best folk albums of 2009

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Colin Randall
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:38 PM

My thanks to the moderator who spotted that I had inadvertently created a duplicate thread. I think I probably limited my search to three days, which explains why I missed this one. I'll be exploring plenty of what has been mentioned here, and would also have chosen Steve Tilston until I checked the release date (something I overlooked with Cara Dillon last year).

The link I failed to make clickable in my previous message is


http://www.salutlive.com/2009/12/salut-live-albums-of-2009-the-unthanks-cara-dillon-topic.html

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:16 PM

Roodumdaa by Wheeler Street is a great album, released earlier this year I think. Compared to greats such as Fairport and the like...Mike Harding seemed to love them too.

Also, the Jackie Oates album is a great one!

Subject: Review: Abums of 2009?
From: Colin Randall
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:42 AM

Some of us have agreed here in the past that "albums of the year" lists are at best a guide to what is around, at worst just individual fans' preferences.

But I have been naming mine for so long that the habit is hard to give up, even if my days of reviewing regularly for a newspaper are behind me. Other Mudcatters have asked me in the past to post links here when appropriate and, as always, I'd be very interested to hear what other people made of the music they heard during 2009. Apologies if someone else has already created such a thread which eluded my search.

I went jointly for The Unthanks' "Here's the Tender Coming" and the Topic Records 70th birthday compilation. The latter stretches to seven CDs, of course, but I decided not to make a distinction between new and reissued material.

For what it is worth, then, my full list is here:

http://www.salutlive.com/2009/12/salut-live-albums-of-2009-the-unthanks-cara-dillon-topic.html

---

Moved message from new thread into this one. --Moderator

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:35 AM

I knew that there was one album that was nagging at me which I hadn't included. Thanks Ruth it was in fact John Jones "Rising Road"

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:05 AM

I, surprisingly, find myself in almost 100% agreement with Dianes choice.

(Slightly gobsmacked actually!)

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:51 AM

Many of the very worthy contenders mentioned here are not represented in the BBC Folk Awards, but they are nominated in The Spirals, the new people-power awards presented by Spiral Earth. You can vote for your favourites here:

The Spiral Awards 2009

(John Jones of the Oysterband is nominated as Best Male Singer abd for Best Original Song)

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 03:44 AM

Anyhoo...

Back to the albums!

A late contender for album of the year has to be the wonderful Cath and Phil Tyler with their newie, "The Hind Wheels of Bad Luck" (though the splitters of hairy things will be pulling their own out - download version out now, CD not out till 2010). Worth the admission price for their version of "Our Captain Cried" alone.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 08:23 PM

Don't worry, Dave - this "Wizened Warlockess" is, as it happens, a good 10 or 15 years younger than Ms Cornish. :)


But just to keep us in the real world, and not the one that lives inside Lizzie's head, She is not exactly telling the truth when she says, "Phil asked if it was me who had attended a gig recently, and if I was the one that had spoken to him."

In fact, this what Phil Beer actually said:

"LC. I don't know who you are, only that you are from my patch and seem to have seen us rather more times than is, perhaps, healthy. Maybe I spoke to you even on the last two local shows . I don't know. I understand that you mean well and that you feel you are championing some sort of cause on our (and indeed others) behalfs. Let me explain a bit about this internet place. Its not a universal fanzine. Its a genre specific place of chat and discussion for a bunch of folks, many of whom have a great deal of knowledge and indeed expertise in their subject. I know many of them as both friends and acquaintances. My band makes music that has one of its (Possibly cloven) hooves in this place and the other three 'Out There' in the rest of the world. Many of the folks here consider themselves as (self appointed) guardians of something rare and precious. I have ABSOLUTELY no problem with this. All I ask is that they maintain visiting hours so that I can get on with building the new wing (Crap metaphor, sorry!) whilst having access to the edifice. (Also a self appointed task) Virtually everyone contributing here decided whether they liked/disliked our music more than 15 years ago. Our task is as always to bring the music to a wider audience and whether or not anyone here likes or dislikes us is not relevant.

...Please Lizzie. I'm delighted that you like our music. We are absolutely clear about who we are, what we are doing, and where its going. I just turned 56 last week. I still have the will and the energy and the best is yet to come. I can handle any form of abuse, misconception, or downright vitriol. What I do NOT wish to be portrayed as is a member of some form of geriatric Boy Band. This sort of adulation is utterly embarrassing and I'd really like it to stop now."

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 02:00 PM

I'm sorry, Dave....but I'm too busy ordering Diane a Tshirt for Christmas to write to you.....

Gadzooks, I hope she gets it by Christmas Eve!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:53 PM

Good Lordy, no. Whatever made you think that?

Now, you see, I thought that perhaps Madame Intelligensia was holding Poor Phil captive, and threatening to burn his best violin if he didn't write what he did...but I've had a re-think...and of course, when you go back and read his words it's perfectly easy to work out....

Phil asked if it was me who had attended a gig recently, and if I was the one that had spoken to him. Of course, it wasn't me, but....someone else!

It's so simple! Poor Phil was sniggersnogged by Madame Intelligensia at said Gig, and was deeply terrified into thinking it was me....Of course, Madame Intelligensia would have had her Accomplices close to hand....

Well, Poor Phil, being faced with a Wizened Ol' Warlockess, rather than the Sparkling Blondeshell he was imagining, took to the messageboards in absolute FRIGHT!

Personally, I happen to think it was a little below the belt, myself...

This is somewhat personal drivel you have written here Lizzie.

I thought Joe had told you not to do that!! Sheesh!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:42 PM

Teeheee....I KNEW you'd eventually become a ShowofHandsette.....

Shall I order your 'I ADORE STEVE AND PHIL!' T shirt right now?

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:39 PM

According to Steve Knightley, loads of Loads Of Fans fans don't like AIG. I imagine that's because it's so excellently produced with absolute clarity. They're not used to that. For me, it's the first CD by the Dishevelled Duo (duo? . . . they're a TRIO, Smoothops) I've beeb able to listen to all the way through.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:25 PM

"I do notice that since you have been reminded of Phil Beer's words to you, you seem to have gone off Show of Hands. Their latest record not good enough for this year's best albums of the year?"


Good Lordy, no. Whatever made you think that?

Now, you see, I thought that perhaps Madame Intelligensia was holding Poor Phil captive, and threatening to burn his best violin if he didn't write what he did...but I've had a re-think...and of course, when you go back and read his words it's perfectly easy to work out....

Phil asked if it was me who had attended a gig recently, and if I was the one that had spoken to him. Of course, it wasn't me, but....someone else!

It's so simple! Poor Phil was sniggersnogged by Madame Intelligensia at said Gig, and was deeply terrified into thinking it was me....Of course, Madame Intelligensia would have had her Accomplices close to hand....

Well, Poor Phil, being faced with a Wizened Ol' Warlockess, rather than the Sparkling Blondeshell he was imagining, took to the messageboards in absolute FRIGHT!

Personally, I happen to think it was a little below the belt, myself...

LOL



You don't yet have a copy of 'Matters of the Heart'...???????? (stunned smiley)

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:23 PM

Steve's Ziggurat was 2008.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:21 PM

Best by a country mile and probably the decade is surely "Ziggurat" by Steve Tilston, every track a classic.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:15 PM

That last comment referred to Bruce Murdoch's record not Jon Boden of course!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 11:07 AM

Lizzie, not matter how vehement you say something within a few minutes days, hours, weeks or months you will forgotten you have said it.

Fortunately all contributions to this forum are archived.

I do notice that since you have been reminded of Phil Beer's words to you, you seem to have gone off Show of Hands. Their latest record not good enough for this year's best albums of the year?

And I am with Joe G. on "Songs From the Floodplain".

There is an excellent reason why it is not played on my radio show. I don't have a copy.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:39 AM

Jon Boden's Songs from the Floodplain is probably my record of the decade never mind year. Gerry McNiece's Small Town Boy and Katriona & Jamie's Shadows & Light would be joint second - though I am hoping they will be joined by Robb Johnson's Ghost of Love when I hear it on Xmas Day (if my present predictions are correct). Just heard on R3 CD Review a couple of tracks from what sounds an excellent CD called Istanbul from the ever reliable Jordi Savall so that may join the list too if I get to hear it all.

I'm sure there will be some CD's I have missed but the above will do for now!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:26 AM

What's in my car right now: Mark Knopfler/Get Lucky

Not trad (duh?) but he's got a Cunningham (does that add street cred for folkishness?), and when he plays electric, it sounds as pretty as any violin ever did. There are songs here I want to learn.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folknacious
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:14 AM

I'm with the above on Nancy Wallace, Jackie Oates, Spiro, Alasdair Roberts, Jon Boden and the Topic 3 Score & 10. If I had to go for just one newie it'd be difficult but probably Nancy Wallace as I have played it the most.

Does Chris Wood's new one also count since we've all been buying it direct?

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:04 AM

Darn it, posted too soon...


It's a mixture of everything to do with love. Sadness, separation, happiness, romance, sex.....

20/10 on my 'Best Album of All Time' list....

2009 just happens to be the number of a year, that's all. Great albums need no numbers..and 'Matters of the Heart' *is* numberless because of the intensity of Bruce's words and music.

You should play it on your radio show.

Sensational.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:01 AM

Nope...I mean it. :0)

I have more than a few people come over to my Myspace page, thanking me for playing Bruce's music on there, as they've gone on to order the CD and loved it. It's a mixture of everything to do with love...

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 08:55 AM

S'OK Lizzie. I know you never mean anything you say for more than ten minutes.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 08:33 AM

Yup, that's absolutely correct, Dave.

Not many albums can cross over into another the year, but 'Matters of the Heart' most certainly can.

And....Ron Bankley has a new one due out next year....so watch this space!

:0)

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,Liz
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 08:03 AM

The Wilson Family - 'A Grey Lock Or Two' Brilliant!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 07:59 AM

So just so I understand correctly Lizzie. In your best albums of 2009, you have nominated one from 2008? Sheesh!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 06:59 AM

Bruce Murdoch - 'Matters of the Heart'

Yes, I know, not 2009...but still the best! :0)

Bruce's Myspace

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 06:34 AM

Well... keep your ear to the ground this year, Diane ;-)

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:29 AM

Since Christmas Day falls on a Friday The Nottingham Evening Post will not be doing a top 5 albums from the specialist music section. However the Folk albums would have been:-

Songs From The Floodplain   Jon Boden
Lighten The Dark            Kerfuffle
Hand Made Life             Chris Wood
Catches and Glees          Sam Sweeney and Hannah James
Three Score and Ten         Various Artists

Like the Sandy Wright album Chris Wood's isn't officially out until next March but it is available from gigs, web site etc.
If that doesn't count replace with Cara Dillon's Hill of Thieves.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:03 AM

It's about time Jim Eldon made another CD. But he's already recorded that one on Home From Sea in 2004.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 04:54 AM

Does Ida Con Snock count? Otherwise I don't think I heard a single folk album this year, though I have heard some damn fine singers throughout the year which has kept me smiling...

My favourite folk performance of 2009 has to be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsakSeVZV4

The pure drop!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 01:33 AM

In no particular order other than that Väsen remain the best band in the world:

Väsen Street - Väsen
Songs from the Floodplain - Jon Boden
Hyperboreans - Jackie Oates
Sand & Soil- Colston/Rose
Mawkin:Causley - Awkward Recruit
Catches & Glees - Sweeney/James
Spiro - Lightbox
In the Shadow of the Mountains - Bella Hardy
Spoils - Alasdair Roberts
Box Set - Phil Beer

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Reinhard
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 12:59 AM

"Three Score and Ten" - Topic anthology
"Heimat" - Deitsch
"Hyperboreans" - Jackie Oates

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:25 PM

http://www.myspace.com/maclainecolstonsaulrose

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: olddude
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 08:41 PM

Playing through Hard Times, tribute to Utah Phillips by
the captain, Jacqui, and Dan as producers

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: treewind
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 07:13 PM

Nine Witch Knots came out in May 2008!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Sugwash
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 07:08 PM

Fidola: Fidola

Rubus: Nine Witch Knots

Damien Barber & Mike Wilson: Under the Influence

Cara Dillon: Hill of Thieves

Mawkin Causley: The Awkard Recruit

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,Redxl7
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 05:44 PM

Ramblin' Jack Elliott's "A Stranger Here" is a fantastic collection of depression-era blues, earned him a Grammy nomination too.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 05:08 PM



Sorry I thought it was out. It has had a fair bit of airplay.

Crossed off and replaced by Three Score and Ten by Topic, book and records.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 05:03 PM

Phew! I thought for a minute that Mac had become schizophrenic and sacked Saul.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: tijuanatime
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 04:51 PM

You'll have more chance of finding it if you look for Colston and Rose, and that Sandy Wright album's not released until February or so, as far as I know.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 04:39 PM

That was a mighty fine album too. I'll add it to my list...

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:58 PM

How indeed!!

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:57 PM

Dave

How could you miss Maclaine & Colsten

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:48 PM

In no special order:

"Songs from the Floodplain" - Jon Boden
"Hyperboreans" - Jackie Oates
"The Wrong Sunshine" - Ray Hearne
"Catches and Glees" - Hannah James and Sam Sweeney
"Lighten the Dark" - Kerfuffle. (let's just remember Sam is 20 and Hannah 22, they seem to have been around for ever).
"The Way Home" - Donald Grant (bit left-field that one - traditional fiddler turned classical fiddler plays his roots. Technique to die for and real passion. Sadly quite busy playing high art stuff and no-one books him. He is well-known in Sheffield and filled a 1200 seater for the CD launch). Not many artists could do that!!
"In the Shadow of Mountains" - Bella Hardy
"Awkward Recruit" - Mawkin:Causley
"All Dressed in Yellow" - Fiddler's Bid
"Songs of Sandy Wright"
"Gleowien" - Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer.
"Makers Mark" - Tony McManus.

I thought it was a great year for music.

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:02 PM

None of those on the list linked by the OP, I'm afraid. Seems like Matt has been raiding my record collection though...

So for me:

"Spoils" by Alasdair Roberts
"Old Stories" by Nancy Wallace
"Lofoten Calling" by the Kittiwakes
"Carbeth" by the Trembling Bells
"Demdyke!" - the eponymous limited edition live CD. Can't wait to hear the studio album in 2010...

Honourable mention to the Jackie Oates and The Unthanks albums, too...

Subject: RE: best folk albums of 2009
From: GUEST,matt milton
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 12:33 PM

ooh lists!

mine were Spoils by Alasdair Roberts, Folk Songs by James Yorkston, Old Stories by Nancy Wallace, and Lofoten Calling by the Kittiwakes. I also enjoyed various Scandinavian fiddle music albums on the Etnisk Musikklub label, but I'm ashamed to say I've forgotten their names. That's about it for me. I can't say I thought 2009 was a great year for music.

Subject: best folk albums of 2009
From: C. Ham
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 12:12 PM

Mike Regenstreif has posted his top 20 folk albums of the year. I've already got exactly half the list and have no arguments about any of the choices. I think I have some shopping to do for the rest of the list.

Mike's Folk Roots/Folk Branches blog.