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