British Folk for the faint of heart

Over the years, Richard Thompson would have managed to stand out as one of the greatest folk rockers in history... if only it were possible for non-American folk-rockers to really stand out. As usual, Thompson's three-pronged attack of equally raw and brilliant guitar playing, song-writing and vocals can be counted on. It seems as if Thompson set out to make a really good album instead of a great one, but with someone as talented and tasteful as this, it's no surprise that The Old Kit Bag is a success. The songs never attempt to be more than they are and Thompson has yet to lose the knack for shifting effortlessly from his twangy "shards of glass" guitar tone to his sensitive vocals. Thompson's social commentaries are as good as ever with "Outside of the Inside" and "Gethsemane," and his folk style shines through, adding a timelessness to songs like "A Love Can't Survive" and "Pearly Jim." Though there aren't any real weak points on the album, The Old Kit Bag doesn't deliver a knock-out punch like "Walking On a Wire" or "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," but the "limited edition" (not that it would be difficult to find) has two very cool, live acoustic performances including a cover of Prince's "Kiss," to which Thompson adds his creepy, but sweet touch.