Eclectic English folkster Roy Harper's lengthy folk/blues workouts won him an underground following that has seen his music withstand the test of time. Stormcock features four tracks that combined clock in at over 41 minutes. The record may have become a cult curio were it not for the presence of Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. Outstanding.
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Below the Salt Steeleye Span 1972 [Chrysalis]
Steeleye Span survived the departure of its two most noted members in ushering in their most commercially successful outfit. Vocalist Maddy Prior and guitarist Tim Hart play leading roles, with violinist Peter Knight impressive in support. The album features a set of traditional English folk songs presented with intoxicating vocal harmonies.
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Pink Moon Nick Drake 1972 [Hannibal]
Drake's tortured final record may be dismally bleak, but it continues to gather a healthy cult-following more than three decades after his death. In a departure from his first two well-produced folk-pop records Pink Moon features only Drake's singing and acoustic guitar, with a brief snippet of piano. At under 30 minutes, there was little left to say.
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Solid Air John Martyn 1973 [Island]
Little-known outside of Britain, this gem is Scottish singer/songwriter John Martyn's high water mark. The songs range from light acoustic folk to the funky 'I'd Rather Be the Devil' and 'Dreams By the Sea'. The set closes with some raspy blues, leaving most hungry for much more. Try 1971's Bless the Weather if that is the case.
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I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight Richard & Linda Thompson 1974 [Hannibal]
This British husband and wife folk duo began a string of fine albums with Bright Lights that culminated in 1982's superb Shoot Out the Lights cataloguing their break-up. This one is the folksier of the two, with influential guitarist Richard also proving more than adequate on mandolin. Linda's voice is exquisitely folkified throughout.
Silly Sisters Maddy Prior & June Tabor 1976 [Chrysalis]
With two of Anglo-folk's top female vocalists and an all-star lineup in support, this record was always going to be an artistic triumph. Prior and Tabor are a match made in heaven, as the occasional unaccompanied moments highlight. Despite the album's title, there is nothing at all silly about this stunning traditionally-styled folk music.
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Handful of Earth Dick Gaughan 1981 [Green Linnet]
Scottish nationalist Dick Gaughan holds nothing back on this typically passionate socio-political tour-de-force. The music ranges from the full frontal assault of 'The World Turned Upside Down' to the plaintive tenderness of 'Song for Ireland'. Deservedly topped the Folk Roots magazine poll for 1980s Album of the Decade.
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The Folk Collection Various Artists 1995 [Topic] 2CDs
Fabulous double-disc set of British folk celebrating 40 years of Topic records. The 38 tracks on display tend towards both the truly traditional and modern renditions of traditional styles. Standout tracks include offerings by Scottish nationalist Dick Gaughan and an exquisite 7-minute opus from John Tams & Linda Thompson.
