Music » Import Folk Music

His whisky-grained vocals and alternately sweet, stinging acoustic guitar have made Scottish troubador John Martyn a seductive but sadly overlooked original among British folk performers since his emergence in the late '60s. That oversight is answered by this intelligent two-CD anthology of Martyn's rich catalog of albums for Island Records, which document his triple threat as a distinctive guitarist, soulful singer, and compelling writer and interpreter. Martyn's moody legacy includes winsome ("May You Never," covered by Eric Clapton) and harrowing ("Solid Air," his plea to friend Nick Drake) examples of abundant craft, notable for his rich vocals and spare, elegant arrangements featuring Richard Thompson, Danny Thompson, Phil Collins, and other better-known English musicians who savored Martyn's musical gifts.--Sam Sutherland

Array

The Sister's Seventh Album was Released on Former Tangerine Dream Keyboardist Peter Baumann's Private Music Label. Their Sound was Remarkably Different from their Earlier Work with the Addition of Synthesizers and a More Electronic Background Cushioning their Tales of Love, Loss and Life. The Title Track was Covered by Linda Ronstadt on her "Winter Light" Album. Critics Took Particular Note of "i Eat Dinner", a Haunting Masterpiece Reflecting the Loneliness of a Failed Relationship.

UK compilation for the critically acclaimed roots singer/songwriter whose catalog is out of print in the U.S.. Originally released in 1996, the collection features 12 of her best known tracks including, 'On The Greener Side', 'Anchorage' and 'Prodigal Dau

Full title, 'Heyday BBC Radio Sessions 1968-69. UK compilation captures the classic line-up in sessions for John Peel's Top Gear program. The band cover some of their favorite songs by Bob Dylan ('Percy's Song'), Joni Mitchell ('Don't Know Where I Stand'), Leonard Cohen ('Suzanne'), Johnny Cash ('I Still Miss Someone') & The Everly Brothers ('Gone, Gone, Gone') amongst others. Digitally remastered with eight bonus tracks from the same sessions, 'You Never Wanted Me', 'Nottamun Town', 'Fotheringay', 'Si Tu Dois Partir', 'Cajun Woman', 'Autopsy', 'Reynardine' & 'Tam Lin'. 2002.

UK digitally remastered reissue of the 1970 album for Hannibal. Includes four bonus tracks, 'Now Be Thankful' (mono & new stereo mix), 'Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament...' & 'Bonny Bunch Of Roses'.

In a debut as striking and emotionally intense as that of Tori Amos, Arden's confessional style is best experienced as a private pleasure, but tracks like "Will You Remember Me," "The Way Things Are Going" and the stunning "I Would Die For You" make this a disc worth sharing. --Jeff Bateman

Import reissue of Al Stewart produced 1968 sophomore album for the Scottish born folk singer-songwriter/guitarist. 12 tracks including 'Sing A Song Of Summer', 'The River' & 'Goin' Down to Memphis'. Universal.

Release Date: 1994-02-08, Audio CD, EMI Int'l

Reissue of the 1986 Album plus Two Bonus Tracks. Musicians Include Richard Thompson, Dave Mattacks, Christine Collister plus John Hiatt on Track One.