Richard Thompson's new album The Old Kit Bag is reportedly fabulous, it's available in the U.K. now, will be released in the U.S. in early May. I can't wait! Wish I could afford to order the import.

Thompson is touring, too, be sure to check his official website to see if when/if he'll be in your area. His website has other cool stuff, too-- like mp3s you can download (I'm especially fond of the song "I Agree With Pat Matheny" which gives you a taste of how very funny Thompson is in concert, something that I'm not sure comes through on his albums).

Joe Jackson's new album is due out on March 11th. There's also a 25th Anniversary Concert DVD due out on March 18th. Jackson has an official site which lists tour information and has other cool stuff.

It sounds perverse, but Thompson does an amazing cover of "oops I did it again". Really. Listen to Terri Gross' interview of him last fall, he plays it for her.