The Old Kit Bag
by Richard Thompson
  • Record Label: Spin Art
  • Release Date: May 6, 2003
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    The writing is just as rueful, darkly romantic, and exuberant as it's ever been. [16 May 2003, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PopMatters
    90
    Thompson is more comfortable than ever with his musical abilities and songwriting craft, and you hear the experience and the confidence on every track.
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    80
    The album feels like a romp, with Thompson performing everything from delicate waltzes to roadhouse rock.
  5. Amazon.com
    80
    Fortunately, this spare approach serves Thompson well because he's such a strong and varied songwriter plus a remarkably distinctive guitarist.
  6. Blender
    80
    Of the nearly 59 minutes of music here, about 40 induce deep pleasure. [#16, p.125]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Mojo
    80
    A significant return to form. [Feb 2003, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. AllMusic
    80
    The Old Kit Bag is Richard Thompson's simplest and most unadorned album since Shoot Out the Lights, and while it isn't an immediate masterpiece like that album, it confirms that this man's work is best presented at its simplest, and the result is a modest triumph.
  9. Launch.com
    75
    Newcomers will be shocked by his natural ability and old-time fans will just nod the same knowing appreciation and file the album next to the ever-growing mass of excellent if unspectacular releases.
  10. The A.V. Club
    70
    As the disc turns down one shadowy corner of the soul after another, it's hard not to wish that the witty, romantic, storytelling Thompson would show up to give the other guy a break, at least for a song or two.
  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    Thompson's taut, literary folk pop is as odd and pleasing as ever.
  12. Uncut
    60
    Doesn't quite make it into the Thompson solo Top 10.... But it's good to have him back. [Mar 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. EricV
    Dec 2, 2004
    10
    Awesome CD - RT singing better than ever - Judith Owen excellent backing vocals - Danny Thompson's bass pound the beat. And the guitar - Awesome CD - RT singing better than ever - Judith Owen excellent backing vocals - Danny Thompson's bass pound the beat. And the guitar - why did he not play like this on other CDs - he would be the king of the axe if he did!… Full Review »
  2. mikev
    May 29, 2003
    10
    the old master comes through with a power trio model...
  3. IanG
    May 28, 2003
    8
    A Love You Can't Survive alone raises this cd above the norm. Thompson's most mature vocals ever, with his usual, maybe too A Love You Can't Survive alone raises this cd above the norm. Thompson's most mature vocals ever, with his usual, maybe too restrained, guitar virtuosity. … Full Review »
See all user reviews »