Folk & Country > Folk Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter

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: 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: Vocals, Lyrics, Sound, perfection on a disk
Disadvantages: None for those with out taste

When we talk about the greats of music through the 60's and 70's we seem to be bogged down with mentions of bands like The Who, The Beatles and ABBA amongst others. Now whilst they all have their place in peoples memory's (yes sadly ABBA are in my memory), an understated young man is missed from most mentions, and yet is argueably the most talented musician of the time. That man is George Best *gets tapped on the shoulder and told I'm doing a CD ...
...you may ask yourself, is Nick Drake, sadly too many people are asking themselves this. Well Nick Drake was was what you could call the epitome of British folk music. This debut album of Drakes, released originally in 1969 (though I can't find the CD re-release date), has been ranked according to wikipedia as: "Five Leaves Left was ranked 85th in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. ... Read review

Advantages: Some great tracks
Disadvantages: Dreary packaging-- be best if you download the album!

Hailed by many as the new Bob Dylan, Willy Mason sure has a lot of weight to bare on his shoulders with this album debut. It's a little bit folky, a little bit country, a little bit rock; but all of it is very Willy Mason. One of my favourite things about this album is the fact it sounds so natural and unproduced, but in a good way. It does lack polish, but this is what makes it all the more likable. Part of this comes from Mason's voice, which ...
...out of time with the glorious music he is playing. This is not the only thing that people have compared to Dylan. Mason's lyrics also have a sense of urgency and passion which I haven't heard the likes of in a while. There are political undercurrents sprinkled through the album; on one song he may be criticizing George Bush (this is hardly original, but the way he does it definitely is) and on another he bemoans the priveleged, American middle classes ... Read review

Advantages: Great voice, Lyrics
Disadvantages: None

...age. Her eighth album entitled Liejacker is one of her best and has been critically acclaimed by the music press who consider her to be the greatest british songwriter of her generation. You may have read my review of London's Bloomsbury Theatre where I saw Thea Gilmore in concert and met her in the foyer after the gig where she signed my copy of this album. I requested this album on dooyoo So without further ado here is my review of Thea Gilmore's ...
...May. **Liejacker** 1. Old Soul This is a nice duet with Dave McCabe of The Zutons, the track opens with a gentle guitar and then Thea's distinctive vocals come in with the beat of the drum coming in gently every few seconds. The addition of Dave McCabe works really well as he offers up an emotive clear vocal. A wonderful start. 2. Black Letter This is a great track which has a darker feel to the opening track Old Soul. I love the Cello in this ... Read review