After a string of slick albums that de-emphasized his folk-rock past, The Old Kit Bag marks a return to Thompson's indie-label roots. Produced by John Chelew (John Hiatt, Blind Boys of Alabama), it was recorded quickly with a minimum of overdubs and just a handful of musicians (double-bassist Danny Thompson, drummer Michael Jerome, and background vocalist Judith Owen). Fortunately, this spare approach serves Thompson well because he's such a strong and varied songwriter plus a remarkably distinctive guitarist. Longtime fans will likely gravitate to the musical equivalents of comfort food--the weepy ballad "Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne," the revved-up rocker "I'll Tag Along," and the brooding melancholy of "First Breath." Yet subsequent listens reveal the subtler charms of a gorgeous jazz-pop ballad, "I've Got No Right to Have It All," and the righteous anger of "Outside of the Inside," on which Thompson, a devout Muslim, attacks the moral emptiness of religious fanaticism. Thirty-five years after his debut with Fairport Convention, Thompson proves that he's yet to exhaust his store of ideas or his will to challenge himself and others. --Keith Moerer
Product Description
Thompson is one of the master musicians & storytellers of the 60s British rock scene. Seminal releases with Fairport Convention & 30+ years of solo albums & assorted collaborations (Zeppelin, Hendrix, Floyd, Bonnie Raitt, etc.) mark an eclectic & uncompromising career. This, his first studio record since 1999, is an intimate, smoky album of narrative songs, recorded as a trio with minimal overdubs, & allowing him to show off his guitar playing. Includes a free bonus disc with 2 exclusive audio tracks 'So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo' & 'Kiss' (Prince) plus a 2 minute 40 second Quicktime clip taken from the BBC documentary on Richard entitled 'A Solitary Life'. Cooking Vinyl. 2003.
Old Kit Bag,Richard Thompson,Cooking Vinyl,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Britain,British Folk-Rock,Folk-Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter
Old Kit Bag [Enhanced]
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(Not) Your Standard Spike Jones Collection
Spike Jones Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00007JR3K Release Date: 2003-04-08 |
Album Description
Holiday blues comin' on? Well, put a spike in `em! Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.Customer Reviews:
Great set of wartime rarities.......2003-05-14
Cure for the Blues.......2003-04-25
Standard Transcription Collection.......2003-04-12
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Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008XRXX Release Date: 2003-05-06 |
Tracks:
- Gethsemane
- Jealous Words
- I'll Tag Along
- A Love You Can't Survive
- Open Door Breathes
- First Breath
- She Said it was Destiny
- I've Got No Right to Have it All
- Pearly Jim
- Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
- Outside of the Inside
- Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne
Tracks:
- So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo (Orazio Vecchi, Arr. R. Thompson)
- Kiss (Prince)
- Richard Thompson BBC Documentary Footage
Amazon.com
After a string of slick albums that de-emphasized his folk-rock past, The Old Kit Bag marks a return to Thompson's indie-label roots. Produced by John Chelew (John Hiatt, Blind Boys of Alabama), it was recorded quickly with a minimum of overdubs and just a handful of musicians (double-bassist Danny Thompson, drummer Michael Jerome, and background vocalist Judith Owen). Fortunately, this spare approach serves Thompson well because he's such a strong and varied songwriter plus a remarkably distinctive guitarist. Longtime fans will likely gravitate to the musical equivalents of comfort food--the weepy ballad "Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne," the revved-up rocker "I'll Tag Along," and the brooding melancholy of "First Breath." Yet subsequent listens reveal the subtler charms of a gorgeous jazz-pop ballad, "I've Got No Right to Have It All," and the righteous anger of "Outside of the Inside," on which Thompson, a devout Muslim, attacks the moral emptiness of religious fanaticism. Thirty-five years after his debut with Fairport Convention, Thompson proves that he's yet to exhaust his store of ideas or his will to challenge himself and others. --Keith MoererAlbum Description
Thompson is one of the master musicians & storytellers of the 60s British rock scene. Seminal releases with Fairport Convention & 30+ years of solo albums & assorted collaborations (Zeppelin, Hendrix, Floyd, Bonnie Raitt, etc.) mark an eclectic & uncompromising career. This, his first studio record since 1999, is an intimate, smoky album of narrative songs, recorded as a trio with minimal overdubs, & allowing him to show off his guitar playing. Includes a free bonus disc with 2 exclusive audio tracks 'So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo' & 'Kiss' (Prince) plus a 2 minute 40 second Quicktime clip taken from the BBC documentary on Richard entitled 'A Solitary Life'. Cooking Vinyl. 2003.Customer Reviews:
In which Richard provides ..........2005-12-09
And if you're equally fond (as I am) of RT's slower, more melancholy moods, then his latest release "Front Parlour Ballads" provides once again. The opening track refers to an Air New Zealand hostess, for heaven's sake! There's a memory or two there...
The Best of the Best.......2005-03-12
For a man that has been part of over 20 4-5 star albums either solo, duo or group this is just another chapter in his storied career. He sings better as each album comes out and the song-writing is unparalleled in music, especially from anyone that has put out 25+ albums. How does he keep getting better.
Buy this album, buy "Mock Tudor" just spread the word RT is unmatched in music today and for all time. That he is not the most famous musician in the world is a cruel injustice.
Still vital after all these years........2005-02-18
A mixed bag--but essential Richard Thompson.......2004-12-10
"Gethsemine" opens up the set with a rock beat. It's an anthem to youth and making life count.
The first concert I heard "Outside of the Inside" was October 2001. RT dedicated the song to the Taliban and had the audience's full attention. It was on University of Texas' campus and a lot of us were afraid we were going to war. The song made my hair stand on end.
"A love you can't survive" is quiet. Thompson really projects the tiredness in this song.
Definitely a must for Richard Thompson collectors!
Just another winner from RT.......2004-11-22
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The Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Import [Generic] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000083EBJ Release Date: 2003-03-18 |
Tracks:
- The Haunted Keepsake: Gethsemane
- The Haunted Keepsake: Jealous Words
- The Haunted Keepsake: I'll Tag Along
- The Haunted Keepsake: A Love You Can't Survive
- The Haunted Keepsake: One Door Opens
- The Haunted Keepsake: First Breath
- The Pilgrims Fancy: She Said It Was Destiny
- The Pilgrims Fancy: I've Got No Right To Have It All
- The Pilgrims Fancy: Pearly Jim
- The Pilgrims Fancy: Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
- The Pilgrims Fancy: Outside Of The Inside
- The Pilgrims Fancy: Happy Days And Auld Lang Syne
Album Details
USA Release Date is Scheduled for April 2003. His First CD of New Material Since 1999's 'mock Tudor'. Produced by John Chelew (Los Lobos, Blind Boys of Alabama), it was Recorded with a Minimum of Overdubs. Richard is Joined by Danny Thompson on Upright Bass, Michael Jerome Drums &background Vocals and Judith Owen on Background Vocals. After 16 Years on Major Labels, Richard Has Gone the Independent Route with this Title.Customer Reviews:
A lesser Thompson effort, but still definitely worthwhile.......2003-06-23
Thompson is one of the world's best songwriters, but though his lyrics are as strong as usual here, the music isn't. RT has never repeated himself so much musically. The verse of "A Love You Can't Survive" sounds like "Woods of Darney", the verse of "Outside of the Inside" sounds like "Cold Kisses", the overlong "First Breath" is a slowed-down "Mingus Eyes" crossed with "Ghosts in the Wind", and so on. The album rocks less than RT usually does, and any rock intensity has been drained out by John Chelew's tepid production and Michael Jerome's lackluster drumming. (Listen to a random minute of this CD and "Mock Tudor" and the difference in intensity jumps out at you.) Throughout the album, the rhythm guitar parts are mixed louder than the drums, vocals, or even guitar solos. On the two most rocking songs, "Pearly Jim" and "I'll Tag Along", the drums are mixed LOWER than on the other tracks. Those who prefer Thompson's folk side may like this album BECAUSE it has less rock. There are no saxes, shawms, or Mitchell Froom keyboards here; instead RT plays multiple guitar tracks.
While there are no standout tracks here (nothing remotely on the order of "Bathsheba Smiles"), there is also nothing really bad. "Gethsemane" is the best track, charting the journey from happy youth to the desperation of middle age. "I'll Tag Along" and "Pearly Jim" are good rockers that will probably sound great live. "One Door Opens" has a happy Celtic feel with RT playing mandolin and dulcimer. You get the usual RT brokenhearted lover ("I've Got No Right to Have It All") and the usual brokenhearted lover hopeful to try again ("Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen"). It should be noted that over the last 20 years, Thompson has developed into a pretty good singer; his wails at the end of "A Love You Can't Survive" are the best part of the song. For a limited time, there is a 2nd CD included with two live tracks from RT's "1000 Years of Popular Music" show: the 16-century Italian song "So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo" is very good, while a cover of Prince's "Kiss" is only a curiosity. This is a 3-1/2 star album; many musicians will never make an album this good, but for Thompson it's one of his lesser works.
(1=poor 2=mediocre 3=pretty good 4=very good 5=phenomenal)
More of RT's Secrets.......2003-04-20
So listen.
RT does it again..........2003-03-22
Fig Leaves & Tourniquets.......2003-02-22
Unlike previous releases, the production does it's best to keep out of the way. The sparseness of it all allowing for Thompson's signature guitar to play howling wind round the gallows humor of his lyrics.
"Jealous Words" is vintage "oil" & vineger Thompson while passionately brooding epics like "A Love You Can't Survive" are likely to send a shiver down your spine. For fans of Thompson's folksier side, OLD KIT BAG could be considered a return to form. The dulcimer driven, "One Door Opens" being a highlight. "I've Got No Right To Have It All" is as gorgeous as it gets and the gleefully ominous, "Pearly Jim" conjures up the glories of Thompson's FULL HOUSE days. The world weary closer, "Happy days & Auld Lang Syne" gives "Waltzing's For Dreamers" a run for it's money, ending the album on a dutifully maudlin note.
So, OLD KIT BAG may not be the most ambitious record of his career, but he sticks to his guns. As uncomprimising as ever, Thompson delievers the goods on this one. Long time fans will be far from disappointed.
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The Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Silverline ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A8SXG0 Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Gethsemane
- Jealous Words
- I'll Tag Along
- A Love You Can't Survive
- One Door Opens
- First Breath
- She Said It Was Destiny
- I've Got No Right to Have It All
- Pearly Jim
- Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
- Outside of the Inside
- Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne
Album Description
"His best album in nearly a decade stunning guitar work" - The Sunday TimesHe's already achieved more as a songwriter and an instrumentalist than most musicians could in a lifetime. And yet, with the release The Old Kit Bag, Richard Thompson continues to set new standards as a guitarist and storyteller. The album is his twenty fifth since leaving the legendary Fairport Convention and ranks with Rumor And Sigh as one of his best. Still the master of examining life's ironies through song, Thompson chose producer John Chelew (John Hiatt, Five Blind Boys Of Alabama) and a musical trio for The Old Kit Bag. The sparse line up gives additional weight to the insightful lyrics and allows the exceptional guitar work to take center stage.
This special DualDisc edition of The Old Kit Bag includes and exclusive 5.1 surround sound mix of the album by Gary Lux (Robert Cray, Ben Harper, Sting) along with performance videos for the songs "Jealous Words" and "Outside of the Inside" (also in surround sound).
Customer Reviews:
Great music, but the sound is one of the best........2006-12-18
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The Old Kit Bag
Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl/Koch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A2970C Release Date: 2003-12-17 |
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The Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Japanese Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00008L3RB Release Date: 2003-03-04 |
Tracks:
- Gethsemane
- Jealous Words
- I'll Tag Along
- Love You Can't Survive
- One Door Opens
- First Breath
- She Said It Was Destiny
- I've Got No Right to Have It All
- Pearly Jim
- Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
- Outside of the Inside
- Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne
- So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo
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The Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Japanese Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000084TOZ Release Date: 2003-03-04 |
Tracks:
- Gethsemane
- Jealous Words
- I'll Tag Along
- Love You Can't Survive
- One Door Opens
- First Breath
- She Said It Was Destiny
- I've Got No Right to Have It All
- Pearly Jim
- Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen
- Outside of the Inside
- Happy Days and Auld Lang Syne
- So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo
Album Description
Japanese edition of the British folk-rock icon's 2003 album includes 1 bonus track 'So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo' (listed inside on the Japanese liner notes only). Cooking Vinyl.Rap Music:
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- Prospect Hummer [CD-single] [EP]
- Pure Frosting
- Retrospective, Vol. 1 (1974-1980)
- Rhinoceros
- Rockin' the Corps
- Scattered, Smothered and Covered
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