Swansongs

Marc Anthony Thompson has been making spectacular albums for decades, as himself, as Chocolate Genius and as Chocolate Genius Incorporated. The “Inc.” designation provides an “alter-ego” and umbrella for a number of players who often record with Thompson and Swansongs is a somber collection of final songs that sum up a series of CG albums. It’s perfect for Thompson. His voice is dark, often drawing comparisons to Tom Waits. The piano ballad “Like A Nurse” is a desperate whisper that sounds as if it’s emanating from the old, broken-down barn in a field of deep weeds. “Kiss Me” adds percussion to give love the feeling of being a funeral march. “Polanski” is another gospel tune gone to the grave. “Sit & Spin” was finished the day his father died and is an eerie and sparse piano tune reminiscent of Neil Young at his most desolate. “When I Lay You Down” is nearly celebratory by comparison, featuring a full band and backing vocals, as if Thompson had joined back up with his fellow man. “Ready Now,” however, ends things on a gorgeous but lonesome note. This is Thompson’s most powerful album to date.