Folk & Country > D Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter > 1970 to 1979

Advantages: Great songs and music
Disadvantages: Not very well known

...his state of mind. Bryter Layter is Drake's second and best known album, it build's upon the style and sound of his debut 'Five Leaves Left' and has been described as 'Chamber' Folk primarily for its use of stringed instruments (apart from guitars) and its intimate feel. A difficulty in characterising Drake's music especially on this recording possibly lies at the heart of his lack of commercial and critical recognition. Drake never fitted in. ...
...Things First Hazey Jane I Bryter Layter Fly Poor Boy Northern Sky Sunday 'Bryter Layter' released in 1970 is a clear progression from his debut the rather melancholy 'Five Leaves Left' but there are signs that even at this early stage in his career Drake was prepared to take risks with his music. The use of a variety of unusual instrument (unusual for a folk/pop record of the time) such as Flute, horns, Cello, Viola and harpsichord all lend ... Read review

Advantages: Folk rock at it's best, magical lyrics, soothing vocals and enchanting lullabies, a real treat for the ears
Disadvantages: None

...the world of folk rock Pink Moon is right up there squeezing it's way in between it's peers. Nick Drake has an enchantingly soothing pitched voice and along with his infamous right hand finger picking guitar style he is held in high esteem among his critics and fellow folk musicians. Nicholas Rodney Drake born June 19, 1948 in Ranhoon, Burma grew up in a small village in Warwickshire, he learnt how to play the flute at the local public school in ...
...final and most accomplished masterpiece Pink Moon in two, two hour sessions each starting at midnight. Pink Moon was much more bare and naked than the two previous well produced albums, Nick's lost and depressed feel can be felt to vividly in each song. Apparently after recording Pink Moon Drake dropped off the tapes at the front desk of Island Records and left swearing we would retire for good from recording and performing solo material. Pink Moon ... Read review

Advantages: mature, inventive, beautiful and emotional
Disadvantages: really can't think of any!

Richard Butler is best known as the charismatic rasping voiced singer in the Psychedelic Furs. After 25 years fronting the band this is his first solo album, and those expecting simply inferior Furs tracks are in for a wonderful surprise. All the songs are co-written with Jon Carin (often a member of Pink Floyd over the past 20 years or so) and all, without exception, are beautifully constructed, grown up, mature songs. Smooth keyboards and rythmn ...
...leaves the listener satisfied. Richard Butler's trademark voice - that 60 a day rasp - is a revelation as he demonstrates a much more tender and intimate side to his singing. His untrained croon is enormously affecting and capable of really drawing the listener into the songs. "Maybe Someday" is one of the highlights, with it's hope filled lyrics and the magnificent "Nothing's Wrong" stands as the centrepiece to this marvellous album. But every track ... Read review

Advantages: Traditional, varied
Disadvantages: Some tracks almost too short

The Bairns is an unsual album to listen to, taking you on (for lack of any better comparison) a roller-coaster of emotion, from the first track to the last. With haunting voices and perfect harmonies, Rachel Unthank and The Winterset, a quartet comprising two extremely talented sisters and their friends hailing from the North-east of England, deliver a provoking, if not flawless, catalogue of traditional folk pieces. Particularly interesting are ...
...pieces of music. For example, I Wish, I Wish, which has been covered by many artists in the past, predominantly Kate Rusby's more upbeat take, has been turned into a melancholy, heart-breaking melody much more suited to the lyrics being sung. They also include a collection of "Lulls" which vary from 20 second accapella songs to the 7 minute variation offered at the end of album, with complex vocal harmonies and instrumental backing. A very worthy ... Read review

Advantages: Track 3 & 12 are the value for this album, rich in poetic flavour
Disadvantages: Don't like the chorus in all tracks

The Vocalist - Rebecca Pidgeon The Genre - Scottish / British folk The Music - In light percussion accompaniment The Recording - Good (CD) The Tempo - All in light and fast rhythm except track 3 & 12. This is an album in simplicity of style with a light percussion accompaniment and Piano, guitar or drum. Some track with violin and viola. The lyrics of each song is a story, or even a verse (track 3 & 12) which rich in sentimental. Rebecca Pidgeon's ...
...and nature, warmth and tenderness with unpretentious. Rebecca Pidgeon is the established actress and a singer. She is also a talented song writer with a wide range of song albums from folk, pop, jazz, to Celtic traditions. This is her first album and she also composed in almost every song, to reveal her unusual music talents. Her album is a mood of a Café in a town that far apart from the urban. Track 3 & 12 in a slow and sentimental mode will easily ... Read review