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Fairport Convention - Fairport Convention (1968)

Original Cover

1975 Reissue Cover

After virtually creating the British folk rock form in the late 1960s, Fairport Convention proceeded to establish itslf as an institution in the genre. During an era when many British bands were exploring blues sounds, Fairport Convention looked to the folk scene in England and North America for inspiration. Recorded pre-Sandy Denny, Judy Dyble sang like a siren and then left to form Trader Horne.

"Time will show the wiser" video:

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: British Folk
CD reissue: 2003
Quality: 320 Kbps
Official website: http://www.fairportconvention.com
http://www.judydyble.com

Evie Sands - Estate of Mind (1974)

"Evie Sands had written a set of songs for a new album by the time she met those who would work with her on it, including the production team of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter. Thanks to Sands' songs, which were amenable, and the gel of her harmony vocals with Lambert himself, Estate of Mind was one of the better pop/rock albums of the mid-'70s. (It certainly deserved better than its poor sales performance.)" (All Music Guide)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Pop/Folk
CD reissue: 2006
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.eviesands.com/
http://www.myspace.com/eviesands

Discus - 1st (1999)

"[The music is] a veritable patchwork of jazz, fusion, Sundan traditional and Balinese music, contemporary classical and classical chamber, pop, pop jazz, prog rock, heavy metal and dissonant avant-garde. In short, the band tackles just about every imaginable genre that lies between Pink Floyd and Weather Report. The vocals follow a similar pattern, featuring both male and female vocalizations that can be normal one minute and hysterical the next." (Progarchives.com)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: Indonesian, English
Runtime: 51:50
Genre: Avant-garde Prog Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.discusprog.com

Billie Holiday - The Quintessential Vol 2 (1936)

"Few singers in jazz history have had the ability that Billie Holiday possessed to inspire the musicians she worked with, meeting the best instrumentalists on terms of musical equality and creating a spirit of camaraderie. The joy is palpable in these recordings from January to October 1936, with the 20-year-old Holiday blithely attacking great songs and period ephemera, with wonderful settings crafted by pianist Teddy Wilson and superb solo contributions by altoist Johnny Hodges and trumpeter Bunny Berigan."

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Vocal Jazz
CD reissue: 1990
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.cmgww.com/music/holiday

Affinity - If You Live (2002)

"Formed in 1970, Affinity broke the British jazz-rock mold by combining the hauntingly powerful vocals of Linda Hoyle (lauded by critics as the British Grace Slick) and the Hammond wizardry of Lynton Naiff (considered the rising star of jazz-pop in the style of Brian Auger) with convincing elements of psych and blues. This full length album is comprised of 8 tracks not found on their original LP (released on Vertigo in 1970) including two tracks from their rare single and two of the three tracks that originally appeared in 1969 on a 10” EMI acetate."

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 32:04
Genre: Jazz Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website:

Spektrum - Spektrum (2003)

Spektrum is a new prog band consisting of members from Galleon, Cross and Grand Sand as well as the female singer, the extraordinaire Lizette von Panajotte. The name Spektrum not only refers to the optical term, but also to the different musical background of the band members. All the key elements are here: dynamics, intricate playing, great solos and foundation rattling bass pedals. And the result is excellent: melodic with female vocals of a quality rarely heard in the genre and refreshing progressive rock with strong compositions and a spotless production.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 41:25
Genre: Neo Prog Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.progressrec.com/spektrum

The Puppini Sisters - Betcha Bottom Dollar (2006)

"Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film The Triplets of Belleville (a French animated movie which features a `40s-style harmony group), The Puppini Sisters -- Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Stephanie O'Brien -- formed in London. Dressed in 1940's-style wardrobe, the three sing like The Andrews Sisters with inspiring harmonies, and perform classics such as "Mr. Sandman," "In The Mood," and "Jeepers Creepers." But what make The Puppini Sisters truly stand out are their show-stopping interpretations of more current tunes." (Official review)

"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" video:


Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Retro Pop
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.thepuppinisisters.com
http://www.myspace.com/puppinisisters

Tim Hart and Maddy Prior - Folk Songs of Old England, Vol.1 (1968)

Original Cover

1968 Alternate Cover


1969 Reissue Cover


1976 Reissue Cover

1991 CD Reissue Cover

Tim Hart and Maddy Prior founded the lengedary British Folk group Steeleye Span. This previous work is acoustic, unlike the rock arrangements Steeleye Span does. Lovely, pure and simple renditions of folk songs with Tim Hart's arrangements and Maddy Prior's stunning voice.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: British Folk
CD reissue: 1991
Quality: 256 Kbps
Official website: http://www.maddyprior.co.uk

Joanna Newson - Ys (2006)

"Joanna Newsom's voice--a piercing flutter that's pitched somewhere between Björk and a hand brake--is an acquired taste. But to the uninitiated, it's not nearly as impenetrable as her cosmic poetry or, for that matter, baroque music. The 24-year-old Californian harpist's second album is a five-track concept piece loosely based on its namesake, the mythological drowned city of the Bretons."

"Sawdust and Diamonds" video:


Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Freak Folk
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Fuchsia - Fuchsia (1971)

"The British band Fuchsia released a little-noticed self-titled album in 1971 that, true to its name, was a fusion of various currents of early-’70s rock, particularly progressive rock and British folk-rock. While guitarist and lead singer Tony Durant was Fuchsia’s main motor as the composer of most of the material, the band’s chief distinguishing mark was its three-woman string section, including cellist Madeleine Bland (who also played piano and harmonium) and violinists Janet Rogers and Vanessa Hall-Smith; all three also contributed backing vocals." (Lastfm.com review)

Basic information:

Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Psychedelic British Folk
CD reissue: 2004
Quality: 256 Kbps
Official website: http://www.myspace.com/fuchsiaprogfolkrock

Elster Silberflug - Ich Fahr Dahin (1974)

"Elster Silberflug is a consort for medieval and renaissance music, and also for german folk music. Since many years, we have been playing on beautyful castles and marketplaces and in the concerthalls of Germany and the surrounding countries. Music of medieval wayfarer and vagabond. Music which rang in the streets, markets and taverns of times gone by." (Official review)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: German
Runtime: 40:47
Genre: Renaissance/German Folk
CD reissue: ??
Quality: 256 Kbps
Official website: http://www.elster-silberflug.de

Carmen - Fandangos in Space (1973)

"In the early seventies, the British-American group CARMEN broke new ground in rock music, combining the British flair for progressive rock with traditional Spanish folk themes into a very fresh, energetic and powerful new mix. The sound is centered around guitar, keyboards are used subtly but to good effect."

Vocals by Angela Allen (mellotron, synth, footwork)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 37:31
Genre: Prog Folk Rock
CD reissue: 2006
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.fandangosinspace.com/

Brainticket - Celestial Ocean (1973)

Original Cover


CD reissue cover

Brainticket is a multi-national group leaded by Belgian keyboardist Joel Vandroogenbroeck. Celestial Ocean is a concept album based on Egyptian Book of the Dead. The music is a early Krautrock mixed with spacey keyboards, electronic realms and strong use of ethnic instruments (zithers, sitars, tablas, cuíca, etc). The vocals are in charge of US-born Carole Muriel.

Basic information:

Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 37:08
Genre: Space/Krautrock
CD reissue: 1997
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.brainticket-art.com/

Architectural Metaphor - Creature of the Velvet Void (1997)

"Massachusetts-based Architectural Metaphor plays pure cosmic space rock. The band consists of Deb Young on vocals and percussion, Paul Eggleston on keyboards and electronics, and Greg Kozlowski on guitars. The actual equipment list is too long to list here, but constitutes a virtual arsenal of instruments and effects. Arch Met's brand of space rock is rarely fast paced. Rather, the focus seems to be on utilizing and experimenting with their storehouse of sonic tools to produce a wide range of sounds" (Aural Innovations review)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 46:23
Genre: Space Rock
Quality: 128 Kbps
Official website: http://www.geocities.com/arcmetgreg
http://www.myspace.com/architecturalmetaphor

Shide & Acorn - The Legend of the Dreamstones (1969)

Shide & Acorn is well known as the british folk group by Under The Tree (1971). This album is compilation of their earlyn demo recordings in 1969 (when they were called Foehammer), released by the first time in 1993. The songs are more psychedelic rock style than british folk style with female/male voices, traditional instruments, mandolins, harpsichords, flutes. Excellent!!

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Psychedelic/British Folk
CD reissue: 2002
Quality: 320 Kbps
Official website: NA

Merlin - Vanish to the Moon (1989)

Don't confuse with many other groups called Merlin

"Merlin is just another in a long list of obscure, largely forgotten progressive bands from days gone by. One of the unusual characteristics of this band is the throwback style of their music, which was highly melodic with multiple vocal tracks and copious amounts of simple piano in addition to the synthesized symphonic sounds." ( ProgArchives.com review)
Vocals by Christiane Haase.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Symphonic Prog Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Lori Burton - Breakout (1967)

Lori Burton's rare 1960s album is decent pop/blue-eyed soul, though it might be more promise than fulfillment. She has a very good earthy voice, delivering both cool sensual low growling and impassioned rasp at the most climactic points. The songs are a mixture of soul and densely produced New York mid-'60s pop/rock, and while they're OK, there isn't that obvious hitbound tune. (Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 33:09
Genre: Pop/Soul
CD reissue: 2005
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Jade - Fly on Strange Wings (1970)

"UK folk-rock classic originally issued in 1970 by Marian Segal with Silver Jade. The album was Melody Maker's 'Album Of The Month' when it was originally released & 30 years later Mojo Magazine named it one of the top ten UK folk albums of the 70s." Highly Recommended.

Don't confuse with many other groups called Jade.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Folk Rock
CD reissue: 2003
Quality: 320 Kbps
Official website: http://www.mariannesegal-jade.com/

Folkdove - Folkdove (1975)

Ultra-rare psych-folk album by obscure French folk band from Bretany. Musically in the line of german folkpsych legends like 'Lang'syne'. Originally released as private pressing in 1975. Vocals by Marsine (psaltery).

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English, French
Runtime:
Genre: Psychedelic Folk
CD reissue: 2003
Quality: 320 Kbps
Official website: NA

Erica Pomerance - You Used to Think (1968)

Erica Pomerance is a Canadian documentary film maker, poet and singer songwriter. In 1968, she assembled a diverse group of musicians to record her debt and sole album. The music is an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, folk and psychedelic rock.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Psychedelic Folk Rock
CD reissue: 2008
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Comus - To Keep From Crying (1974)

"Taking their name from a character in a John Milton poem Comus was a short lived but powerful folk rock band that mixed elements of King Crimson with the influences of Pentangle and Fairport Convention and other more traditional folk outfits." Vocals by Lindsay Cooper (oboe, bassoon)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 41:04
Genre: Prog Folk Rock
CD reissue: 2005
Quality: 128 Kbps
Official website: NA

Bröselmaschine - Bröselmaschine (1971)

"Inspired by the American folk music of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs and Joni Mitchell, German master of acoustic guitar Peter Bursch formed the first line-up of Broselmaschine back in 1968 alongwith flautist/vocalist Jenni Schucker – a female singer with an irresistible whispy voice." (Progarchives.com review)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English, German
Runtime: 35:18
Genre: Krautrock
CD reissue: 2005
Quality: 192-224 Kbps
Official website: NA

Arabesque - The Union (2002)

Don't confuse with a US Prog Rock group.

Originally an jazz/fusion instrumental trio, Arabesque has grown to include a great dual lead vocalists (Katja Salemi & Nicole de Serier du Bizournet). The result is a spacey heavy prog rock but keeping fusion/jazz influences and with wonderful guitar riffs and solos.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Heavy Prog Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: http://www.arabesque-site.com

Part 1 Part 2

Solstice - Circles (1996)

Don't confuse with a British heavy metal and a French Prog Rock groups (and many others).

"This quintet (Female vocals [Emma Brown], violin, keyboards, drums & guitar-vocals) comprising Clive Bunker performs an airy, melodical and refreshing music which blends and goes beyond their influences like Renaissance or Curved Air. Their refined melodies are close to those of IT'S A Beautiful Day, and some developments also remind of Happy The Man." (Musea Records review)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 45:59
Genre: Neo Prog Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Mirage - A Secret Place (2001)

"This french band’s name is inspired by Camel’s album "Mirage", and, listening to them, this is definitely not a coincidence! Their first album nevertheless reveals mature and clever musicians, who clearly want to renew Camel’s inspiration and identity (from the "Mirage" to "Moonmadness" era), as modern/sci-fi lyrics (English singing) testify. With female [Agnès Forner] and male vocals, flute, and most of all beautiful and worked out melodies, these 8 pieces (4 to 10 minutes) are a delicious musical mirage: a french camel!" (Amazon.com review)

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 63:08
Genre: Jazz Rock
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website: NA

Lez Zeppelin - Lez Zeppelin (2007)

"Lez Zeppelin are a New York City-based all-female tribute band, performing the work of Led Zeppelin. They have released a self-titled debut album which was recorded with legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer, best known for his work with Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Kiss."

Line-up: Sarah McLellan (vocals), Lisa Brigatino (bass, mandolin, keyboards), Steph Paynes (guitar, theremin), Helen Destroy (drums)

Tracklisting:
1. Whole Lotta Love
2. The Ocean
3. On the Rocks
4. Since I've Been Loving You
5. Rock and Roll
6. Winter Sun
7. Communication Breakdown
8. Kashmir

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 38:37
Genre: Hard Rock
Quality: 224-320 Kbps
Official website: http://www.lezzeppelin.com
http://www.myspace.com/lezzeppelin

Julie Covington - The Beautiful Changes (1971)

Cd cover reissue

"This is an all-time great collection of bitter-sweet vocals by an artist with a stunning, haunting voice. She brings a sense of nostalgia and 'what might have been' to a variety of tracks that transport you right back to the heady days of the seventies. In essence, this is a collection about romantic possibility-and failure."

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Folk Rock
CD reissue: 1999
Quality: 224-320 Kbps
Official website: NA

Foreningen Til Livets Beskyttelse - Foreningen Til Livets Beskyttelse (1971)

"In English the name of the band is "The organisation for protection of life". Danish avantgarde band based on the group "Den lille Prins". Jazz and folk inspired hippie music." (Spectator Records review) Vocals by Susanne Hamilton.

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime: 40:30
Genre: Psychedelic Folk
CD reissue:
Quality: 192 Kbps
Official website:

Espers - Espers II (2006)

"The sound of ESPERS II was achieved using a mad variety of instruments, from your standard everyday Martin 6-string acoustics, Fender jazzbass and drumkit to more exotic implements such as doumbek, dholak and male & female larynx (which we assume are swung around in the air to produce a recorder-like sound). Espers at play tap into their shared spaces with joy and a sense of humor (and wonder, naturally). The musical outcome is a friendly new sensation — as the record plays, it warms the room and dims the lights with dense yet agile atmospherics, allowing you the listener to relax, despite and yet still in communion with the realities of our present day." (Official release)

The girls:

Meg Baird (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bowed guitar, dulcimer), Brooke Sietinsons (acoustic 6-string guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, chimes, finger cymbals), Helena Espvall (cello).

Basic information:
Origin:
Language: English
Runtime:
Genre: Psychedelic Folk Rock
Quality: 256-320 Kbps
Official website: http://www.espers.org
http://www.myspace.com/espers