Katie Thompson’s style reminds me of the Eagles…but with a female twist.  In her music, you’ll hear a bit of country intertwined with a little pop and a lot of wonderful electric and acoustic guitar.    In “Tall Poppy”, you’ll hear a bit of country intertwined with a little pop and a lot of wonderful electric and acoustic guitar.

The album begins with "Do It Today", a nice up tempo introduction to Katie’s infectious style.  If you like to dance, this would be a great song to get your heart pumping.

Katie was proudly raised in "Hokitika" on the West Coast of New Zealand and I’ve often wondered how to properly pronounce it. Well, now I know; it's the 4th word in “Karamea Cowboy.”  This song is a wonderful tribute to the great people of New Zealand who appreciate the simple life and natural beauty of this great country.

As the title track, “Tall Poppy” is a fine example of the energy and wonderful melodies you will hear throughout this album.  It’s a song about someone who always sets high goals and how people resent them for who they are and in their jealousy, always try to cut them down.  Great vocals and awesome guitar set the stage for this wonderful piece.

“Gone”.  Great energy!  I can picture Katie strumming her Ovation and singing this song as she tells her boyfriend "It's Over...you blew it".

Katie wrote the 5th song, "Monteith's On Tap" for her friend - TC Wells. He taught her a lot about music over the years and as she says, "I'm very lucky he has a lot of patience".  Katie and TC were attending a wedding at a local bar and TC turned to her and said, "I hope there's a bar like this in heaven - and it better have Monteiths on Tap".  That was the idea behind the song and soon after TC made that statement, Katie started writing the song.  

The acoustic guitar riff sets the stage as Katie's lovely vocals painted a wonderful picture about a man who works hard to provide for his family and at the end of the day, one thought goes through his mind...does heaven have a bar and if they do, will they be serving Monteith's on Tap?  In the end...I'm sad we don't have Monteith's in the United States; but one thing I do know is, when I travel to New Zealand, I'm setting a course straight for Monteith's and I will promptly be wetting my lips with a nice cold glass of their liquid gold.

“Tears Me Down” was written about the heart aches that come with relationships and is an incredibly beautiful song.

If you like acoustic guitar, "Is It Ever Gonna Change" opens with a beautiful strum and of course, Katie’s soothing vocals.  There is definitely an emotional element that will tug at anyone’s heart who has experienced difficulties in a relationship.  Lovely melody.

"Better Left Unsaid" is the perfect song to introduce Katie's innocent and pure vocals.  You will love the way she holds and finishes the notes.

“Not the One For You”  The introductory guitar really sets the stage for this incredible song, and then Katie joins in with vocals that fit like a well-made glove…soothing, comfortable, and warm.  Although subtle, the keyboards are the perfect compliment to this “dreamy” and beautiful melody. 

“This Is Goodbye” is a very heart-warming tribute to someone special who left their loved ones.  Beautiful melody and the guitar is the perfect compliment to Katie’s soothing vocals.

Mr. Cash would have been proud of Katie's rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues”.  The instrumentation is familiar; but it's Katie's wonderful vocals, that really makes this song stand out for me.

“A Long Time Ago” is an amazingly simple song about someone who loves someone dearly; but realizes they ruined a wonderful relationship.  What attracts me to this song is how well Katie and her male counterpart deliver their message with only their vocals and acoustic guitar.  Nothing else.

Monteiths On Tap (Acoustic Bonus Version)

Katie comes from a tight-knit community on the West Coast of South New Zealand, so it's not surprising when she writes a song about something or someone familiar to her.  You’ll get to know her and the people of Hokitika, New Zealand through this wonderful album.

Finally, Katie has a lot to be proud of, because, at least in my case, “Tall Poppy” is THE album that made me cross over to Country music.  I hope you purchase this incredible album and cross over with me.  You’ll be happy you did!

Wolfman

Los Angeles, California  USA
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