Teddy Thompson, “Bella” (Verve Forecast)
Judging from “Bella,” Teddy Thompson is unlucky at love, even when he tries courting through his compositions. “I know you’re hoping to move on, but now I’ve written you this song,” he sings on “Take Me Back Again.” That approach should work, because “Bella” is irresistible.
Thompson has written 11 pop jewels that sparkle, thanks to fetching melodies, inventive arrangements and his versatile vocals. Thompson sings mostly about the resilience and persistence required in the pursuit of love, and he chronicles a series of setbacks with wit while exploring a variety of musical settings. They include the baroque ballad “Home,” the Roy Orbison-style drama “Take Me Back Again,” a couple of catchy rockers and “Tell Me What You Want,” a twangy duet with Jenni Muldaur . There are cameo contributions from the world’s greatest guitarist, Thompson’s dad, Richard, and much of the material benefits from cinematic string arrangements by producer David Kahne. Love’s not always pretty, but these songs are. Steven Wine, Associated Press
Todd Snider, “The Storyteller”(Aimless) Todd Snider refers to himself in song as a “tree-hugging, peace-loving, pot-smoking hippie.” In reality, however, he’s one sharp dude — a troubadour who couches his smarts and heart in a shaggy, smart-aleck persona. He’s also most in his element on stage, and that’s where you find him on this two-disc offering, which is at least his third live set, following a 2003 album and a 2007 EP.
With “The Storyteller,” Snider is backed by a full band, Great American Taxi, which fleshes out his folk, rock and blues. He focuses on his more recent material, showing that he’s at the top of his game as both a writer and a performer. From the somberly reflective “Greencastle Blues” to the furiously rocking “The Devil You Know” and the rambling, righteously indignant “The Ballad of the Kingsmen,” Snider remains a master at melding the personal and the political — making you laugh while he’s making you think. Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer
