Folk & Country > Folk Folk & Country > by Distributor

Advantages: Relaxing, chilled-out, and with good lyrics to boot
Disadvantages: Quite downbeat at times, but not necessarily a disadvantage!

I stumbled across Polly Paulusma after downloading a single of hers for free, "Over The Hill", and it was on hearing this song which persuaded me to buy the album. The album is quite simply breathtaking! Each song has enough individuality to stand out on its own, which I have found to be the opposite with many folk artists, and as such it becomes harder to pick a favourite song from the album. The lyrics on each track are of a decent quality and ...
...found all too frequently with many modern artists, but they are sung beautifully and seemingly effortlessly by the magnificent Paulusma. For me, the standout tracks are "Over The Hill", "Mea Culpa", and "I Was Made To Love You", but to be fair they are all worthy of mentioning. I think Of Paulusma as a female Damien Rice, and hopefully she will someday rise to the same levels of fame as he has. ... Read review

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: 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: soulfull singing by Bob Dylan
Disadvantages: some weak tracks

...Although not Dylan’s greatest album, Self Portrait does have some redeeming features. This album was released by Columbia music when Dylan moved to Big Sky music as a slap in a face to him . All The Tired Horses The album starts of with a female chorus of “All the Tired Horses” this is the worst start to any Dylan album, Why is this here? Bob Dylan wrote this. Alberta 1# is a much better song also penned by Dylan; he has a nice ...
...Is Bob Dylan in Crooner mode long before 2001’s Love and Theft? This is one of the best songs on the album; I could listen to this song all day. Days of ’49 is a traditional sounding song and is quite boring to listen to. Early Morning Rain Is the first song on the album to be covered by both Elvis and Bob. He sounds very relaxed, almost like a crooner, this has got bad reviews but I really like this. Dylan seems a fan of Gordon Lightfoot, ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful Acoustic Guitar Poetical Folk Pop Ballads
Disadvantages: Very few if any

Jack Savoretti has set the UK alight with his Debut Album 'Between The Minds' Deluxe. Not only a talented guitarist with a voice that sounds stunning but also lyrics and music that flows almost poetically. If there's a BRIT newcomer award then my vote goes to Savoretti. The CD's ooze quality, a blend of Bob Dylan, Tom Baxter, Damien Rice, Simon & Garfunkel, Nick Drake, Neil Young and James Blunt. Songs such as 'Dreamers', 'Dr.Frankenstein', 'Between ...
...Band' are simply fantastic, CD2 unplugged includes Live songs and a spine chilling brilliant version of Johnny Cash's 'Ring Of Fire'.To top it off a beautiful version of 'Between The Minds' with piano accompaniment. If you love ballads, songs with meaning, acoustic guitar, good quality songs, poetical stories and music at it's best,you'll love these CD's. I can't give 11/10 so it's 10/10 with STARS ON. ... Read review