CD-Charts Position 131
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Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Ronan Hardiman

Release Date June 01, 1998
Well, I saw "Riverdance" this week and without comparing the dancing in the two shows (since I could never do any of it), I really like Ronan Hardiman's music for "Lord of the Dance" a lot better. From the opening track "Cry of the Celts" you get the feel of listening to an Irish band cooking in a pub someplace. Hardiman offers up a rich diversity of tunes, from the ephemeral "Celtic Dream" (that reminds me of the Nutcracker for some reason) to the pounding rhythms of "Warriors." I wish "Gypsy" were longer, because that is probably my favorite track. Hardiman himself provides the keyboard/programming for this wonderful mix of ancient sounds with modern technology. After all, who thinks of Irish music with a saxophone like you have on "Fiery ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 132
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Joan Baez Vol.1: Remastered

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Joan Baez

Release Date December 03, 2001
I bought this album in a second hand store on vinyl a month ago, notknowing what to expect, on spec. I needn't have worried. Joan Baez has themost magnificent soprano, classy yet emotive, with range, control, andunderstated power. Simple guitar accompaniament to these classic songs isso appropriate.
This is an artist crying out to be rediscovered. I amso glad I took a punt. You must get this recording.

CD-Charts Position 133
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Strange Weirdos: Music From And Inspired By The Film Knocked Up

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Loudon Wainwright III

Release Date June 04, 2007
Reading the review below you have to wonder how many Loudon Wainright III albums he's actually listened to. In his time LW III has written the two most resonant songs about the death of a parent - his father Loudon Wainwright Junior in 'Sometimes I Forget' (on the album History) and his mother in 'Homeless' (on the album Last Man On Earth). My advice? Wait until your mother dies. Listen to Homeless. And sob into you loudspeakers. I did.

Strange Weirdos is just wonderful, a huge range of songs, and for a welcome change, some arrangements that really let the songs shine their brightest.

Having amassed something like 20 Loudo albums, this is the one I've played the most repeatedly. Collaboration is obviously good for him. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 134
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The Best Of Joan C. Baez

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Joan Baez

Release Date March 14, 1991
Very few people can be said to have changed the world - even fewer of them to have done so through song. Joan Baez is one of the few, so those expecting this collection to contain a string of glorious protest songs in the "We Shall Overcome" mode may be disappointed. The recordings on this album are of a later vintage and show a more introspective Joan. What they do, however, is showcase one of the most angelic voices ever recorded - the voice of an artist with tremendous passion and soul, and an unfailing ear for a beautiful melody.

The opening track, "Diamonds and Rust", is sheer haunting melancholy, an ode to the wreckage left by a departed lover; and it sets the standard for much of the album, walking a fine line between heartbreak and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 135
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Mermaid Avenue Vol.1

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Billy Bragg, Wilco

Release Date June 29, 1998
Nora Guthrie, of the Woody Guthrie Archive, first approached Billy Bragg in 1995 with the idea of him writing music for and recording some of the lyrics Woody had written after the Huntington's disease had preventing him from holding, never mind playing, his guitar. The rational behind Billy's suitability seems sensible, singer-songwriter following the folk tradition which, although English, has been passed on to him from Woody Guthrie via Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. Playing the folk festivals with Woody's own apprentices such as Pete Seeger would make him familiar with Woody's history without the necessity to idolise him as some of his contemporise would.

Billy then invited Americano Rockers Wilco to join the party possibly to give the recording ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 136
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Live From The Union Chapel

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Damien Rice

Release Date November 26, 2007
I was so pleased to finally get this cd from Damien as I have been a HUGE fan for well over three years!! I have aquired a lot of songs of his that are live but this album's sound quality is amazing and really captures the atmosphere and beauty of his singing. Although it is only 8 songs there is a really nice mix of popular and lesser known ones and I think Lisa adds a lot of variety and is simply compelling to listen to. Its a great addition to my alarmingly large collection of Damien Rice songs and is a must-have for any fan- especially if you have seen him live and want to recapture your experience (I know I do!!)

CD-Charts Position 137
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Wildflowers/Who Knows Where the Time Goes

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Judy Collins

Release Date February 13, 2006
I also love these albums and like one of your other reviewers think Judy possesses one of the most beautiful and crystal clear voices of the 1960's - way better than her colleagues from the same era. Wildflowers is the purest album but I do differ with your second reviewer however. I find myself brought to tears each and every time I hear two of her own songs - SkyFell and especially Albatross. Each a deeply touching song - full of yearning, quiet sadness and wistfulness. Please listen....

CD-Charts Position 138
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Escondida

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Jolie Holland

Release Date April 26, 2004
I came across Jolie Holland via the Be Good Tanyas, being intrigued by the distinctive vocal style of the singer on 'The Lakes of Pontchartrain' in particular. Therefore it was a surpise and a delight to find she had several solo albums to her name, and buying this was an impulse well rewarded.

Her material, her arrangements and her delivery show real freshness and originality, and she resolutely avoids tired formulae, as her gloriously offbeat delivery of a song like 'Mad Tom Of Bedlam' demonstrates. Elsewhere she celebrates, tongue in cheek, the delights of 'Old-fashioned Morphine' and embraces extinction with cheerful enthusiasm in 'Goodbye California', an uplifting and catchy meditation on mortality delivered in her gorgeous trademark Texas drawl. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 139
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The Journey Begins: Elemental/Parallel Dreams/The Visit

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Loreena McKennitt

Release Date June 23, 2008
I came across Jolie Holland via the Be Good Tanyas, being intrigued by the distinctive vocal style of the singer on 'The Lakes of Pontchartrain' in particular. Therefore it was a surpise and a delight to find she had several solo albums to her name, and buying this was an impulse well rewarded.

Her material, her arrangements and her delivery show real freshness and originality, and she resolutely avoids tired formulae, as her gloriously offbeat delivery of a song like 'Mad Tom Of Bedlam' demonstrates. Elsewhere she celebrates, tongue in cheek, the delights of 'Old-fashioned Morphine' and embraces extinction with cheerful enthusiasm in 'Goodbye California', an uplifting and catchy meditation on mortality delivered in her gorgeous trademark Texas drawl. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 140
Average Rating:

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Nine Objects Of Desire

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Suzanne Vega

Release Date March 19, 2007
One of her two finest. AND I agree with all the other reviews here too.