Your Top 5 Albums of 2003

Subject: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Peter T.
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 09:59 AM

No simple lists, please. Reasons, descriptions, exhortations for those of us who do not know these people you have clutched to your eardrums.

(1) The Flatlanders. More of A Legend Than A Band (Rounder)

This is easily the best album of my year. Finally got a copy after hearing about this for about 4 years. Originally released in 1972 on 8-track and then disappeared. Now on Rounder. Truly terrific, with the weird Lubbock sound (and the instrument from Forbidden Planet). Includes "Dallas" and "Tonight I'm Gonna Go Downtown" and the inimitable "Bhagavan Decreed".

(2) Dillard Chandler, The End of An Old Song (Folkways)

I was first mesmerized by watching the John Cohen film of this battered, marginal, lost soul, singing his ballads and doing part time landscaping. This is the original album from Folkways, and it is like a bottle from a shipwreck somewhere, sometime. He sings a strange repertoire, from Carolina Girl ("Lady of Carlisle") to "Old Shep" to a song about a black man killing a sheriff. As Emily Dickinson said, you don't have to be a house to be haunted.

(3) Hazel and Alice (Rounder)

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard originally released this in 1973, and I prefer it to their Bluegrass stuff (not being much of a fan of bluegrass). Includes such fine feminist songs as "Don't Put Her Down You Helped Put Her There" in the Kitty Wells tradition.

(4) Best of Cesaria Evora (BMG)

Worth the price of admission for "Besame Mucho" alone, but all these smoky Cape Verde songs, Portuguese grief mingled with Cubana rhythms are wonderful. And I saw the lady in concert in November!

(5) The Best of the Girl Groups (Vol. 2) (Rhino)

A tossup between this and Dionne Warwick's Greatest Hits (also on Rhino, thanks guys). It has "Sweet Talking Guy" and The Caravelles "You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry", and some I haven't heard since they first came out -- "Easier Said Than Done"!!It lacks the Shangri-Las who dominate Volume 1, but I got that last year.


yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Susan of DT
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 10:18 PM

Kentucky Mountain Music (Yazoo)
POssibly the best compilation (7 CDs) of traditional music since Voice of the People. Bill Steele, Justus Begley, Buell Kazee, Burnett & Rutherford....just plain magnificent, and brilliantly re-mastered.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: khandu
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 10:35 PM

Blind Willie Johnson- Dark was the Night
Certainly not a 2003 album, but my lucky wife Cheryl gave it to me this year!
Johnson is an incredible guitarist & has a rather unusual gravel voice. His slide work is impeccable. Often slide guitarist make more noise than music, but Johnson uses each note wonderfully. His songs were vehicles to his message of Redemption.
The song "Dark Was The Night" was included in recordings of the "Sounds of Earth" on the Voyager space vehicle.

I am not a blown-away blues lover, but I love this guy!

ken

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 11:00 PM

Well I'm not the greatest of CD buyers... Of my purchases this year, I'd vote for "Who is dwditty". I'm not convinced his voice would be to everyone's taste but I happen (even though I listen more to Irish instrumental) to love that sort of gruff blues voice (sort of Tom Waits IMO) and I think his guitar playing is absolutely spot on for the music - it really lives the mood of the song.

Jon

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 12:28 PM

In no particular order:

Song Links (traditional English songs and their Australian variants)
Child Ballads on CD-rom
Sweet England (Jim Moray)
First Cut (Dr Faustus)
Sharp Practice (Mary Humphreys and Anahata)

Reasons? All are milestones in the promotion of English traditional music.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 01:24 PM

Susan, I echo your opinion of Kentucky Mountain Music. A superb collection both historically and sonicly.

I've never been a fan of "top" albums, songs, etc.   There are too many great recordings out there to limit to just five. I also find that ranking is just about impossible.

Here are a few other CD's that I've enjoyed this year, and I stress that they are in no particular order.

Juliet Wyers - "Clear"
The Witches of Elswick - "Out of Bed"
Danu - "The Road Less Traveled"
Fourtold - "Fourtold"
Enoch Kent - "Songs of Love, Lust & Loathing"
various - "Seeds: The Songs of Pete Seeger Vol.3"
various - "Winterfolk XV"
Mike Seeger - "True Vine"
Peggy Seeger - "Heading for Home"
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason - "Relax Your Mind"
John Flynn - "Dragon"
Underbelly(Alicia Jo Rabins, Peter Spiegel, Michael Davis)- Cornbread n'Butterbeans
Andrew Calhoun - "Telfer's Cows" (brand new traditional music CD, just superb!!)

There are many others. Having the honor of doing a radio show gives me an opportunity to hear many new releases. I am very lucky and grateful to all the wonderful artists who carry on this tradition. Thank you!!!!

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: radriano
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 04:24 PM

Aargh! Another excercise in futility. What is it with these lists? It's a useless endeavor.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 04:46 PM

I agree Radriano, except that it is a good reminder of some of the CD's that came out in the past year, and it might spark someone's interest if they missed it.

As I said above, I'm NOT in favor of Top 10 or lists that make it appear to be a contest, but I find it very useful to compare notes so to speak.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: pdq
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 05:05 PM

Jorma Kaukonen - "Bue Country Heat" Columbia CK 86394 (2002)

The Jefferson Airplane's lead guitar player has done acoustic work most of his life, but this is new. Backed by Sam Bush, Bela Fleck (two songs) and Jerry Douglas, Jorma (that's pron. "your-muh") cover Country Blues by Jimmie Rodgers, The Delmore Brothers and others. I did not know of Byron House, but his acoustic bass work here is great. Jorma sounds like no one else and kicks some butt. The vocals are an acquired taste.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 07:23 PM

I'd be another "agreer", radrino. I think that folk is not a competetion and the ideas of "the best" are usualy stupid (athough there are singers and players clearly that bit better - I mean not all of us are capable of being at the top) . However, in a thread started the way this one has gone, I see no reason why the recordings that have done the most for us over the year should not be given. We could even end up listening to something eles as a result. In my case, as a result of this thread, I will be checking out "Sharp Practice".

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 02:12 PM

And you might have mentioned. Guest Jon, that Mary Humphreys and Anahata who researched, performed and released Sharp Practice, are both Mudcatters which surely adds credibility to a recommendation to give them a listen.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 02:42 PM

Oh, and Ron Olesko's post has just reminded me of the wonderful Witches of Elswick recording Out of Bed much earlier this year which I shamefully forgot to nominate.

And I just checked on the release date of Bellow by John Spiers and Jon Boden. This also came out less than 12 months ago although it seems to have been around for ever. These are both from the excellent Fellside label. Sharp Practice comes from the equally wonderful Wild Goose.

And the Beautiful Jo label would have been up there with them but the last Magpie Lane recording was released over a year ago.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 04:50 PM

Its nice to know what other folks are listening to. I'll be checking out some of the recordings listed here.

A couple of recordings I'm glad to have added to my collection are "Call Your Dogs" by Jim and Kim Lansford of Galena, MO and "Herrings In The Bay" by Gordon Bok. Jim & Kim sing and play old time music with gusto and superb musicianship. They pick up songs and tunes from old recordings and also from old timers in the Ozarks who have not been often recorded. Little needs to be said about Bok in this Forum, but my favorite songs on his latest CD were "The Boats of Peter's River" and "Cannery Shed" which happen to have been written by Mary Garvey who pops into the Mudcat Cafe from time to time.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 08:13 PM

I'm a bit confused by the MC bit, countess richard? Credibility to me has nothing to do with MC (although I'm more inclined to listen to someone who I respect from someone who's posts I've read from a forum than a "never heard of"). In this respect, I "met" dwditty on the early days when I set up a Hearme room for MC, he's got more cred than most to me in Internet forum terms...

Please don't get me wrong, I don't want a row, and respect the recommendation and Anahata as a poster both to here and to umf and other places. I want to listen and widen what has become a narrow area (folk to me just looking at Irish mostly).

Guest Jon

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 09:10 PM

I know I haven't been around Mudcat for very long really but I did seem to get the idea that it was normal practice to draw attention to the achievements of other members. Sharp Practice would still be amazingly good even if the artists had not been Mudcatters.

Similarly, I could have added that 1 out of 4 of the Witches of Elswick posts here. As, on occasion, do 100% of Spiers & Boden. I would have included 33.333% of Patterson Jordan Dipper but their Flat Earth was released over a year ago.

I hope this does not invalidate their nominations...or annoy anybody else.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 10:18 PM

Hopefully it won't CR. Part of it was just that I was a little bemused by a comment "I might have mentioned" when I equally might have mentioned the same in my own earlier recommendation as to my own fav CD and from someone I have had longer and much closer contact with starting over here. It's not a case of suggesting one should not support people one "knows" from here - it's quite reasonable to support ones friends (who of course can be excellent too!)...

I really wish someone else from here would make a CD. It could well become my 2004 #1 album if there is a repeat thread... Margaret V, where are you?...

Anyway, hopefully that clears any remaining bits up and like cr, I look forward to other suggestions.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: wilco
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 10:40 AM

J.E. Mainer and the Mountaineers, 18 Gospel Favorites, RHY 248
Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks, Bear 15565
Flatt and Scruggs, Father's Table Grace, MME 71010
Wade Mainer and the original Mainer's Mountaineers Live, OH4032
Cornshucker's Frolic, Yazoo 2045

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: wendyg
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 10:53 AM

Very, very impressed with Autoharp Legacy, the compilation 3-CD set produced by Bryan Bowers and containing cuts from all sorts of people.

I haven't heard any of their records, but also hugely impressed with Boden and Spiers (www.spiersandboden.com), whom I heard at Twickenham recently.

wg

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Susan of DT
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 11:12 AM

Just to point out, they're all available from CAMSCO Music. 800/548-FOLK (3655)

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 07:40 AM

I have to say I fell in love with the voice of Sinead Stone & the musical arrangments and playing of Gerard Farrelly. The album is entitled "Legacy Of A Quiet Man".

It's a really beautiful collection of songs by Dick Farrelly (Composer of "The Isle Of Innisfree", theme song of "The Quiet Man" film. There are also gems such as "Annaghdown" and "We Dreamed Our Dreams", and a couple of songs in Irish. The whole CD has a very special atmosphere.

If anyone is interested it's available through their website- www.stoneandfarrelly.com

On the site there is an interesting press release by Colum Sands of the BBC.

Before I shut up, I should say that it was this great site of music lovers that I first heard of Sinead Stone, she had been mentioned of a couple of threads. But for Mudcat I might never have come across this CD.

Marion (London)

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Sooz
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 08:21 AM

Less Sprightly - Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher
Not to scale - Kerfuffle
Imaginary Lines - Robin Laing
Silverlode - Tom Napper and Tom Bliss
Guide Cats for the Blind - Les Barker and friends

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 11:44 AM

Just the one. Hull's 'Crack Town' with thier release 'Songs in the key of fuck off'. It really hits the mark!

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Peter T.
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 11:52 AM

Didn't mean this thread to be competitive -- I have always benefitted by other people's recommendations here, but what I really like are people talking about why they like X or Y, you learn a lot about things you know nothing about!!

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST,Pat O'Hagen
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 01:33 PM

I have to agree with Marion. I read an article in 'Ireland's Own' magazine about the CD, 'Legacy of a Quiet Man' by Sinead Stone & Gerard Farrely. I contacted them directly and they sent me a copy of their CD.

It's beautiful, great songs, great voice, great playing, the whole thing is very sensitively done and comes with a lovely booklet with photos and full lyrics. However, there are a couple of typing errors.

I cannot recommend it enough. Incidently, it was in the top 5 best sellers in the HMV chain in Ireland last Christmas.

Their website is www.stoneandfarrelly.com

Regards,
Pat O'Hagen

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 01:42 PM

Phil Tanner, 'The Gower Nightingale', Veteran VT145CD. Fred Jordan, 'A Shrposhire Lad', Veteran VT148CD.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 01:58 PM

I hit the Submit button too early.
Please add: Betsy Renals, Sophie Legg, Charlotte Renals, 'Catch Me If You Can' Veteran VT119CD.
Various Artists 'Mountain Music of Kentucky' Smithsonian Folkways SFCD 40077.
Various Artists 'Irish Songs From Old New England' Folk Legacy CD-132.
'Catch Me If You Can' and 'Mountain Music of Kentucky', are both reissues but they came out this year, and I didn't see them first time around so I claim they have a rightful place. This little group will keep me happy for hours, listened to in any order, but I can't help playing favoutites - Phil Tanner, is the flower of them all. Burl

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Cruiser
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:25 PM

Thanks Susan of DT for listing the Kentucky compilation. I will be purchasing it soon. Another 'must have' traditional set that I would have not known about, if not for Mudcat.

This thread is important because it helps others learn of good, recent, available folk/traditional CDs that they otherwise might not be aware of.

Shanachie has an "Item Close-Up" of this album with a few sound files to get a 'flavor' of the music. I am sold on the set and look forward to the 5 X 11 booklet with notes and photos.

Shanachie

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:32 PM

I can't find 'favoutites' in any dictionary. Let us say 'favourites' Burl

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: radriano
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 05:15 PM

It's really great that CAMSCO is here but it would be good if CAMSCO followed up on order requests made to them.

And I'm not against listing good recordings. I'm just annoyed when phrases like "your top 5 albums" are used.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 05:21 PM

Well it was only used to start the thread Radriano. I think the rest of us have grabbed the intended spirit of the message and we are listing good recordings that we have shared.   There is no futile competition going on.

So how about you? Surely you heard one or two CD's that you enjoyed this year?   I think it is great to hear the variety of great music being shared around the globe.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: pdq
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 06:01 PM

Got Nanci Griffith's "Other Voices/Other Rooms" a few weeks ago. Liked it so much that I bought "Other Rooms, A Trip Back To Bountiful". One night I played them back -to-back. Both are showcasing recent songs from writers such as Richard Thompson, Ian Tyson and Sandy Denny. The best cut may be Woodie's "Do Re Mi" with its outstanding guitar break by Pat Flynn. Both CDs are Warner, one 1993 the other 1998. Both are produced by former Club 47 manager Jim Rooney.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 06:47 PM

How recent from Sandy Denny? Hasn't she been a bit...er dead for the past quarter century?

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 07:58 PM

Of the stack of CDs I bought this year only two actually came out in '03: 'Song Links: England / Australia' and Tony Cuffe's posthumous 'Sae Will We Yet' - both eminently listenable, and the idea behind the 'Song Links' project is worth being taken up by others (not least the 'sponsoring' of individual songs which enabled the 2 CDs to be made).

Other than that, I've finished transferring my 200 odd LPs to minidisc, which resulted in a great number of happy rediscoveries, not least the classic 'Cilla and Artie' [Fisher & Trezise] album of 1978, early Battlefield Band and Silly Wizard material, and Martin Carthy's first offering, which is still my favourite among his work.

Next year I'm going to start on the tapes ...

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: dwditty
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 01:11 PM

Geoff Muldaur - Beautiful Isle of Somewhere - recorded live in Bremen Germany - solo

John Mooney - Dealing with the Devil - again live and alone - may have been out a while but new to me. Slide guitar & vocals

Oscar Brown Jr - Tells It Like It is - At last a cd issue of the 1960's gem.

DVD's

The Blues Story - history of the blues in the words of those who play them..great lineup ... Honeyboy Edwards to Koko Taylor to Rufus Thomas to Robert Lockwood and many others.

The Last of the Mississippi Jukes - the blues scene as it is today in Jackson, MS.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 02:18 PM

I too have learned a lot from this thread.

I second the vote on More a Legend than a Band. I like Bruce Cockburn's new CD as well.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 07:07 PM

Not strictly folk but releases this year I have loved:
1) Shakin' in the Makin' Ben Waters boogie-woogie Blues band "Eat your heart out, Jools Holland" I'd say
2) Festival of the Desert
3) Wot Italian - Boothby Graffoe with the best acoustic guitarist in World who refused to put his name on the CD allegedly (Fopp Records)
4) Secret of Life - Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (but sadly not including their version of Wuthering Heights as Kate threw a wobbler)
5) Drive you home again - Chris Smithers

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: jaze
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 07:39 PM

I second Guest Jon's wish that Margaret V would make a whole cd!

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From:
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 09:01 AM

Have to agree with the Yazoo collection (Kentucky Mountain Music). One of the very best - up there wit the Patton set that Fahey put together a few years back. Treasure chest.

Also, the new Cash UnEarthed set is wonderful for those who can't seem to get enough. Great stuff that rivals any of the released American stuff with Rubin. Tough to beat the Sun records, but he sure kept moving.

Kelly Joe Phelps - "Slingshot Professionals"
"Furry Lewis" - collection of '60's recordings
"Kerouacs Last Dream - Ramblin' Jack
"Steel Guitar Rag" - Jimmie Tarlton
"Nobody knows the trouble I've been" - Spider John

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 10:14 AM

This thread is about WHY you love a particular album, not just giving lists.

One should read Pat O'Hagen's posting which is only one of a very few postings that does just that. Giving a list artists and album titles means very little to anyone.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 10:32 AM

Kelly Joe Phelps - "Slingshot Professionals" - INCREDIBLE COLLECTION OF SONGS (WELL-WRITTEN) WITH TIGHT, VERSATILE ACOUSTIC BAND

"Furry Lewis" - collection of '60's recordings

"Kerouacs Last Dream - Ramblin' Jack - TACKLES TRADITIONAL MATERIAL ALONGSIDE SONGS BY ACUFF, DYLAN, TUBB & GUTHRIE. SOLO, ACOUSTIC & RECORDED EARLY EIGHTIES IN A WINE CELLAR I BELIEVE.

"Steel Guitar Rag" - Jimmie Tarlton - TARLTON ALONE WITH GUITAR (LAP STYLE) AND SLIDE. MOSTLY TRADITIONAL RECORDED IN 60'S. SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS RECORDED IN A LIVING ROOM LIKE SOME OF THE GREAT FRED MCDOWELL RECORDINGS. . .

"Nobody knows the trouble I've been" - Spider John - ROUSING TRADITIONAL SET WITH MANDOLINIST PETER OSH_____? GREAT STUFF LIKE ROVING GAMBLER, SAIL AWAY LADIES, RED APPLE JUICE.

SORRY FOR THE MISTAKE, "GUEST." HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 10:32 AM

My first posting in this thread specified the that reason for my selection was that they each signified milestones in English traditional music.

My prime purpose was an attempt to stimulate more discussion in this area. While I am by no means averse to learning about other types of music, I cannot but agree that mere lists of releases by artists of whom I have not heard without even any indication of genre is not conducive to increasing that interest.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 12:04 PM

Everyone seems grouchy today!!   Jeeesh!!   :)

Good points though. Here is my list with a few comments.

Juliet Wyers - "Clear" - I love singer-songwriters that can put together songs that are positive and full of hope.   Juliet writes songs that are catchy and interesting.

The Witches of Elswick - "Out of Bed"   I love their voices! The settings of the songs are unique and a delight to listen to.

Danu - "The Road Less Traveled" - Their 4th CD is their best yet. A great blend of traditional with a few songs of recent vintage. Their new lead singer is a delight.

Fourtold - "Fourtold" - Four amazing talents combine to produce a CD that evokes memories of the Weavers and a time when songs were written to share.

Enoch Kent - "Songs of Love, Lust & Loathing" - A superb collection blending traditional songs and original songs from Enoch. A contemporary of Ewan MacColl and the Singers Club. Songwriters can learn a thing or two from Enoch.

various - "Seeds: The Songs of Pete Seeger Vol.3" - What can I say? This is the third volume of the brilliant Appleseed tribute series. Pete appears with his friends and admirers.   His new song "Bring em Home" is timely and powerful.

various - "Winterfolk XV" - A benefit CD for the Sisters of the Road Cafe. Tracey Grammer's renditions of her late partner Dave Carters songs are breathtaking.

Mike Seeger - "True Vine" - A great collection of tunes from an extraordinary talent.

Peggy Seeger - "Heading for Home" - Seems like I have a bias for Seegers!   Peggy's latest is a collection of traditional tunes, going back to her roots so to speak. She is a treasure and this CD is a gift.

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason - "Relax Your Mind" - What a fun album!!! The relaxed atmosphere does not diminish the extraordinary skills these musicians possess.

John Flynn - "Dragon" - The word "genius" is thrown around too often, but this is one songwriter who shines brighter with each new recording. The songs will make you laugh, cry and piss you off at the same time. John blends politics and the human condition into his songs in a way that makes you think and entertains you. These aren't songs with a short shelf life - these are songs that can become classics if more people hear them.

Underbelly(Alicia Jo Rabins, Peter Spiegel, Michael Davis)- Cornbread n'Butterbeans. Another fun album! All three are extremely talented musicians individually and they combine to make a wonderful CD that stays with you.

Andrew Calhoun - "Telfer's Cows" (brand new traditional music CD, just superb!!) An album of traditional music from Andrew. I love his choice of songs and his vocals.   In some ways it reminded me of the recordings of Ed McCurdy, although Andrew's voice is not the same deep baritione. Perhaps it was the settings. I really enjoyed it.

Subject: RE: Your Top 5 Albums of 2003
From: skarpi
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 12:54 PM

Halló all , here are my list.

Lúnasa - the merry sisters of fate.
this is a great cd one of best that I have heard.
The other cd´s are from Iceland and Canada the Cornerboys.

I hope to have some more cd´s from the folkmusic.
All the best Skarpi Iceland.