(Shout! Factory)

www.shoutfactory.com

Any Richard Thompson fan will tell you that no matter how great his records have been - and 1982's soon-to-be-reissued Shoot Out the Lights, with his then-wife Linda, deserves mention among the best albums of all time - his music always breathes with greater precision and clarity on stage. So, the decision was made this time to cut out the middleman of a studio, and simply record 13 brand-new songs live.

Thompson offers up sardonic commentary on those financial gurus who took us all to the cleaners of late, a heart-felt tribute to the passing of old friends, a whip-smart and uncomfortably funny modern murder ballad, a lesson learned about love lost, and more. The band is spectacular (though long-time associate Pete Zorn relies too much on his snake charmer soprano sax), and Thompson's guitar has a field day, with solos concise or expansive, but always emotionally riveting.

Now the real test remains: after a few days of rehearsal and four live shows, these songs sound this amazing. What will happen when they tour?

DOWNLOAD: "Demons in Her Dancing Shoes," "If Love Whispers Your Name" STEVE PICK