Folk & Country > Island Folk & Country

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 ... 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: 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: 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: 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