CD-Charts Position 1
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Dreams of Breathing Underwater

by: Eliza Carthy

Release Date June 23, 2008
Eliza is a huge talent- writing , playing and a voice like no other, but for me this CD seems to have lost the sound and emotion and subtlety that I love about much of her work.
Big sound, but unsatisfying , maybe less is more?

CD-Charts Position 2
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That's Proper Folk

by: Various Artists

Release Date April 07, 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price

CD-Charts Position 3
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Fotheringay Vol.2

by: Fotheringay

Release Date September 29, 2008
Spotted in a bookshop in Bakewell, Derbyshire. There wasn't a "2" was there? So I bought it. And it's hardly been off in the car since. I agree with other reviewers that not every song here is a gem, but the Lucas numbers do have something that stirs the sentiments. (You who said he wasn't a great songwriter, I present exhibit A - "Bring 'em Down" on Fairport 9). It's true though that it's the Denny tracks that really stir the soul. Her remarkable ability to interpret a song never disappoints on this disc.

With all the emotion in the vocals, and all the Telecaster Pyrotechnics of the genius Donahue, it's easy to ignore the superb foundation on which this edifice is built. British folk-rock music has provided some of the best rhythm sections ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Poor Man's Heaven

by: Seth Lakeman

Release Date June 30, 2008
Well, album number 4 from Seth Lakeman finds him backed by a major label. Not good news for someone who's used to recording albums in kitchens. So, it was with some scepticism that I listened to Poor Man's Heaven and it was to say the least, a huge letdown. For a start, I don't personally LIKE the songs. They are bland to the extreme, and as several reviewers have already noted, mostly at the same tempo. Did his metronome break or something? Not good. On the plus side, I do like Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne. The latter is a slightly obscure subject but is poignant and comes across well, despite sounding cluttered - a sparser sound may have suited it better and let the lyrics breathe a little.

To me it all sounds far too mainstream orientated, which ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Ringing the Changes

by: Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band

Release Date December 10, 2007
Well, album number 4 from Seth Lakeman finds him backed by a major label. Not good news for someone who's used to recording albums in kitchens. So, it was with some scepticism that I listened to Poor Man's Heaven and it was to say the least, a huge letdown. For a start, I don't personally LIKE the songs. They are bland to the extreme, and as several reviewers have already noted, mostly at the same tempo. Did his metronome break or something? Not good. On the plus side, I do like Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne. The latter is a slightly obscure subject but is poignant and comes across well, despite sounding cluttered - a sparser sound may have suited it better and let the lyrics breathe a little.

To me it all sounds far too mainstream orientated, which ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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The Imagined Village

by: Various Artists

Release Date October 15, 2007
I think this is probably a great album and certainly a sterling effort to bring together a range of influences both old and new to fuse a new UK folk perspective. The first talking bit sounds like Stanley Unwin on that Small faces album though and it can get just a little bit self indulgent - Hopefully like me though it will inspire you to re look at the rich heritage of traditional music this country has to offer

CD-Charts Position 7
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Vagabond

by: Spiers & Boden

Release Date May 26, 2008
Slowly my appreciation of English folk grows. Coming in by way of Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby, I've been seeking out other current artists. None are better than Spiers and Boden. What a beautiful and big sound they make! This is a another great album. I love the vibrancy and the sheer melodiousness. I had the chance to see them live at Bath folk club last weekend and they played most of the tracks here. Wonderful. Kylie Minogue OBE? It should be going to the likes of these true musicians.
By the album, yes, but you must also see them live - that's how folk should be enjoyed.

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Quest: +DVD

by: Maddy Prior

Release Date December 03, 2007
Slowly my appreciation of English folk grows. Coming in by way of Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby, I've been seeking out other current artists. None are better than Spiers and Boden. What a beautiful and big sound they make! This is a another great album. I love the vibrancy and the sheer melodiousness. I had the chance to see them live at Bath folk club last weekend and they played most of the tracks here. Wonderful. Kylie Minogue OBE? It should be going to the likes of these true musicians.
By the album, yes, but you must also see them live - that's how folk should be enjoyed.

CD-Charts Position 9
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This Earthly Spell

by: Karine Polwart

Release Date March 10, 2008
Songs on this album are more edgy than Karine's earlier work and take a bit more listening to but are very much worth it. Personal favourites are Sorry and Rivers Run.

If you're new to Karine's songs and want easier listening I would say start with Scribbled in Chalk instead, but the best would be to try to see her live on tour - then you'll appreciate how much personal observation and perspective goes into each song.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Fleet Foxes

by: Fleet Foxes

Release Date June 16, 2008
HELLO? HI, THIS IS A GOOD ALBUM, THE SONGS ARE GOOD, IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, IT MAKES YOU THINK.