A companion to Frank’s “Your favorite Richard Thompson song” thread. What is your favorite cover of a Richard Thompson song?
Two of my favorites just happen to be the same song.
Dimming of the Day - Bonnie Raitt
Five Blind Boys of Alabama also did a great cover of this song on the tribute album “Beat The Retreat” but I can’t seem to find a YouTube link for that one.
Well, I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of Richard Thompson until I saw David Gilmour’s cover of Dimming of the Day. So that is presently my favourite.
Well, easily Jo-El Sonnier’s cover of “Tear-Stained Letter”. They both appeared on David Sanborn’s Night Music and did it in lovely fashion:
Buddy and Julie Miller “Keep Your Distance”.
I dare you to not love their version of this song.
…and possibly the greatest ever cover of a Fairport Convention song:
performed by The Continental Drifters, a band that had former members of The Cowsills, The dBs, and The Bangles. They often used this Richard Thompson penned song to close out their shows in the 90s. Beautiful.
If you consider yourself a Richard Thompson fan, you’d be doing yourself a great disservice should you opt not to click on that link.
“52 Vincent Black Lightning” covered by The Del McCoury band.
My knowledge of Thompson’s discography is limited, but this is a great tune. I like the story no matter who’s telling it, but Del & the boys do a great job.
This isn’t the finest rendition I’ve heard, but it gives you an idea: Del McCoury Band, "52 Vincent Black Lightning," Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2011 - YouTube
All three of the Dylan covers on Unhalfbricking.
Probably “Million Dollar Bash” most, because it’s such a great song in the first place.
But the French version of “If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got to Stay All Night)” is really cool too.
Also the way "Percy’s Song " builds up from a capella to full band treatment.
“Wall of Death” by R.E.M.
I’ll echo your love for “Si Tu Dois Partir” (though I’ve been told the French is terrible), but I just want to point out that the OP is looking for Richard Thompson songs covered by other artists. Not Richard Thompson himself performing cover songs.
The Thread title could be taken either way but the actual OP clearly states the intended topic.