CD-Charts Position 241
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West

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

Release Date February 19, 2007
Lucinda uses her talents to perfection on this one. The songs about loss and lost love make this a true album effort. Learning How To Live digs itself deep into your subconsciousness right away. Wrap My Hand Around That may be a bit streched though. Where Car Wheels could still be classified as Americana, if such classification for Williams mix of folk, blues, rock, and some country is warranted at all, West really finds here on an island by herself. And I'm more than happy to listen to her on my own little reatreats in to good music. Granted, 4.5 stars might be enough. But given the previous reviews I really feel this needs a shot in the arm.

CD-Charts Position 242
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Grace & Pride - The Anthology 1984 - 2004

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Capercaillie

Release Date September 13, 2004
I came to this CD through hearing the breathtaking vocals of Karen Matheson firstly on Secret Garden (her voice on Green Waves STILL brings tears to my eyes) and then her solo albums, beginning with Time to Fall (perfection!). This collection features her voice ("touched by God" as Sean Connery so famously put it) but also includes the rest of the band's other wonderful, rousing music. Personally - I think it is worth the price just to hear the live version of Breisleach, but the entire anthology is a great way to introduce yourself to the music of this unique and multi-talented band of artists.

CD-Charts Position 243
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Leave the Light on

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Chris Smither

Release Date October 02, 2006
The strengths of this release are Smither's song selection and his amazing delivery - these shine through a flawed mix by David Goodrich to produce a marvellously rich musical experience. The fitting opener (Open Up) has a gentle country swing that would be immeasurably improved by turning up the volume on Tim O'Brien's great mandolin - it is drowned out by Goodrich's less than inspired guitar accompaniment. The title track is more typical Smither - an R&B meditation on ageing disgracefully, great lyrical craftsmanship, catchy melody (dammit - how can he make 3 chords sound so good!) but once again Goody's guitar is irrelevant, if not distracting. Shillin' for the Blues is a darker slower blues or loser's lament- a perfect vehicle for Smither's rich ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 244
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Raising Sand (Digi Pack)

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

Release Date October 29, 2007
I can respect Robert Plant for his work with Led Zeppelin (nearly 40 years ago) and Alison Krauss is a major talent with the Union Station but this just does not work. The production by T Bone Burnett is good but the material is poor and boring. It neither one thing (Rock) nor another (Country/Bluegrass). Having read the reviews beforehand I borrowed this CD from my library prepared for a probable disappointment and it certainly lived up to that.

CD-Charts Position 245
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The Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Mary Black

Release Date February 10, 2003
There are two different issues of this CD: one by Dara (DaraCD046) and one by Grapevine (GRACD 010). For some reason, there are differences in the tracks between the two versions. "Collection" on the DaraCD label substitutes "Past the Point of Rescue" for "Vanities" and "Roisin" instead of "Song For Ireland". The version here on Amazon is the Dara version. You will not find "Song for Ireland" on it ! Which as that was the main track I wanted, was a bit of a disappointment.

That said, this is a great CD, well up to the standard one expects of Mary Black.

CD-Charts Position 246
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One Man Guy: the Best of Loudon Wainwright III 1982-1986

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

Release Date July 01, 1994
Loudon is the best.

I saw him in York, England a few months back, and he was the best i have ever seen.

This man knows his craft!

This album is a lovely introduction to the varied sounds of Loudon Wainwright. Personal favorites are 'IDTTYWLM', utterly superb. 'Martha' is sweet, 'One Man Guy' typically bitter enough to be a Loudon great song. Really all these songs on this album are amazing.

I can't convey just how good Loudon is. I only hope you buy this album and more to find out!

CD-Charts Position 247
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Beginnings: The Best of the Early Years

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Clannad

Release Date August 25, 2008
Loudon is the best.

I saw him in York, England a few months back, and he was the best i have ever seen.

This man knows his craft!

This album is a lovely introduction to the varied sounds of Loudon Wainwright. Personal favorites are 'IDTTYWLM', utterly superb. 'Martha' is sweet, 'One Man Guy' typically bitter enough to be a Loudon great song. Really all these songs on this album are amazing.

I can't convey just how good Loudon is. I only hope you buy this album and more to find out!

CD-Charts Position 248
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Songs from a Secret Garden by Secret Garden

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Secret Garden

Release Date October 26, 1998
I had bought this cd for a gift but thought I would listen to it first.I am so glad I did.I would not say i am usually a huge fan of this type of music but this is truly beautiful.It is relaxation at its best.I did give it reluctantly for xmas but now have my own.Secret Garden is MINE to play when the children are out and I'm having me time!(or if they are driving me mad and I need calming down)It is like disappearing into another world.

CD-Charts Position 249
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Tears of Stone

CD-Charts > Music > Contemporary Folk
by: Chieftains

Release Date February 22, 1999
The Chieftains are known for their willingness to work with artist from many fields most notably the folk punksters of the Pogues but in this album they surpass themselves working with Female Artists as diverse Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Merchant, The Corrs, Sinead O'Connor, Joni Mitchell and others including a Japanese Artist Akiko Yano who I must confess I have never heard of before.

The result is a very satisfying album of Traditional Irish Music with a modern twist but I really think it was just an excuse to get to see and work with all these lovely ladies!

CD-Charts Position 250
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Mermaid Avenue Vol.2

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

Release Date May 29, 2000
Mermaid Avenue (1998) was one of the highlights of that year, bridgeing the gap between Wilco's Being There & Summer Teeth & showcasing Billy Bragg's varied vocals (Bragg is often seen as the very English vocalist of songs like Between the Wars & A New England. Which he is; but he has drifted towards Americana- notably with Peter Buck & Michael Stipe on 1991's wonderful You Shook Up My Neighbourhood). The idea being that Wilco & Billy Bragg put music to many lyrics of Woody Guthrie- who had died prior to writing his own music; a combination of Guthrie's lyrics from 1939 to 1955 & Bragg/Wilco's music from the mid to late 90s .There were many great songs- Ingrid Bergman, California Stars, Hoodoo Voodoo, Eisler on the Go etc; interviews revealed ... Read More: