English songster David Gray finally struck paydirt with his fourth album, an indie-folk triumph of endurance and fortitude. The record begins with introspective examination, some heartbreak and a lot of learning. The catchy title track finds Gray on the climb, eventually climaxing with a new door opening for every one that closes behind.
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Mermaid Avenue Billy Bragg & Wilco 1998 [Elektra]
When looking for someone to put Woody Guthrie's unrecorded lyrics to music, daughter Nora chose well in British socialist urban folkster Billy Bragg. In choosing alt-country outfit Wilco to help out, Bragg was equally as judicious. Although the result may not sound a lot like Guthrie at times, the record is an unmitigated success nonetheless.
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Central Reservation Beth Orton 1999 [Arista]
Although critics are often hesitant to categorise Orton's music, this album finds the English singer/songwriter moving further away from electronica and firmly into contemporary folk territory. 'Stolen Car' is the album's hit, but there is not a weak link in sight. Occasional trip-hopping balances the quieter acoustic introspective moments nicely.
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The Night is Advancing Appendix Out 2001 [Drag City]
The last album by eclectic Scottish folk musician Alasdair Roberts to be recorded under the Appendix Out name. This is quiet introspective music that should please both fans of the acid folk revival and those who enjoy more conventional sounds. Roberts got his break when discovered by American songwriter Will Oldham during a low-fi gig.
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Fashionably Late Linda Thompson 2002 [Topic]
For many years a psychological disorder that often left her unable to speak threatened to derail Thompson's outstanding musical career. Fortunately for her many admirers she battled through and, for her first album in 17 years, released Fashionably Late in 2002. The record confirms Thompson is still out front in the British folk-rock world.
Listening to 'The Blower's Daughter' should convince most that they can't take their eyes off of Irish songster Damien Rice. Although fractious and brooding at times, these songs hit the emotional mark, especially when Vyvienne Long's cello zones in. The set closes with 'Eskimo' - a 16-minute exposition that is nothing short of sensational.
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Underneath the Stars Kate Rusby 2004 [Compass]
South Yorkshire native whose family introduced her to traditional folk music at an early age. Receiving rave critical reviews on release, this album stands as testament to this fine artist's traditional purity and contemporary sensibility. Accompaniment includes accordion, banjo and mandolin, with the standout track the wonderful 'Let Me Be'.
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Front Parlour Ballads Richard Thompson 2005 [Cooking Vinyl]
The album that should satisfy those who have been yearing for an all-original acoustic album from English folk-rock veteran Richard Thompson. As usual, Thompson's guitar work is topnotch, highly innovative and never dull. The songs as a whole form a delightful pastiche with a sound mirroring traditional English folk music.
