Folk & Country > D Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter > 1990 to 1999

Advantages: Nick Drake's Greatest Hits
Disadvantages: May disuade a new listener from listening to his 3 original albums

The first time you hear a Nick Drake song it takes some convincing that such mature, yet emotionally fragile poetry sprang from someone so young. Having his life tragically cut short at the tender age of 26 in 1974, it is a further tragedy that Nick Drake is still a relatively undiscovered musical genius. Most new listeners today (myself included) seem to stumble across his music on an advert, a coverdisk or background TV music but once you make ...
..."Way to Blue" is an excellent collection of arguably Nick Drake's greatest songs and one of those rare CD's that you rarely grow tired of and can take out and play again and again as if revisiting an old friend. This CD will either keep you happy in the knowledge that you have most of his best songs on one CD or encourage you to acquire his three original albums (hopefully the latter). ... Read review

Advantages: Groundbreaking Recording, Charming Angelic Voice
Disadvantages: Not used to Celtic Melodies

...to track --- 1. Somebody (3:41) ~~ 5/5 A great opening with the airy instrumental chords, then Dover's pure and clear voice caught my attention immediately. It is an Irish or Scottish song in 18th Century. I like the melodies. 2. The Baron O' Brackley (6:15) ~~ 4/5 The melody is strange to me, but the rhythm & sound of the pipe solo is delightful to me. 3. On Castle Rock (4:50) ~~ 3/5 A pure instrumental piece, the pipe is leading the melody. ...
...Another strange melody, but Dover's angelic voice makes me to close up my eye to feel it. 5. Jack of Diamonds (4:20) ~~ 5/5 This track I like it more! The lively tuned of the rhythm is more familiar to me, is a song of America comes from Southern Missouri. 6. Cantus (6:16) ~~ 5/5 The language of this track is mixed in English and Irish (?), is a 14th century Irish monastic tradition. I like it so much although I can't really understand what she ... Read review

Advantages: Highly original and relaxing acoustic guitar songs, superbly played
Disadvantages: Inferior bonus tracks might interfere with the mood of the album for some.

John Martyn was a very talented British singer/songwiter/musician, who attracted a strong interest and following during the 1970s (less so in the '80s),.But he enjoyed little commercial recognition, despite his best albums selling steadily over the years. Although Martyn started out as a folk artist in the late 1960s, by the time of this release, jazz and blues influences had crept into his repertoire. By the '80s, Martyn's studio albums had ...
...but not some might say, for the better. Bless The Weather, released in 1971 is John Martyn's fifth album, and arguably his best. It originally included ten tracks, nine songs plus one superb instrumental jam. What the original album managed to achieve is the near perfect blend of contemporary folk and jazz. And with John's expressive vocals, he hardly puts a foot wrong here. The CD's photograph cover hints at the atmosphere of the whole album, ... Read review

Advantages: Every track draws you in fantastically
Disadvantages: None

Rob's finest solo album sees him return to his roots. The master of the resophonic guitar, backed up at various times by his band mates from bluegrass supergroup Blue Highway offers some of the best music ever recorded on the dobro. The album is mainly an instrumental one with only the first track of the CD having vocals, that being a rip roaring version of Machine Gun Kelly. Sweet and soulful sounds can be found throughout, and Rob's dobro/bass ...
...Am A Pilgrim" is truly a treat for the ears. Of course no bluegrass CD would be complete without the obligatory fiddle tune, and on this album these include Fiddler's Dream and a fast paced, fun, hard driving rendition of Lost Indian. All in all a fantastic album for any bluegrass fan, especially so for other resophonic guitarists who can learn a great deal from Rob's playing. ... Read review

Advantages: 16 enjoyable songs
Disadvantages: No weak songs

I originally picked this up at a car boot sale 'cos I like country music and, boy, am I glad I found it! It is one of those CDs which you can play and enjoy every track - without skipping those tracks which you eventually can't stand!! Well, none of that here. The lyrics are great - personally I love "Highway Robbery" and "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight", with "Take Another Run" coming a close third - but all the other tracks (sixteen in all) ... Read review