Thompson goes to war

Richard Thompson, "Sweet Warrior" -2 1/2 Stars

'Walking on a Wire" is one of Richard Thompson's greatest compositions. The title of that 1982 song epitomizes what's best about this legendary Englishman, evoking in its formality Thompson's mastery of tradition and revealing the importance of tension in his art.

Tension and tradition have been omnipresent throughout Thompson's 40-year career, including his stint with the seminal Fairport Convention, landmark albums with ex-wife Linda and many celebrated solo releases. It's no surprise that they can also be found in the best moments of his newest album, "Sweet Warrior" (Shout Factory).

The significance of these elements in Thompson's music is no more glaring than in their absence, as evidenced by such goofball throwaways as "Mr. Stupid" and "Bad Monkey" as well as overly relaxed, half-spirited efforts like "Francesca."

When Thompson's gaze is fixed, however, he can be tremendously compelling. "Dad's Gonna Kill Me" may be instrumentally underfed (the drums in particular should've been beefed up), but the mixture of bitterness and dread in Thompson's voice as he likens the president to a temperamental parent is unmistakable and chilling. Equally bleak are the quietly heartbreaking "She Sang Angels to Rest" and the tense war epic "Guns are the Tongues."

Despite Thompson's famous devotion to his country's ancient songs of death and woe, the more historically faithful moments on "Sweet Warrior" aren't all given over to gloom. Showing the Decemberists how it's done once and for all, "Johnny's Far Away" is a ripping, wicked shanty about infidelity that runs both ways. It just wouldn't be Richard Thompson without a thick stew of emotional intrigue that also makes great musical accompaniment to recreational drinking.