from Amazon at £48.47.
Put it on your Christmas list.
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