Why Does Richard Thompson Remain an Elusive Artist in the Mainstream?

Richard Thompson, a renowned British musician, has never achieved mainstream popularity despite receiving tremendous critical acclaim. The reason he has declined all offers to become a conveyor-belt star is clear: he chooses to play gigs and make records for devoted fans rather than chasing broader audiences.

RT, a Guitarist’s Guitarist

Richard Thompson (RT) is known as a guitarist’s guitarist. He is an expert on the instrument, and his songs are both quirky and rockin'. However, his lyrics often engender disgust. For example, a line from one of his songs where he describes a woman as "she she hasn’t got a bone in her nose" stands out. His lyrics frequently avoid storytelling that resonates with audiences or explores themes that evoke strong emotions.

One notable track that defies this trend is "Jerusalem on the Jukebox," which rocks with pure joy. Despite this, the lyrics only serve to disgust:

“At poolside picnics they chant for Ferraris and fur Their muscle-tone sharpens but their hold on reality blurs You can have your cake and eat it and never have to puke up a thing Jerusalem on the jukebox little angels beat your wings”

RT's focus on his own disgust, the lives of others, and existential themes like death, may contribute to why his music remains more niche. It makes one wonder if RT is the one truly disturbed and in need of help, or if his unique approach to songwriting is a reflection of his artistic vision.

Unreleased Hits and Compromising Themes

While each Richard Thompson album features many tuneful and catchy songs, few have managed to make it to the mainstream. Many of his songs, like 'The Angels Took my Racehorse Away' and 'Hard Luck Stories,' could have been massive hits but were never released as singles. This prevented them from gaining the necessary radio airplay to penetrate the popular consciousness.

In the late 1970s, some of his songs were quite uncompromising, such as 'Justice on the Streets,' where the backing singers chant 'Allah Allah,' which might have alienated certain listeners at a time when Thompson might have developed a wider following.

Despite the presence of cheerful and humorous songs, like 'Don’t Step on my Jimmy Shands,' in his repertoire, the majority of his work tackles themes such as death, revenge, and social criticism, which are often too heavy for the mainstream.

A Genius Overlooked by Shallow Audiences?

In the end, all one can say is that Richard Thompson is a musical genius. The world, however, is often too shallow to appreciate his unique talents. The lack of mainstream success is not due to a simple miscalculation, but a combination of artistic integrity, thematic heaviness, and personal quirks that sit outside the conventional songwriting mold.

Conclusion

Richard Thompson's enduring reputation as a misunderstood and overlooked genius is a testament to the complexity of his music and his dedication to his craft. His legacy lies in the appreciation of his devoted fanbase, but the broader artistic community remains captivated by the mystery surrounding his elusive mainstream success.