Richard Thompson: The Old Kit Bag

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * * )

The only predictable thing about English folk-rocker Richard Thompson has been critical acclaim unmatched by album sales. He's certainly not been as consistent now as in previous decades but for The Old Kit Bag(Shock) he pulls out a stripped-back gem.

He still explores the dark stuff but also rocks out, extends his voice like he hasn't in years (the mean-sounding opener Gethsemane is an early clue), and has written his most consistently strong, and already best-selling, album in years. On Jealous Words he puts other guitarists on notice, I'll Tag Alone rings the Petty chimes, he aches on A Love You Can't Survive and I've Got No Right To Have It All, the lovely First Breath is haiku-like with deft, genre-less acoustic guitar, and there are songs of separation pains and joyful humour.

It comes with a bonus disc with covers of the medieval Italian ballad So Ben Mi Ca Bon Tempo and Prince's Kiss, plus a three-minute video snippet from a doco. Old fans can be assured, casual followers should sign on again.