CD-Charts Position 91
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The Ghost of Tom Joad

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Bruce Springsteen

Release Date January 10, 2000
Bruce Springsteen is a massive name in America, but less so in the UK where he is much more lauded by the press than by the people. Those that do know him mostly know him for the likes of the painfully misunderstood 'Born In The USA' or 'Dancin' In The Dark,' rather than the sparse soundscapes of say, Nebraska. With all his bombast and overblown performing, it's easy to forget that Springsteen is heavily influenced by Bob Dylan, and it's this influence which comes to the fore on The Ghost Of Tom Joad.

The title track notably covered by the infinitely credible Rage Against The Machine, Ghost Of Tom Joad is the album for non-Springsteen fans to enjoy. Nothing here is within spitting distance of the 1980s reverb of 'Born In The USA' ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 92
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Chavez Ravine

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Ry Cooder

Release Date June 13, 2005
....it's going to be. That is ....it isn't Buena Vista Social Club, it isn't Ibrahim Ferrer, it isn't Ali Farka Toure, it isn't Flaco Jimenez. But then again it's all of these and more. In particular it's more of Ry and in a bigger sense its more altogether. A commanding view with all Ry Cooder's talents of bringing together disparate elements into a musical whole. Every play pays off and the record gets better and better with each hearing. In some ways it reminds me of early spring backs to folk melodies on "Into the Purple Valley" but with everything that he has done since coming together over a long and fruitful career and adding to the disc. Quite possibly the best thing that he has out together for a long time and worth persisting with

CD-Charts Position 93
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Songbird

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Eva Cassidy

Release Date June 12, 1998
..is the only word for this album. I have never heard such a pure voice - you may have heard the songs before but you have never heard them sung like this. Eva's voice was unique - how very sad that the only video in existence of her singing is some amatuer footage taken at Blues Alley - where some of these tracks were recorded. If you can listen to "Autumn Leaves" without a lump in your throat - then you have no soul my friend.

CD-Charts Position 94
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Sounds of Silence

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Simon & Garfunkel

Release Date August 20, 2001
Simon and Garfunkel's albums are still good, not least due to the brilliance of simon's songs. Sometimes though the poppy production and arrangements dilute the power of the song, 'Leaves that are green' being a classic example.

'April come she will', featured in 'The Graduate' is truly brilliant, but 'We've got a groovy thing' is just plain silly.

If you want to hear the best of these songs done in an altogether more convincing and emotive way, check out 'The Paul Simon songbook' for some fantistic solo versions, recorded before this album was made.

CD-Charts Position 95
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Bookends

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Simon & Garfunkel

Release Date August 20, 2001
This is completely wonderful - songwriting at it's absolute best.
I owned it years ago and somehow lost it. I was reminded of how amazing it is by an old friend of my own and rushed out to buy it - you should do the same.

CD-Charts Position 96
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Natural Woman: the Very Best of Carole King

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Carole King

Release Date September 18, 2000
Loved Tapestry from way back, surpried that the title track wasn't included on this CD however my other favorites are there and there are duets with the other song writers of her era like Sweet Baby Jame (Tayloy) and Neil Seddaka.

22 Tracks including many I haven't heard before which I will enjoy getting familiar with over Christmas becuse while in HMV I bourght it for the family to give it to me as a present, but couldn't resist a quick play before I wrapped it up.

CD-Charts Position 97
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Another Country

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Tift Merritt

Release Date April 14, 2008
Another Country doesn't actually refer to some kind of re-inventing of Country Music (or Americana in it's other guise) but to the fact that how, in a time of personal turmoil, Tift Merritt emigrated to France. The problems aren't quantified in any great detail, but its clear that the Tift Merritt of her third album is more disillusioned and introspective than the Tift Merritt of her earlier albums.

And whilst one wouldn't wish to inflict such emotional pain onto anyone, it is clear that these problems have gone some way to raising her music up to another level.

There are a handful of up-tempo numbers, Tell Me Something True, with it's Mowton-esque backing is one such highlight, but most of the album is a more subdued affair. It's none the less ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 98
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Damn Right, Rebel Proud [Us Import]

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Hank Williams III

Release Date October 21, 2008
Once again the legacy of Hank Williams senior is in good hands. Hank III is back with an amazing new album. Backed with the truly legendary Johnny Hilland on guitar producing the most amazing Chicken Pickin guitar he is known for. Never better displayed than in the anthem P.F.F.

First track Grand Ole Opry sums the thinking of Hank, being his disdain for the whole country industry as it stands today. Reinstate Hank Williams people!

The flavours of the proceeding tracks carry on with the thinking of this man, anti-establishment, drug taking, generally getting messed up for the sake of it. But it all is in good fun really, apart from the sombre track Candidate For Suicide, which I personally hope he doesn't believe.

Another triumph for ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 99
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Essence

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Lucinda Williams

Release Date May 01, 2003
Hurt and desire mapped by a country poet. Charlie Sexton sprinkles gorgeous guitar lines like gold dust. Making lazy comparisons with Neil Young or whomever is pointless beacause she really is out there on her own.

CD-Charts Position 100
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Dreamland: The Very Best of Joni Mitchell

CD-Charts > Music > American Folk
by: Joni Mitchell

Release Date September 13, 2004
Anything Joni does is head and shoulders above any other artist in her field. I find it difficult to be other than subjective where she is concerned. I have all these tracks on other wonderful albums by her. Only Joni can do what she does.Others try but fail dismally. Check her out before too long -I guarantee you will not be disappointed. I have the distinct impression that she is largely unknown to the buying public these days, and thats sad. I have been a loyal fan ever since the first time I heard her way back in the late 60s. She is constantly changing and developing in a way unique to her.