The Old Kit Bag is terrific and has several songs that make you just want to sing along. Here are my favorites: - I'll Tag Along, - Jealous Words, - One Door Opens, - I'll Tag Along, - She Said It Was Destiny, - Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
For my money I'd just as soon see Richard Thompson live as anyone. If he's anywhere near where you live go see him. His records don't let you know that he's one of the greatest guitar players ever. This CD is solid throughout. You can't go wrong.
To answer someone's question about racism in this song... it's RT's criticism of Islamic fundamentalists, who have actually BANNED music in places they control. RT himself is a Sufi Muslim and has been since the 1970s, although he doesn't push his beliefs in our faces, so the excesses of fundamentalists are something he takes personally. Oh, and as for the album... it's good, but not great RT. Worth getting if you're already a fan, but for new fans, I'd recommend starting with the Austin City Limits concert on EMusic.
What's up with this song "Outside Of The Inside" about Charlie Parker and his "Monkey Music"? I may be taking this out of context from the 30 second sample, but it sounds like a racial slur to me. Anybody know more?
I first heard of Richard Thompson after he did a remake of "Season of the Witch" for Crossing Jordan. The Old Kit Bag was my next taste and I had to get more. I can't imagine how I've gone so long without knowing his music.
This is a very strong collection of songs, in a production where both Thompson's guitar and voice gets plenty of room. Highly recommended
I've been a fan of Thompson's ever since I first heard Mirror Blue. His composition and lyrics are and oasis of originality and creativity in an often insipid world. He is a virtuoso guitarist but never shows off. His powerful solo or rythmic guitar sections contribute to creating a genuinely personal atmosphere and deeply heart-felt emotions. His befitting lyrics often have a jaded, sarcastic and pessimistic tone about them. But again his songs are always well alive and keep surprising and mesmerizing you. It is too sad his craft is not more known. They really are rare gems to be cherished. Certainly not all of his songs are masterpieces, but a lot are. Really. The overall quality and sophistication in his work can't be denied. And this album doesn't disappoint. Whether he goes acoustic (A Love You Can't Survive) or electric (Jealous Words) there is always the same intensity in his music and biting or sorrowful words in his lyrics. In a word buy this album and more.
A strong showing, as always, from Mr. Thompson. Who else in the music industry has given us so many great songs over the past five decades and yet remains so commercially obscure ? Others have mined his compositions for hits, but it still hasn't raised his profile. My favorite tracks on this record are: Jealous Words >> A very moving compostion , done in Mr. Thompson's trademark manner. A Love You Can't Survive >> A song that tells a tale with such conviction, it hits like a groin punch. She Said It Was Destiny >> Love found and lost. I've Got No Right To Have It At All >> Tells of that self-loathing that strikes us all sometimes.
One of the outstanding albums in the last few years. Richard Thompson has produced a series of live albums recently. As well as being "one of the best songwriters" he is simply one of the best live guitarists I have ever heard. He is backed by an equally talented band, who can play in so many styles, but when he rocks, he really hits it... It would be great for eMusic to carry his entire catalogue.
If you love music - whatever style, download this you won't be disappointed.
