Record Reviews
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  | NOA BABAYOF ~ FROM A WINDOW TO A WALL
ANOVA 004 (Barcode: 7290011799045) ~ ISRAEL ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
1st album by Israeli singer / songwriter Noa BabayofFind albums by this artist and a striking debut. Noa wrote all the music and the lyrics (in English) and performs them utilizing her exceptional voice accompanied by some of the most interesting and intricate string arrangements one can imagine. The entire album is completely acoustic, with guitar, violin, cello, flute, recorder, harp, etc. used to create the highly atmospheric and often mystical ambience. Noa’s voice is clear and precise even in the most difficult passages and her expressionism remarkable. The album was produced by US producer Greg WeeksFind albums by this artist (who also wrote all the string arrangements) and recorded in Philadelphia, and the sonic quality is superb. The overall effect is a timeless beauty somewhere between Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist and Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, which should appeal to all music lovers who are ready to make an effort when listening to their music. The album is exquisitely packaged and beautifully designed, which complements the music content perfectly. This release is another proof that the local Israeli music scene is capable of producing works of high quality, which easily match anything coming from abroad. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ
ISLAND 315 (Barcode: 602498280232) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005
3rd album and a beautifully melancholic collection of songs with gentle arrangements. This ulbum unveils a new aspect of Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist`s amazing talent with a slightly jazzy approach to some of the tunes, probably influenced by the presense of some great jazz musicians taking part in the recording, like Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist. The album stands the test of time with flying colors and remains a true gem of the British Folk-Rock movement.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 602537002887 (Barcode: 602537002887) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2012
This is the third solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31.
This album is quite different from Denny´s previous work, less Folk-Rock oriented and with some gentle Jazz touches, an influence she absorbed from her father. Most of the material is original, but a few Jazz standards are also included. The overall atmosphere of the album is deeply melancholic and very introvert, nostalgic and somewhat dark, beautifully performed by her and a superb band, which includes many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarists Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist and her husband Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave MattacksFind albums by this artist and others. Several notable British Jazz players also take part, like saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements.
This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos, alternate versions and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
ISLAND 984992 (Barcode: 602498499283) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1973 Released: 2007
This lavishly and lovingly produced Box Set collects all existing (audio & video) BBC recordings by Folk-Rock heroin Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, who was not only one of the most distinctive voices of the Golden Age but also a superb songwriter. This collection spans from 1966 to 1973 and covers her solo career, which was before and after her being a member of StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist. Most of the material included here presents Sandy as “naked” as a singer can appear – just her hair-raising vocals and acoustic guitar or piano (only a few tracks include other backing musicians), which of course is for the best as she never really needed anything more. Her angelic and deeply penetrating voice and her theatrical ability to express the lyrics are so powerful that the experience is almost unparalleled. Most of the songs are her own (music & lyrics) and just a few are her arrangements of traditional folk material. The DVD includes the only footage in existence of Sandy performing. The set also includes beautiful photographs and excerpts of Sandy’s diaries. Sandy’s tragically premature death in 1978 put an end to her exquisite input to the world of music and she is sadly missed. I don’t think anything more needs to be said here – this is absolutely brilliant stuff, beyond essential for anybody who truly loves music and a must in any decent music collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | 3CD+DVD 4 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ RENDEZVOUS
ISLAND 316 (Barcode: 602498280249) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2005
4th and last album completed shortly before Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist´s tragic and untimely death at the age of 31. Her sublime voice and superb songwriting are somehow overshadowed by extensive production on this album, but all her qualities are present at their best. Hearing this work after so many years brings up the somber thoughts of waste, as she would have enriched out world with many more outstanding performances if only she lived on. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ RENDEZVOUS (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 602527993607 (Barcode: 602527993607) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2012
This is the fourth and last solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31.
This album was separated by almost three years from its predecessor, which saw Denny rejoining Fairport Convention and recording her fifth album with the group called "Rising For The MoonFind albums with this title" (the group´s tenth album). She also carefully prepared the songs for this album, which are again a change of direction, this time more towards Pop / Rock, emphasized by the inclusion of one of Elton JohnFind albums by this artist´s songs as one of the three non-original songs on this album. As usual she is accompanied by fabulous musicians including many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarist Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave PeggFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave MattacksFind albums by this artist and others. Guest star appearances by Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist and Acker BilkFind albums by this artist are also present. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements, which were criticized at the time for being a bit overshadowing Denny´s performances, but the certainly don´t make that impression in retrospect and are just right for the occasion.
This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos, alternate versions and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ SANDY (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 600753384299 (Barcode: 600753384299) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2012
This is the second solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31.
This album is often considered to be Denny´s best and in retrospect it stands out as one of the greatest Folk-Rock recordings of all times. The vast majority of the material comprises of original songs written by Denny, beautifully performed by her and a superb band, which includes many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarist Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist, violinist Dave SwarbrickFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist and others. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements.
This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ THE NORTH STAR GRASSMAN AND THE RAVENS (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 600753340585 (Barcode: 600753340585) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011
This is the debut solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31.
This album is considered to be one of the greatest Folk-Rock recordings of all times. The vast majority of the material comprises of original songs written by Denny, beautifully performed by her and a superb band, which includes many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarists Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist and Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist, bassists Pat DonaldsonFind albums by this artist and Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ian WhitemanFind albums by this artist, drummer Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist and others. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. A couple of tracks feature string arrangements.
This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes demos, BBC recordings and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ THE NOTES AND THE WORDS – A COLLECTION OF DEMOS AND RARITIES
ISLAND 602537124695 (Barcode: 602537124695) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1979 Released: 2012
In 2010 IslandFind albums on this label Records released a nineteen CD Box Set simply entitled "Sandy DennyFind albums with this title", which supposedly collected the complete set of studio recordings by the diva of British Folk-Rock Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, who during her tragically short lifespan singlehandedly defined the genre. The label largely underestimated the public interest in Denny´s music decades after it was recorded and as a result the limited edition Box Set was sold out immediately upon its release. If you wish to purchase a copy of the Box Set now, it will make your bank account lighter by about a thousand British Pounds.
In 2011 Island released the four solo albums by Denny in the 2CD deluxe edition format, adding some of the bonus tracks available in the Box Set as the second CD in each of these editions. And in 2012 here comes this 4 CD new Box Set, which again presents more of these bonus tracks, many overlapping those already present on the deluxe editions. So we can witness again the old practices of record labels, which led to their demise, still being practiced during their final moments. Although this Box Set is lovingly and lavishly packaged, it simply misses the point as far as record collectors and Denny´s many fans worldwide are concerned. The label should have simply repressed another edition of the original Box Set. What a pity / stupidity…
Of course, in complete contrast to the marketing strategy described above, the music this Box Set contains is absolutely divine from start to finish. Everything that Denny recorded is blessed by her unique talent and God given gift, which she passed to her listeners. Sadly her self-destructive personality robbed us from many more sublime moments, that might have been, but such is life. The selection here presents Denny in many different setting, from a cappella to fronting a full band, and regardless of the setting she always triumphs with her voice simply shattering the listener´s heart to smatterings.
One might wonder why in the decades that passed no other singer could come close to what Sandy Denny had to offer. Of course the Folk-Rock lost most of its popular appeal by the end of the 1970s, like many other genres that thrived during the Golden Decade era, but still Folk-Rock did not vanish from the face of the earth. In retrospect we must admit, that listening to Denny is after all a once in a lifetime opportunity, so let´s enjoy while it lasts.
If you don´t own the "Sandy Denny" Box Set, you absolutely must get this one, as long as it is available. Essential listening!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY / STRAWBS ~ ALL OUR OWN WORK (EXPANDED EDITION)
WITCHWOOD 2047 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2010
Breathtakingly beautiful album by the young and angelic British singer Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist and the founders of the seminal group StrawbsFind albums by this artist (Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, Tony HooperFind albums by this artist and Ron ChestermanFind albums by this artist), captured here at the full glory of their youthful and somewhat naïve bliss of music making. This is a true beginning of British Folk-Rock, leading to a glorious future, in which the participants of these recordings were to play a central role. A few demos recorded by the quartet found their way to Denmark, where a local label SonetFind albums on this label offered them a recording contract, which produced this, their debut album. The most interesting point about the album is the fact that the entire material is self-written, mostly by Cousins with some contributions by Hooper and Denny. Denny sings most of the lead vocals, superbly supported in vocal harmony by Cousins and Hooper. This new edition of the album doubles the contents of the original release with out-takes, demos and previously unreleased material, which turn it into a true treasure chest for all Denny / Strawbs / British Folk-Rock fans. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FAIRPORT CONVENTION ~ FAIRPORT CONVENTION (EXPANDED EDITION)
POLYDOR 044006829128 (Barcode: 044006829128) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2003
This is the debut album by the legendary British Folk-Rock group Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, which was one of the pioneering and groundbreaking recordings of that genre in Britain. The group was a sextet at the time and comprised of lead vocalist Judy DybleFind albums by this artist, vocalist Ian MacDonaldFind albums by this artist, guitarist Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist, vocalist / guitarist Simon NicolFind albums by this artist, bassist Ashley HutchingsFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin LambleFind albums by this artist. A band fronted by a female vocalist was a novelty on the British scene. The debut album presented twelve songs, seven of which were originals and five were American Folk-Rock songs.
The musical setting of the debut album clearly shows the band influenced by American Folk-Rock, especially early American Electric Folk-Rock bands like Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist, ByrdsFind albums by this artist, Left BankeFind albums by this artist etc., and singers / songwriters like Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Tim HardinFind albums by this artist and others. Created at the very peak of Flower Power, the album was also influenced by Psychedelia, Avant-Garde Jazz and contemporary Classical music, as appropriate for the period. These influences are much more subtle that those of the American Electric Fork-Rock, but they are the reason why this album is not a stylistic carbon copy but an original attempt to find their own artistic expression and in many respects is much more complex than albums by their American counterparts.
The album was almost completely ignored at the time of its release, which prompted the band to switch to Island Records, where they subsequently released the bulk of their legendary classic material, with Dyble being replaced by the superb Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist. In retrospect the album sounds a bit naïve today, but all things considered it still is a great piece of music and a wonderful document of the times, definitely worth revisiting.
This remastered and expanded edition adds for bonus tracks, which include a rare studio track, the band´s first single and a couple of live French TV recordings as well as a nice booklet with rare photographs and informative comments by Hutchings. This is a first rate treat for the band´s many fans.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOTHERINGAY ~ NOTHING MORE: THE COLLECTED FOTHERINGAY
ISLAND 602547184825 (Barcode: 602547184825) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2015
This marvelous Box Set collects all the know recordings by the shot-lived Folk-Rock group FotheringayFind albums by this artist, formed by the divine singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, after she left Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist in late 1969 shortly after the group completed the recording of their epic fourth album "Liege & LiefFind albums with this title". Denny joined forces with her partner at the time, vocalist / acoustic guitarist Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist and they drafted into the group American-born lead guitarist Jerry DonahueFind albums by this artist, bassist Pat DonaldsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist, who all sung occasional backing vocals.
Denny´s decision to leave Fairport Convention was primarily prompted by her will to sing her original material and move the traditional material a bit into the background and Fotheringay gave her the opportunity to do exactly that. In addition the group had a more Rock oriented sound, with incredible lead guitar work by Donahue. By mid-1970 the group released their first eponymous album, which met with positive reaction by the critics, but sadly achieved only limited commercial success, probably because it was unjustly compared to Fairport Convention, rather than recognized as a completely new direction.
By late 1970 the group has begun recording their follow up album, but things started to disintegrate rapidly and by early 1971 Fotheringay disbanded, with the second album uncompleted. Shortly afterwards Denny launched her career as a solo artists, briefly rejoining Fairport Convention in 1974-1975 and then continued her solo career until her tragic death in 1978. The "Fotheringay 2Find albums with this title" album was reconstructed from the abandoned studio master tapes and partly re-recorded and was finally released in 2008.
In retrospect this collection is a tribute to the incredible talents of Sandy Denny, who remains to this very day the absolute Empress of British Folk-Rock. Her legacy, all recorded in a span of a single decade, constitute some of the most beautiful singing and songwriting in the history of popular music.
This collection includes both Fotheringay albums, a plethora of bonus tracks, demos, alternate tracks, radio broadcasts and live concerts, all spread over three CDs. BBC TV performances are included on a DVD, which is also included. The accompanying booklet is informative and comprehensive and includes many wonderful photographs of Denny and the band members.
This is a remarkable piece of British music history, which to this day sounds almost too good to be true and constitutes an essential part of any decent music collection. Simply a must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/01/2016 | 3CD+DVD 4 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ STRAWBS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302679 (Barcode: 600753026793) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008
2nd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist, although officially often referred to as their first album, as the first recordings with Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist remained unreleased until much after this album was released. Led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. In various stages of their career they would explore other avenues, getting closer to Rock and Pop, but they always remained faithful to the Folk tradition, which is their core inspiration. Cousins, a remarkable singer, guitarist and songwriter, was also a hardened bandleader and his personality is the key for the band´s ability to keep going for four decades. This album, which was the 1st they recorded for the UK branch of the US A&MFind albums on this label label, is a brilliant collection of songs, all written by Cousins. The group was a trio at the time (Cousins with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist and Ron ChestermanFind albums by this artist), but many studio musicians support the band, and the superb arrangements and brilliant production by Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist make it an everlasting masterpiece of the genre. I have no idea how this piece of music history remained unreleased on CD until now, but once out this is a must buy for all Strawbs and Folk-Rock enthusiasts. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TOMMY
REPERTOIRE 5128 (Barcode: 4009910512821) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
A lavish production of the first Rock Opera, written and originally performed and recorded by Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and the WhoFind albums by this artist in 1969, which was staged and recorded three years later by the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and s set of soloist, which sounds like a who´s who of British Rock superstars at the time, including: Pete Townshend, Roger DaltreyFind albums by this artist, Ringo StarrFind albums by this artist, Rod StewartFind albums by this artist, Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, Richie HavensFind albums by this artist, Richard HarrisFind albums by this artist and others. The overall production and performance are stunning and remain a symbol of what was possible at that time, with no effort and money spared in order to make great music. In many respects this is the best ever version of "TommyFind albums with this title" and an absolute must to any Classic Rock collector. This edition includes a lavish book with the original extensive graphics. A true collector´s item!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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