Reviews of Folk & Country »

Now be Thankful

Advantages: Fairport at their peak
Disadvantages: Only scratches the surface

Yes, I like Oasis, the Charlatans, Verve, Orbital et al, and I'm damned if anyone will snicker at me for my love of British folk either. Personally, those that don't have any Fairport in their music collection are missing out on some superb songwriting, musicianship and sheer entertainment. This collection covers 7 incarnations of the famously hectic Fairport lineup and takes us from 1967 to 1972, released while working on the then as yet untitled ...
...It takes in 5 albums, and the original vinyl comes with a family tree to help make sense of it all. Yes there are plenty of nods and arrangements of traditional folk tunes, but on the whole this album features largely original compositions from such talented tunesmiths as Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick and the much missed Sandy Denny. During the album we'll also have an opportunity to hear the fantastic drumming of Dave Mattacks, and sublime bass ...

dadmancat 05.01.2003 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of History Of Fairport Convention, The - Fairport Convention

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Pink Moon

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 ...

darkangelwing 22.07.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pink Moon [Remastered] - Nick Drake

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John Martyn's breakthrough

Advantages: Most of the tracks very strong. Album stands test of time
Disadvantages: Not a commercial album and needs repeated listening.

...Martyn. I'm not sure that he needed to add the second bit on. Q magazine voted this album the 67th greatest British album of all time. Thirty five years on and John Martyn has now departed, but Solid Air I suspect will endure for many more years than that. ...

RippedoffPete 13.02.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Solid Air - John Martyn

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SONGS TO BRIGHTEN A NORTHERN SKY

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 ...

Mauri 16.03.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Bryter Layter [Remastered] - Nick Drake

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John Martyn ' Sweet Little Mysteries '

Advantages: Provides a great introduction to John Martyns folk, blues, and jazz fusion
Disadvantages: Only contains work from 71-87

This is truly a sweet little mystery of fusion music. I found that the cd indulged varied styles from jazz to tradition folk. Anyone who has an interest in chilled jazz or acoustic music will regard the compilation highly. Very good value for money and the hardcore fans will get what they want due to a cleverly compiled album. A good insight to John Martyns work over these 16 years however this is also the miner flaw as his earlier work is regarded ...

madeinengland87 12.10.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Sweet Little Mysteries (The Island Anthology) - John Martyn

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