This fine record finds Joni Mitchell on the verge of greatness. While sparing instrumental accoutrement featuring Joni's vocals set to her highly-skilled acoustic guitar playing is still apparent, new directions are also starting to emerge. The album closes with a trio of classic compositions in 'Big Yellow Taxi', 'Woodstock' and 'The Circle Game'.
Buy Amazon
America America 1971 [Warner]
America was the best of the 70s folk-pop acts that sprung up following the success of Crosby, Stills & Nash. They differed from the rest by tackling serious subject matter, such as the condemnation of heroin addiction found in the hit 'A Horse With No Name'. A fantastic live act, the other standout here is the darkly paranoid 'Sandman'.
Buy Amazon
6 & 12-String Guitar Leo Kottke 1971 [Takoma]
Emerging out of John Fahey's Takoma stable Leo Kottke would prove to be one of the most skilled fingerpickers to ever play an acoustic guitar. His remarkable dexterity on both 6 and 12-string guitars is evident throughout, with the album ultimately proving a worthy big seller. Also superb is 1972's wonderful Greenhouse.
Buy Amazon
The Late Great Townes Van Zandt Townes Van Zandt 1972 [Tomato]
It matters little that Late Great only narrowly edges out Van Zandt's other 1972 effort High, Low and In Between as his best, as they are now available together on a single CD. The music here is a great mix of country, folk, blues, western swing and gospel - the standout track being the wonderful 'Poncho & Lefty'. Underrated.
Buy Amazon
Blue River Eric Andersen 1972 [Columbia]
A late bloomer, Andersen's eighth album was his most artistically successful thanks largely to producer Norbert Putnam. Although a hauntingly beautiful blend of folk, country and gospel - the record falls just short of the classic status many critics afford it. Nevertheless, the remastered version will no doubt delight its numerous admirers.
Marital breakdown provided the inspiration for what is arguably Dylan's most poignant album. A chequered career had dogged Dylan since his motorcycle accident in 1966, but this record firmly re-established his credentials as the leading folk artist. The album is nothing short of an acoustic revelation, with every track close to masterpiece status.
Buy Amazon
Red Headed Stranger Willie Nelson 1975 [Columbia]
Country songwriter Willie Nelson surprised everyone when he released Red Headed Stranger - a sparse concept album about a murderous preacher on the run. It's all a tragic affair of the heart told in homey campfire-style western vignettes laced with country, blues and swing. Absolutely brilliant record that must be heard to be believed.
Buy Amazon
Diamonds and Rust Joan Baez 1975 [A&M]
Baez is undoubtedly one of the key figures of the modern folk revival, but with the icy soprano of her earlier efforts not finding favour with contemporary audiences this may be the best on offer. Basically a pop album in the singer/songwriter vein mixed with a few commercially-targeted covers, this is a solid if unspectacular effort.
