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 Product Description
Subtitled "Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006", Tell Tale Signs, the eighth of Dylan's long running Bootleg series of officially approved outtakes, comes in two formats. The two-disc version consists of 27 tracks, including alternate versions of songs from his last three studio sets: Oh Mercy, Time out of Mind and Modern Times. Even non-obsessives will be seduced by the highlights here. A lovely sparse solo version of "Most of the Time", just Dylan strumming guitar and blowing a wheezy harmonica, outdoes the Daniel Lanois-produced original. The bleak, stately "Can't Escape from You", the sad and beautiful Civil War epic "Cross the Green Mountain", "The Lonesome River" a bluegrass standard with vocals from Ralph Stanley and a great, lo-fi live version of Reverend Gary Davis's influential "Cocaine Blues" are all standouts. Two versions of "Dignity"--a piano demo that reduces it to an oddly naked state and an unexpected rockabilly take--neatly capture the idea behind these volumes--to expose dedicated fans to the overlooked and underestimated parts of Dylan's constantly shifting oeuvre. --Steve Jelbert
Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
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That's Proper Folk
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Various Artists;
Proper;
2008-04-07;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £1.89
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Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price
a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it!
Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this.
Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either.
Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose...
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The Very Best of Jake Thackray
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Jake Thackray;
EMI Gold;
2003-04-14;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £3.65
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Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record. "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones. The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff. Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album. Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material. buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it! Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this. Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either. Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose... Spread the word: Jake's the greatest, 18 Jan 2008
As a tiny lad in the late 60s I used to love Jake's tv appearances - I loved the sound of his guitar playing and his deadpan delivery and his vocals used to have me in stitches, though I couldn't have understood 99% of the lyrics! Then last year, four decades later, I read an article on the release of Jake's boxed set in Mojo magazine. Straight onto Amazon I ordered myself a copy of the Very Best of Jake Thackray. What a fabulous delight. I have since ordered another five copies which I've sent out to various friends, and here I am on Amazon again, ordering another three copies for further friends. Spreading the word. Jake, you're fab, unique and wonderful. There will never be anyone else like you. Wishing you were here. More than brilliant songs, 21 Feb 2006
It is impossible to know and hear the very best of Jake Thackray without hearing him speak as well as sing. I had the privilege of seeing Jake perform live on three seperate occasions during the late 70's and early 80's. Whilst his musical talent was (and still is) unique, this fine compilation is missing the vital ingredient that made him so special - his words. Occasionally you can get a little of the atmosphere with the live tracks when he introduces a song but to really appreciate how good he was you had to be there. For every song there was a story and these represented at least half of the show and were a major reason why people went to see him. So come on Music Publishers lets try to find a recording of one of Jake's gigs and publish it without any editing - only then will you really get "the very best of Jake Thackray". Beware Copy Protection, 26 Apr 2004
I can only echo the other comments, but would point out that the copyprotection prevents this disc from playing on at least one in-car CDplayer. Not so much a copy-protected product as one that is deliberatelybroken by the manufacturer. jake the rave, 17 Mar 2004
Some classics which many will know, along with some hidden gems which stand up straight of their own accord and give you a proper Northern slap in the face as if to say, "give those pretentions a rest and try to digest this if you will." You will laugh and be touched in equal parts by these songs, from the blacksmith's happy end to the song for the river swale. Beautiful, try it. A Unique Talent, 06 Jun 2003
Being a young lad of only 23 Years, I never knew Jake at the hight of his fame, goodness only knows why i had to accidentally stumble over his music to hear anything by him. He should be a national tresure. He manipulates the English language in a way words can't really do justice to describe. The more up tempo songs i particularly enjoy 'the lodger' 'billy kershaw' 'gypsy' & 'on again!' spring to mind, but they are all good, apart from 'molly metcalf' which shouldnt really be on a very best of collection. Given the chance i would have put the 'castleford ladies magical circle' and 'family tree' on this collection. RIP Jake
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Fotheringay Vol.2
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Fotheringay;
Fledg'ling;
2008-09-29;
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Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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Amazon: £8.98
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Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record. "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones. The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff. Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album. Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material. buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it! Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this. Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either. Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose... Spread the word: Jake's the greatest, 18 Jan 2008
As a tiny lad in the late 60s I used to love Jake's tv appearances - I loved the sound of his guitar playing and his deadpan delivery and his vocals used to have me in stitches, though I couldn't have understood 99% of the lyrics! Then last year, four decades later, I read an article on the release of Jake's boxed set in Mojo magazine. Straight onto Amazon I ordered myself a copy of the Very Best of Jake Thackray. What a fabulous delight. I have since ordered another five copies which I've sent out to various friends, and here I am on Amazon again, ordering another three copies for further friends. Spreading the word. Jake, you're fab, unique and wonderful. There will never be anyone else like you. Wishing you were here. More than brilliant songs, 21 Feb 2006
It is impossible to know and hear the very best of Jake Thackray without hearing him speak as well as sing. I had the privilege of seeing Jake perform live on three seperate occasions during the late 70's and early 80's. Whilst his musical talent was (and still is) unique, this fine compilation is missing the vital ingredient that made him so special - his words. Occasionally you can get a little of the atmosphere with the live tracks when he introduces a song but to really appreciate how good he was you had to be there. For every song there was a story and these represented at least half of the show and were a major reason why people went to see him. So come on Music Publishers lets try to find a recording of one of Jake's gigs and publish it without any editing - only then will you really get "the very best of Jake Thackray". Beware Copy Protection, 26 Apr 2004
I can only echo the other comments, but would point out that the copyprotection prevents this disc from playing on at least one in-car CDplayer. Not so much a copy-protected product as one that is deliberatelybroken by the manufacturer. jake the rave, 17 Mar 2004
Some classics which many will know, along with some hidden gems which stand up straight of their own accord and give you a proper Northern slap in the face as if to say, "give those pretentions a rest and try to digest this if you will." You will laugh and be touched in equal parts by these songs, from the blacksmith's happy end to the song for the river swale. Beautiful, try it. A Unique Talent, 06 Jun 2003
Being a young lad of only 23 Years, I never knew Jake at the hight of his fame, goodness only knows why i had to accidentally stumble over his music to hear anything by him. He should be a national tresure. He manipulates the English language in a way words can't really do justice to describe. The more up tempo songs i particularly enjoy 'the lodger' 'billy kershaw' 'gypsy' & 'on again!' spring to mind, but they are all good, apart from 'molly metcalf' which shouldnt really be on a very best of collection. Given the chance i would have put the 'castleford ladies magical circle' and 'family tree' on this collection. RIP Jake
Better late than never, 22 Oct 2008
Spotted in a bookshop in Bakewell, Derbyshire. There wasn't a "2" was there? So I bought it. And it's hardly been off in the car since. I agree with other reviewers that not every song here is a gem, but the Lucas numbers do have something that stirs the sentiments. (You who said he wasn't a great songwriter, I present exhibit A - "Bring 'em Down" on Fairport 9). It's true though that it's the Denny tracks that really stir the soul. Her remarkable ability to interpret a song never disappoints on this disc.
With all the emotion in the vocals, and all the Telecaster Pyrotechnics of the genius Donahue, it's easy to ignore the superb foundation on which this edifice is built. British folk-rock music has provided some of the best rhythm sections in the world. Conway and Donaldson excel on this album, always supporting, always enhancing, always driving, and never overwhelming. And as to the production values, the three remaining members deserve a medal for obtaining a purity of sound that 21st century ears won't baulk at, while retaining the essential feel and style of a '70's recording.
I doubt you'll be disappointed if you buy it. For me, it's a minor masterpiece.
flawed but still a must-buy, 16 Oct 2008
The unexpected release of this CD is undoubtedly the folk event of 2008. It's a throwback to an idyllic time when folk music was inventive and exciting unlike the sterile unimaginative stuff of the last 30 years - Eliza Carthy and the sadly defunct 18th Day of May being honourable exceptions.Buy it? Of course buy it.
There are negatives. Some of the tracks will be already familiar to us all - "John the Gun" and "Late November" feature on Sandy's magical "Northstar Grassman" album. The Strawbs "Two Weeks" also can be found as a bonus track on Fotheringay 1. But the greatest fault is the inclusion of two very poor tracks. For me "Wild Mountain Thyme" is an insipid thing , even if Sandy sings it.As an Irishman I loved how Sandy interpreted our old ballad "She Moved through the Fair" with the Fairports. Compare that with this piece of Scottish "late night too many drams" drowsiness.
But far worse is the truly dire "Silver Threads". How could such a gifted songwriter bring herself to sing such pap. Compare the bland lyrics and juvenile imagery here to her own high poetry in "Late November". The band might have saved this but they appear to quickly lose interest. The backing is listless , at best dutiful.Except Donahue's final notes of joyous relief.
But there is brilliance too. The best track I've heard for years is the minor epic "Bold Jack Donahue". Trevor Lucas is the villian of the piece for many Sandy/Fairport fans - the Oz who plucked the English rose , broke up the Fairports and later Sandy's career and heart etc. Joe Boyd is no fan.In his book "White Bicycles" (pp228-229) Boyd sees Lucas as a talentless, exploitative guy who turned Sandy into "a nervous wreck". Boyd was a superb producer but I think he's unfair , at least on the issue of talent. Trevor is a great singer. His delivery of "Polly on the Shore" on FC's "Nine" album was superb. "Bold Jack" is similar - Lucas owns the ballad from first to last and his interpretation is blindingly good.The band really get into it too , with some superb riffs and grace notes from the sublime Jerry Donahue. I also felt Lucas stole the show on Fotheringay 1 with his interpretation of "The Way I Feel" (described by Boyd as "filler" !!).Anyway if Sandy loved him - that must count for something.
Finally there is the best Black Jack Davey version you'll ever hear. Mind you ,the You Tube clip of "Gypsy Davey" is even better than this studio version. The live performance is incredibly good and Jerry's solo before the final verse is outstanding. See this clip and realise just how good this band was - you'll definitely want this CD in your collection.
Tyme to move the mountains back where they belong, 15 Oct 2008
Sandy Denny's demo of 'Wild Mountain Tyme' that I heard on Youtube recently is one of the most beautiful renditions of a traditional folk ballad I have ever heard. I could not wait to hear it in pristine condition on 'Fotheringay 2'. Jerry Donahue and the guys have done a fine job of adding some beautiful instrumentation to the track but..shock horror...it is ruined when a deep male voice harmonises under Sandy's voice. I could not believe it, as a track that had a sound conjuring beautiful Gaelic imagery is suddenly turned into Aslan the Lion (the deep voice,) bounding out of the hedgerows turning the piece into a christian singalong. The deep voice singer can sing but it was so disappointing for me to hear an outside voice on top of Sandy's performance that I am so used to hearing her sing 'solo'.
Personal preferences aside, Jerry Donahue and the rest of the group have done a top notch job in delicately adding eloquent instrumentation to both 'John The Gun' and 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' which is a very strong piece of work. Although at first the many clicks that can be heard and Denny's vocal on Verse Two of 'John The Gun' that is chopped up, (probably because of the age of the master tape,) is slightly distracting, on second onwards listening they are scarcely noticeable.
As majestic as the bands playing is, revamping the old master tapes, I do not feel that this is a five star album, although I do think it is a very fine and admirable one nonetheless.
Denny is always welcomed but..., 14 Oct 2008
Fotheringay Vol.2
First, this is not an unfinished album, but the collection of leftovers from BBC sessions, not "originally recorded at Sound Techniques" as quoted, at least most of the tracks weren't. "John The Gun" was from November 1970 BBC, but with recently overdubbed sax(?!) in the vain of similarly tempered "Gold Dust" concert where, apart from Sandy's voice, just the bits were from the original concert. "Eppy Moray" and wonderful "Wild Mountain Thyme" were the versions from BBC April 1970, and Fairport concert standard "Knights On The Road" definitely didn't belong here same as "Restless". Frankly, I believe that these two tracks were recorded by Trevor Lucas after Fotheringay disbanded, because Fotheringay never performed these tunes, nor live nor on BBC. Also, it sounds as some of the instruments were recorded much more recently that 1970, same as "I Don't Believe You". "Late November", "Gypsy Davey" and "Two Weeks Last Summer" were recorded during 1st album sessions and were not the part of BBC sessions.
Still, I see this as an essential addition to every decent collection of Sandy Denny, although definitely not as the previously unfinished second album of Fotheringay. If Mr. Donahue wanted to assemble the collection of what was left behind he could use brilliant "Lowlands Of Holland" from BBC Folk On One or folk-rock version of "Memphis Tennesee". I am sure that their inclusion would make this compilation better value for money.
Raking over the ashes, 14 Oct 2008
I don't think this was worth doing, although Sandy Denny had a wonderful voice there isn't much here than will bear repeated listening. Silver Threads and Golden Needles gains nothing from a dirge-like tempo, it is a country song; Trevor Lucas's voice really sets my teeth on edge and the vaunted sax solo has too many technical deficiencies. I suppose what I am trying to say is enjoy Sandy in her prime with Fairport, not this second rate pastiche. And surely she knew that Fotheringhay isn't in Scotland!
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Matachin
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Bellowhead;
Navigator;
2008-09-22;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.89
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Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record. "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones. The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff. Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album. Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material. buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it! Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this. Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either. Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose... Spread the word: Jake's the greatest, 18 Jan 2008
As a tiny lad in the late 60s I used to love Jake's tv appearances - I loved the sound of his guitar playing and his deadpan delivery and his vocals used to have me in stitches, though I couldn't have understood 99% of the lyrics! Then last year, four decades later, I read an article on the release of Jake's boxed set in Mojo magazine. Straight onto Amazon I ordered myself a copy of the Very Best of Jake Thackray. What a fabulous delight. I have since ordered another five copies which I've sent out to various friends, and here I am on Amazon again, ordering another three copies for further friends. Spreading the word. Jake, you're fab, unique and wonderful. There will never be anyone else like you. Wishing you were here. More than brilliant songs, 21 Feb 2006
It is impossible to know and hear the very best of Jake Thackray without hearing him speak as well as sing. I had the privilege of seeing Jake perform live on three seperate occasions during the late 70's and early 80's. Whilst his musical talent was (and still is) unique, this fine compilation is missing the vital ingredient that made him so special - his words. Occasionally you can get a little of the atmosphere with the live tracks when he introduces a song but to really appreciate how good he was you had to be there. For every song there was a story and these represented at least half of the show and were a major reason why people went to see him. So come on Music Publishers lets try to find a recording of one of Jake's gigs and publish it without any editing - only then will you really get "the very best of Jake Thackray". Beware Copy Protection, 26 Apr 2004
I can only echo the other comments, but would point out that the copyprotection prevents this disc from playing on at least one in-car CDplayer. Not so much a copy-protected product as one that is deliberatelybroken by the manufacturer. jake the rave, 17 Mar 2004
Some classics which many will know, along with some hidden gems which stand up straight of their own accord and give you a proper Northern slap in the face as if to say, "give those pretentions a rest and try to digest this if you will." You will laugh and be touched in equal parts by these songs, from the blacksmith's happy end to the song for the river swale. Beautiful, try it. A Unique Talent, 06 Jun 2003
Being a young lad of only 23 Years, I never knew Jake at the hight of his fame, goodness only knows why i had to accidentally stumble over his music to hear anything by him. He should be a national tresure. He manipulates the English language in a way words can't really do justice to describe. The more up tempo songs i particularly enjoy 'the lodger' 'billy kershaw' 'gypsy' & 'on again!' spring to mind, but they are all good, apart from 'molly metcalf' which shouldnt really be on a very best of collection. Given the chance i would have put the 'castleford ladies magical circle' and 'family tree' on this collection. RIP Jake
Better late than never, 22 Oct 2008
Spotted in a bookshop in Bakewell, Derbyshire. There wasn't a "2" was there? So I bought it. And it's hardly been off in the car since. I agree with other reviewers that not every song here is a gem, but the Lucas numbers do have something that stirs the sentiments. (You who said he wasn't a great songwriter, I present exhibit A - "Bring 'em Down" on Fairport 9). It's true though that it's the Denny tracks that really stir the soul. Her remarkable ability to interpret a song never disappoints on this disc.
With all the emotion in the vocals, and all the Telecaster Pyrotechnics of the genius Donahue, it's easy to ignore the superb foundation on which this edifice is built. British folk-rock music has provided some of the best rhythm sections in the world. Conway and Donaldson excel on this album, always supporting, always enhancing, always driving, and never overwhelming. And as to the production values, the three remaining members deserve a medal for obtaining a purity of sound that 21st century ears won't baulk at, while retaining the essential feel and style of a '70's recording.
I doubt you'll be disappointed if you buy it. For me, it's a minor masterpiece.
flawed but still a must-buy, 16 Oct 2008
The unexpected release of this CD is undoubtedly the folk event of 2008. It's a throwback to an idyllic time when folk music was inventive and exciting unlike the sterile unimaginative stuff of the last 30 years - Eliza Carthy and the sadly defunct 18th Day of May being honourable exceptions.Buy it? Of course buy it.
There are negatives. Some of the tracks will be already familiar to us all - "John the Gun" and "Late November" feature on Sandy's magical "Northstar Grassman" album. The Strawbs "Two Weeks" also can be found as a bonus track on Fotheringay 1. But the greatest fault is the inclusion of two very poor tracks. For me "Wild Mountain Thyme" is an insipid thing , even if Sandy sings it.As an Irishman I loved how Sandy interpreted our old ballad "She Moved through the Fair" with the Fairports. Compare that with this piece of Scottish "late night too many drams" drowsiness.
But far worse is the truly dire "Silver Threads". How could such a gifted songwriter bring herself to sing such pap. Compare the bland lyrics and juvenile imagery here to her own high poetry in "Late November". The band might have saved this but they appear to quickly lose interest. The backing is listless , at best dutiful.Except Donahue's final notes of joyous relief.
But there is brilliance too. The best track I've heard for years is the minor epic "Bold Jack Donahue". Trevor Lucas is the villian of the piece for many Sandy/Fairport fans - the Oz who plucked the English rose , broke up the Fairports and later Sandy's career and heart etc. Joe Boyd is no fan.In his book "White Bicycles" (pp228-229) Boyd sees Lucas as a talentless, exploitative guy who turned Sandy into "a nervous wreck". Boyd was a superb producer but I think he's unfair , at least on the issue of talent. Trevor is a great singer. His delivery of "Polly on the Shore" on FC's "Nine" album was superb. "Bold Jack" is similar - Lucas owns the ballad from first to last and his interpretation is blindingly good.The band really get into it too , with some superb riffs and grace notes from the sublime Jerry Donahue. I also felt Lucas stole the show on Fotheringay 1 with his interpretation of "The Way I Feel" (described by Boyd as "filler" !!).Anyway if Sandy loved him - that must count for something.
Finally there is the best Black Jack Davey version you'll ever hear. Mind you ,the You Tube clip of "Gypsy Davey" is even better than this studio version. The live performance is incredibly good and Jerry's solo before the final verse is outstanding. See this clip and realise just how good this band was - you'll definitely want this CD in your collection.
Tyme to move the mountains back where they belong, 15 Oct 2008
Sandy Denny's demo of 'Wild Mountain Tyme' that I heard on Youtube recently is one of the most beautiful renditions of a traditional folk ballad I have ever heard. I could not wait to hear it in pristine condition on 'Fotheringay 2'. Jerry Donahue and the guys have done a fine job of adding some beautiful instrumentation to the track but..shock horror...it is ruined when a deep male voice harmonises under Sandy's voice. I could not believe it, as a track that had a sound conjuring beautiful Gaelic imagery is suddenly turned into Aslan the Lion (the deep voice,) bounding out of the hedgerows turning the piece into a christian singalong. The deep voice singer can sing but it was so disappointing for me to hear an outside voice on top of Sandy's performance that I am so used to hearing her sing 'solo'.
Personal preferences aside, Jerry Donahue and the rest of the group have done a top notch job in delicately adding eloquent instrumentation to both 'John The Gun' and 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' which is a very strong piece of work. Although at first the many clicks that can be heard and Denny's vocal on Verse Two of 'John The Gun' that is chopped up, (probably because of the age of the master tape,) is slightly distracting, on second onwards listening they are scarcely noticeable.
As majestic as the bands playing is, revamping the old master tapes, I do not feel that this is a five star album, although I do think it is a very fine and admirable one nonetheless.
Denny is always welcomed but..., 14 Oct 2008
Fotheringay Vol.2
First, this is not an unfinished album, but the collection of leftovers from BBC sessions, not "originally recorded at Sound Techniques" as quoted, at least most of the tracks weren't. "John The Gun" was from November 1970 BBC, but with recently overdubbed sax(?!) in the vain of similarly tempered "Gold Dust" concert where, apart from Sandy's voice, just the bits were from the original concert. "Eppy Moray" and wonderful "Wild Mountain Thyme" were the versions from BBC April 1970, and Fairport concert standard "Knights On The Road" definitely didn't belong here same as "Restless". Frankly, I believe that these two tracks were recorded by Trevor Lucas after Fotheringay disbanded, because Fotheringay never performed these tunes, nor live nor on BBC. Also, it sounds as some of the instruments were recorded much more recently that 1970, same as "I Don't Believe You". "Late November", "Gypsy Davey" and "Two Weeks Last Summer" were recorded during 1st album sessions and were not the part of BBC sessions.
Still, I see this as an essential addition to every decent collection of Sandy Denny, although definitely not as the previously unfinished second album of Fotheringay. If Mr. Donahue wanted to assemble the collection of what was left behind he could use brilliant "Lowlands Of Holland" from BBC Folk On One or folk-rock version of "Memphis Tennesee". I am sure that their inclusion would make this compilation better value for money.
Raking over the ashes, 14 Oct 2008
I don't think this was worth doing, although Sandy Denny had a wonderful voice there isn't much here than will bear repeated listening. Silver Threads and Golden Needles gains nothing from a dirge-like tempo, it is a country song; Trevor Lucas's voice really sets my teeth on edge and the vaunted sax solo has too many technical deficiencies. I suppose what I am trying to say is enjoy Sandy in her prime with Fairport, not this second rate pastiche. And surely she knew that Fotheringhay isn't in Scotland!
A burlesque collision between a folk band and a big band , 11 Nov 2008
The excellent CD booklet that comes with this CD informs us that the name Matachin is enigmatic and of uncertain origin .Originally thought to be Arabic and derived from the word mutawajjihin meaning "mask-wearer" though now it is considered to derive from the Italian mattaccino the diminutive of the meaning matto -mad or fool. This is more apt for this 11 piece band have a certain barmy frisson . There is also a hypothesis that the name comes from an old Spanish sword dance ! This album could make you dance though I suspect it will make your head spin and your knees pop out of their sockets if you do .
Bellowhead are for the uninitiated, which until listening to Matachin I was, like a burlesque collision between a folk band and a big band . The music is expansive and fervently expressive with cello, fiddle, violin, trumpet , trombone, oboe, pipes, mandolin, banjo , concertina and avid percussion. There are elements of jazz, music hall , cabaret, mariachi , traditional folk and it's all done with a playful vigour that doesn't subtract from the wonderfully individual performances.
That booklet also helpfully explains the origin of each song excluding the three short instrumental vignettes dubbed helpfully Vignette one , two , three. To be honest the album wouldn't lose anything if these hadn't been included. However the same cannot be said of tracks like "Widows Curse" a traditional song arranged by Pete Flood with emphatic burgeoning strings and a terrific twittering oboe. Or of "Kafoozalum/The Priests Miss" which again is a trad song arranged by the band and is so completely barmy it would make Jeremy Paxman jig. "Roll Her Down The Bay " a shanty arranged by Pete Flood seems a touch incoherent and slapdash but is actually cleverly arranged .
What is also noticeable is the way the band can cleverly arrange a song to match it's subject matter. The way that Kipling's 1896 poem "Cholera Camp" has wheezy sounding horns or the unearthly trumpet on "Spectre Review" or the woozy but rambunctious "Whiskey Is The Life Of Man" .Then by way of contrast opening track "Fakenham Fair" is more gracious and mannered and the head spinning cello/accordion on "Trip To Bucharest" segueing into "The Flight Of The Folk Mutants Parts 1 & 2" is just a giddy joy.
The vocals by Jon Bodem occasionally struggle to match the intensity and virtuosity of the songs and it made me wonder just how special this band could be if they had a vocalist as unique and powerful as Devotchka .s Nick Urata. None the less in a great year for albums Matachin is another to add to the list. Splendidly singular stuff.
Brilliant, 08 Nov 2008
They go from strength to strength. The arrangements are innovative and exciting - I love it!
the unique, thoroughly live, irrepressible and irreplaceable Bellowhead, 29 Oct 2008
If you have an ear each side of your head rather than a collection of labels, prejudices and musical anxieties, if your spirit is actually moved by music, if you got (any) rhythm, if you've heard/seen them live or haven't and wish their tour schedule was wider and longer, if ... hang on. Why are you still reading this? Try a few sample bits off iTunes or whatever and then buy the CD. You'll see it's not "just" folk yet grows from the tradition, and it doesn't mess folk up merely to be trendy. It's music with bottom and also plenty of top, bursting at the seams yet carefully considered and controlled, it tells stories but it doesn't ramble on with its finger in its ear, it can fight you and it can soothe you, it's highly entertaining and unexpected, it has real integrity it's...unique.
Matachin, 24 Sep 2008
Fun, lively, sinister; pure Bellowhead. This is a wonderful album that really shows how the band has developed since Burlesque. Burlesque was good, but at times it felt like 'the Spiers and Boden band' rather than showing Bellowhead up in all its glory. Matachin rectifies this in style. The arrangements are well thought out and the ensemble is top notch, and full of the band's trademark quirkiness. I challenge you to keep still!
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Poor Man's Heaven
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Seth Lakeman;
Relentless;
2008-06-30;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.94
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Product Description
Seth Lakeman's fourth solo album, Poor Man's Heaven, moves him ever closer to the mainstream, his frantic fiddle playing backed with a small, tight band fully aware of the power they generate. But the Dartmoor-based folk singer still digs into local folklore for material. The pounding opener "The Hurlers" refers to an ancient stone formation in Cornwall, while "Solomon Browne" commemorates the more recent loss with all hands of the Penlee lifeboat - Lakeman knew some of the bereaved as a schoolboy. Clearly a larger recording budget--his breakthrough record, 2004's Mercury nominated Kitty Jay, was recorded in his kitchen for three hundred quid--hasn't mollified his Saturnine tendencies. Having emerged from the purist folk scene, rather than the more chilled folktronica side, Lakeman must now be wondering how far he can go. The jaunty "Race To Be King" features maybe the loudest Jew's harp ever recorded, while Kathryn Roberts' haunting backing vocals on "Cherry Red Girl" add depth (though he might be overdoing it on the old red though, included songs called "Crimson Dawn" and "Blood Red Sky"). The title track though is the giveaway, a blatant and undeniably effective reminder that Led Zeppelin defined the heavy folk-rock crossover decades ago. Lakeman yelps like a West Country Robert Plant, sounding like a man with stadia in his sights.--Steve Jelbert
Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record. "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones. The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff. Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album. Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material. buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it! Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this. Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either. Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose... Spread the word: Jake's the greatest, 18 Jan 2008
As a tiny lad in the late 60s I used to love Jake's tv appearances - I loved the sound of his guitar playing and his deadpan delivery and his vocals used to have me in stitches, though I couldn't have understood 99% of the lyrics! Then last year, four decades later, I read an article on the release of Jake's boxed set in Mojo magazine. Straight onto Amazon I ordered myself a copy of the Very Best of Jake Thackray. What a fabulous delight. I have since ordered another five copies which I've sent out to various friends, and here I am on Amazon again, ordering another three copies for further friends. Spreading the word. Jake, you're fab, unique and wonderful. There will never be anyone else like you. Wishing you were here. More than brilliant songs, 21 Feb 2006
It is impossible to know and hear the very best of Jake Thackray without hearing him speak as well as sing. I had the privilege of seeing Jake perform live on three seperate occasions during the late 70's and early 80's. Whilst his musical talent was (and still is) unique, this fine compilation is missing the vital ingredient that made him so special - his words. Occasionally you can get a little of the atmosphere with the live tracks when he introduces a song but to really appreciate how good he was you had to be there. For every song there was a story and these represented at least half of the show and were a major reason why people went to see him. So come on Music Publishers lets try to find a recording of one of Jake's gigs and publish it without any editing - only then will you really get "the very best of Jake Thackray". Beware Copy Protection, 26 Apr 2004
I can only echo the other comments, but would point out that the copyprotection prevents this disc from playing on at least one in-car CDplayer. Not so much a copy-protected product as one that is deliberatelybroken by the manufacturer. jake the rave, 17 Mar 2004
Some classics which many will know, along with some hidden gems which stand up straight of their own accord and give you a proper Northern slap in the face as if to say, "give those pretentions a rest and try to digest this if you will." You will laugh and be touched in equal parts by these songs, from the blacksmith's happy end to the song for the river swale. Beautiful, try it. A Unique Talent, 06 Jun 2003
Being a young lad of only 23 Years, I never knew Jake at the hight of his fame, goodness only knows why i had to accidentally stumble over his music to hear anything by him. He should be a national tresure. He manipulates the English language in a way words can't really do justice to describe. The more up tempo songs i particularly enjoy 'the lodger' 'billy kershaw' 'gypsy' & 'on again!' spring to mind, but they are all good, apart from 'molly metcalf' which shouldnt really be on a very best of collection. Given the chance i would have put the 'castleford ladies magical circle' and 'family tree' on this collection. RIP Jake
Better late than never, 22 Oct 2008
Spotted in a bookshop in Bakewell, Derbyshire. There wasn't a "2" was there? So I bought it. And it's hardly been off in the car since. I agree with other reviewers that not every song here is a gem, but the Lucas numbers do have something that stirs the sentiments. (You who said he wasn't a great songwriter, I present exhibit A - "Bring 'em Down" on Fairport 9). It's true though that it's the Denny tracks that really stir the soul. Her remarkable ability to interpret a song never disappoints on this disc.
With all the emotion in the vocals, and all the Telecaster Pyrotechnics of the genius Donahue, it's easy to ignore the superb foundation on which this edifice is built. British folk-rock music has provided some of the best rhythm sections in the world. Conway and Donaldson excel on this album, always supporting, always enhancing, always driving, and never overwhelming. And as to the production values, the three remaining members deserve a medal for obtaining a purity of sound that 21st century ears won't baulk at, while retaining the essential feel and style of a '70's recording.
I doubt you'll be disappointed if you buy it. For me, it's a minor masterpiece.
flawed but still a must-buy, 16 Oct 2008
The unexpected release of this CD is undoubtedly the folk event of 2008. It's a throwback to an idyllic time when folk music was inventive and exciting unlike the sterile unimaginative stuff of the last 30 years - Eliza Carthy and the sadly defunct 18th Day of May being honourable exceptions.Buy it? Of course buy it.
There are negatives. Some of the tracks will be already familiar to us all - "John the Gun" and "Late November" feature on Sandy's magical "Northstar Grassman" album. The Strawbs "Two Weeks" also can be found as a bonus track on Fotheringay 1. But the greatest fault is the inclusion of two very poor tracks. For me "Wild Mountain Thyme" is an insipid thing , even if Sandy sings it.As an Irishman I loved how Sandy interpreted our old ballad "She Moved through the Fair" with the Fairports. Compare that with this piece of Scottish "late night too many drams" drowsiness.
But far worse is the truly dire "Silver Threads". How could such a gifted songwriter bring herself to sing such pap. Compare the bland lyrics and juvenile imagery here to her own high poetry in "Late November". The band might have saved this but they appear to quickly lose interest. The backing is listless , at best dutiful.Except Donahue's final notes of joyous relief.
But there is brilliance too. The best track I've heard for years is the minor epic "Bold Jack Donahue". Trevor Lucas is the villian of the piece for many Sandy/Fairport fans - the Oz who plucked the English rose , broke up the Fairports and later Sandy's career and heart etc. Joe Boyd is no fan.In his book "White Bicycles" (pp228-229) Boyd sees Lucas as a talentless, exploitative guy who turned Sandy into "a nervous wreck". Boyd was a superb producer but I think he's unfair , at least on the issue of talent. Trevor is a great singer. His delivery of "Polly on the Shore" on FC's "Nine" album was superb. "Bold Jack" is similar - Lucas owns the ballad from first to last and his interpretation is blindingly good.The band really get into it too , with some superb riffs and grace notes from the sublime Jerry Donahue. I also felt Lucas stole the show on Fotheringay 1 with his interpretation of "The Way I Feel" (described by Boyd as "filler" !!).Anyway if Sandy loved him - that must count for something.
Finally there is the best Black Jack Davey version you'll ever hear. Mind you ,the You Tube clip of "Gypsy Davey" is even better than this studio version. The live performance is incredibly good and Jerry's solo before the final verse is outstanding. See this clip and realise just how good this band was - you'll definitely want this CD in your collection.
Tyme to move the mountains back where they belong, 15 Oct 2008
Sandy Denny's demo of 'Wild Mountain Tyme' that I heard on Youtube recently is one of the most beautiful renditions of a traditional folk ballad I have ever heard. I could not wait to hear it in pristine condition on 'Fotheringay 2'. Jerry Donahue and the guys have done a fine job of adding some beautiful instrumentation to the track but..shock horror...it is ruined when a deep male voice harmonises under Sandy's voice. I could not believe it, as a track that had a sound conjuring beautiful Gaelic imagery is suddenly turned into Aslan the Lion (the deep voice,) bounding out of the hedgerows turning the piece into a christian singalong. The deep voice singer can sing but it was so disappointing for me to hear an outside voice on top of Sandy's performance that I am so used to hearing her sing 'solo'.
Personal preferences aside, Jerry Donahue and the rest of the group have done a top notch job in delicately adding eloquent instrumentation to both 'John The Gun' and 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' which is a very strong piece of work. Although at first the many clicks that can be heard and Denny's vocal on Verse Two of 'John The Gun' that is chopped up, (probably because of the age of the master tape,) is slightly distracting, on second onwards listening they are scarcely noticeable.
As majestic as the bands playing is, revamping the old master tapes, I do not feel that this is a five star album, although I do think it is a very fine and admirable one nonetheless.
Denny is always welcomed but..., 14 Oct 2008
Fotheringay Vol.2
First, this is not an unfinished album, but the collection of leftovers from BBC sessions, not "originally recorded at Sound Techniques" as quoted, at least most of the tracks weren't. "John The Gun" was from November 1970 BBC, but with recently overdubbed sax(?!) in the vain of similarly tempered "Gold Dust" concert where, apart from Sandy's voice, just the bits were from the original concert. "Eppy Moray" and wonderful "Wild Mountain Thyme" were the versions from BBC April 1970, and Fairport concert standard "Knights On The Road" definitely didn't belong here same as "Restless". Frankly, I believe that these two tracks were recorded by Trevor Lucas after Fotheringay disbanded, because Fotheringay never performed these tunes, nor live nor on BBC. Also, it sounds as some of the instruments were recorded much more recently that 1970, same as "I Don't Believe You". "Late November", "Gypsy Davey" and "Two Weeks Last Summer" were recorded during 1st album sessions and were not the part of BBC sessions.
Still, I see this as an essential addition to every decent collection of Sandy Denny, although definitely not as the previously unfinished second album of Fotheringay. If Mr. Donahue wanted to assemble the collection of what was left behind he could use brilliant "Lowlands Of Holland" from BBC Folk On One or folk-rock version of "Memphis Tennesee". I am sure that their inclusion would make this compilation better value for money.
Raking over the ashes, 14 Oct 2008
I don't think this was worth doing, although Sandy Denny had a wonderful voice there isn't much here than will bear repeated listening. Silver Threads and Golden Needles gains nothing from a dirge-like tempo, it is a country song; Trevor Lucas's voice really sets my teeth on edge and the vaunted sax solo has too many technical deficiencies. I suppose what I am trying to say is enjoy Sandy in her prime with Fairport, not this second rate pastiche. And surely she knew that Fotheringhay isn't in Scotland!
A burlesque collision between a folk band and a big band , 11 Nov 2008
The excellent CD booklet that comes with this CD informs us that the name Matachin is enigmatic and of uncertain origin .Originally thought to be Arabic and derived from the word mutawajjihin meaning "mask-wearer" though now it is considered to derive from the Italian mattaccino the diminutive of the meaning matto -mad or fool. This is more apt for this 11 piece band have a certain barmy frisson . There is also a hypothesis that the name comes from an old Spanish sword dance ! This album could make you dance though I suspect it will make your head spin and your knees pop out of their sockets if you do .
Bellowhead are for the uninitiated, which until listening to Matachin I was, like a burlesque collision between a folk band and a big band . The music is expansive and fervently expressive with cello, fiddle, violin, trumpet , trombone, oboe, pipes, mandolin, banjo , concertina and avid percussion. There are elements of jazz, music hall , cabaret, mariachi , traditional folk and it's all done with a playful vigour that doesn't subtract from the wonderfully individual performances.
That booklet also helpfully explains the origin of each song excluding the three short instrumental vignettes dubbed helpfully Vignette one , two , three. To be honest the album wouldn't lose anything if these hadn't been included. However the same cannot be said of tracks like "Widows Curse" a traditional song arranged by Pete Flood with emphatic burgeoning strings and a terrific twittering oboe. Or of "Kafoozalum/The Priests Miss" which again is a trad song arranged by the band and is so completely barmy it would make Jeremy Paxman jig. "Roll Her Down The Bay " a shanty arranged by Pete Flood seems a touch incoherent and slapdash but is actually cleverly arranged .
What is also noticeable is the way the band can cleverly arrange a song to match it's subject matter. The way that Kipling's 1896 poem "Cholera Camp" has wheezy sounding horns or the unearthly trumpet on "Spectre Review" or the woozy but rambunctious "Whiskey Is The Life Of Man" .Then by way of contrast opening track "Fakenham Fair" is more gracious and mannered and the head spinning cello/accordion on "Trip To Bucharest" segueing into "The Flight Of The Folk Mutants Parts 1 & 2" is just a giddy joy.
The vocals by Jon Bodem occasionally struggle to match the intensity and virtuosity of the songs and it made me wonder just how special this band could be if they had a vocalist as unique and powerful as Devotchka .s Nick Urata. None the less in a great year for albums Matachin is another to add to the list. Splendidly singular stuff.
Brilliant, 08 Nov 2008
They go from strength to strength. The arrangements are innovative and exciting - I love it!
the unique, thoroughly live, irrepressible and irreplaceable Bellowhead, 29 Oct 2008
If you have an ear each side of your head rather than a collection of labels, prejudices and musical anxieties, if your spirit is actually moved by music, if you got (any) rhythm, if you've heard/seen them live or haven't and wish their tour schedule was wider and longer, if ... hang on. Why are you still reading this? Try a few sample bits off iTunes or whatever and then buy the CD. You'll see it's not "just" folk yet grows from the tradition, and it doesn't mess folk up merely to be trendy. It's music with bottom and also plenty of top, bursting at the seams yet carefully considered and controlled, it tells stories but it doesn't ramble on with its finger in its ear, it can fight you and it can soothe you, it's highly entertaining and unexpected, it has real integrity it's...unique.
Matachin, 24 Sep 2008
Fun, lively, sinister; pure Bellowhead. This is a wonderful album that really shows how the band has developed since Burlesque. Burlesque was good, but at times it felt like 'the Spiers and Boden band' rather than showing Bellowhead up in all its glory. Matachin rectifies this in style. The arrangements are well thought out and the ensemble is top notch, and full of the band's trademark quirkiness. I challenge you to keep still!
Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
Well, album number 4 from Seth Lakeman finds him backed by a major label. Not good news for someone who's used to recording albums in kitchens. So, it was with some scepticism that I listened to Poor Man's Heaven and it was to say the least, a huge letdown. For a start, I don't personally LIKE the songs. They are bland to the extreme, and as several reviewers have already noted, mostly at the same tempo. Did his metronome break or something? Not good. On the plus side, I do like Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne. The latter is a slightly obscure subject but is poignant and comes across well, despite sounding cluttered - a sparser sound may have suited it better and let the lyrics breathe a little.
To me it all sounds far too mainstream orientated, which is a pity. Then again, it's hardly surprisng given that Relentless made him re-record Freedom Fields. I mean, WTF?
Masterfully evocative and balanced, 09 Nov 2008
I have been trying not to give many five-star reviews anymore, instead trying to save them for something special; this record deserves all five. ALong with Elbow, 'Poor Man's Heaven' is the best release of the year, and his finest so far. I love the production; too many albums these days are produced with a blend of instruments creating a wall of sound, with some vocals laid on top. Although there are times in this record where several instruments are playing, the listener can always decifer each individual note.
A good example is on the track 'Race to be King', where there is a tangle of instruments rattling along together and evoking the real sense of a chaotic race. There are numerous moments on the album like this, it's a really well-paced, meticulously crafted piece with great lyrics and wonderful structure.
At first I thought songs like 'Cherry Red Girl' and 'I'll Haunt You' were perhaps slightly weaker, but I was soon bewitched by the chant-like quality of the former, and the powerful mid-chorus of the latter. So, no bad tracks then, but some that stand above others.
Initially I thought 'The Hurlers' the finest track Seth has produced; then came 'Crimson Dawn', which swayed me. This is a beautiful song with Kathryn Roberts' vocals really working. Then, four tracks in,'Blood Red Sky' arrives. This song is a peach; powerful, well-written, catchy and exciting; it's a fine moment that comes in just before Solomon Brown, many people's favourite on the album. By this point I had decided that 'Poor Man's Heaven' is a real acheivement; a tour-de-force, conjuring vivid images of the sea, storms, beauty, and red. Lots of red; roses, blood, sunrises et al.
So, five real stars for this album. Seth has demonstrated how a record should be made. 'Poor Man's Heaven' is passionate, crafted, evocative, perfectly balanced, and as intimate as a gig in a pub on a rainy evening.
Time to do a three star review; Kings of Leon's new one then..
A Disappointment, 21 Sep 2008
I've tried, I really have but I do not like this. All the tracks are very similar. There is no light and shade. It's completely overproduced. Where is the fiery fiddling which brought him to so many people's attention.
He is definitely moving full speed to pop stardom. I"m beginning to think that Seth Lakeman's best album will always be Kitty Jay.
Excellent modern folk/rock blend, 08 Sep 2008
I bought this having heard only one track - I'll Haunt You. I wasn't disappointed. Other favourites of mine are "The Hurlers" - a foot-stomping track and the poignant "Solomon Browne", which tells of the Penlee lifeboat tragedy. Well worth buying, a great listen.
Formulaic, 08 Sep 2008
I had high hopes for this, but as it turns out it is a big let down. It sounds like Seth has got into a rut as there is none of the imaginativeness that made Kitty Jay and Freedom Fields so distinctive. I can only agree with the other reviewer who said that all the tracks sound the same. It sounds like it was written to a formula: fiddle:check, guitar:check, drum:check: now Seth just sing the last track over again and we'll call it something diferent 'cause no one will notice. Can I have my money back?
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Lah-Di-Dah
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Jake Thackray;
EMI;
1991-07-15;
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Usually dispatched within 6 to 9 days
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Amazon: £2.98
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Customer Reviews
Clearly a five star album, 19 Nov 2008
How this is averaging so low is beyond me - it's the best album I've heard all year by a country mile. The alternative take of Can't Wait - magestic, unsettling, and superior to the original release in every way - would alone make this unmissable. Add to that the alternative takes of Mississippi - his greatest song of the last decade - and the wonderful unheard track, Girl from the Red River Shore, and this is absolutely essantial. Don't listen to the naysayers - this is a great record.
"You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way", 16 Nov 2008
This is effectively a follow up to Bootleg series vol 1 - 3 (1961 - 91)
How anyone thought they could find 2 let alone 3 discs worth of recent material to compare with those glory years is beyond me. Dylan has had several peaks over the decades, but each has hit a lesser height.
Dylan's released work of the last ten years, while good, does not match the mid seventies era (Planet Waves / Blood on the Tracks / Desire), let alone the mid sixties classics. These outtakes reflect that drop in quality. There is nothing here to match "Blind Willie McTell" or "Last thoughts on Woody Guthrie" that appeared on the vol 1-3 set.
Anyway, the bad stuff first:
There is far too much filler here. The two (two!) versions of "Mississippi" are mediocre demos add nothing to my appreciation of the released version. "Series of Dreams" apppeared as a finished outtake on vol 1-3, why do we need an inferior demo on this editon? Some of the live tracks reflect Bob's inconsistency as a performer. "High Water" may have a sentimental resonance for the people of New Orleans, but it is a rotten performance.
Good stuff:
Two versions of Dignity - in two different arrangements with different lyrics (but one would have been enough!).
"Red River Shore" / "Greenbriar Shore" a Dylan original and the folk song it is based on.
"Ring Them Bells" live - a superb live performance - but why is it the only track from the four nights he recorded at the Supper Club?
The remaining tracks vary from ok to good. The finished movie songs being the better ones.
The best yet, 04 Nov 2008
The standard of the bootleg series has been consistently high - this collection demonstrates that Bob's output since Oh Mercy is as strong as anything he's done in his career.
Some suprise acoustic versions of songs (Most of the Time, originally off Oh Mercy and Mississipi from Time out of Mind), the opportunity to get Tell Old Bill and Cross the Green Mountain in a Dylan rather than a movie soundtrack collection and excellent live tracks plus Red River Shore as a completeley unrealeased song, make this a great collection.
I know people moan about the rip off 3 disk version, get the third disc elswhere and enjoy this two disc collection!
Brilliant stuff.
Every track tells a tale, 29 Oct 2008
This 8th in the series of Dylan Bootleg Series was well worth the wait.
There is some dedate over which version to buy, both the single and double CDs are good value, both coming with the excellent 64 page booklet, which for hardcore Dylan fans is worth the price alone.
For me, it's the cooking Live tracks from 2002/2003 which make this a must-buy, plus the superb unreleased tracks from "Oh Mercy" and "Time out of mind". Both these albums were heralded as returns to form and the best Dylan product of their respective decades, the 80s and 90s.
Side 1 ends with "High Water" which is such a delight, you just want to be in the crowd giving it large. Similarly, "Lonesome Day Blues" on side 2 is as smoking a live track as you'll hear this year.
People who raved over the discovery of Blind Willy McTell on the 1st set of the Bootleg Series will not be disappointed by the gems unearthed on this superb album.
Review the reviews!, 27 Oct 2008
Most of the very negative reviews pertain to the ridiculously overpriced three CD version of this album--buyers of that version (me among them) are rightly outraged at the low value for money.
Please note that there's nothing wrong with the two CD version, which is in fact the one that should be reviewed at this place (there's also a one CD version--the "Single" version--but that's best left on the shelves).
Whatever version you consider, the album in itself contains a more than decent collection of tracks; as many reviewers found, however, there might have been a little more new or unknown material.
buy this, 05 Nov 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price
a lot of fun on this cd, 12 Oct 2008
I don't really know what proper folk is but this cd is a lot of fun-sent me looking for other stuff the various artists have done. certainly the best thing i've done with £2 for a very long time. Buy it!
Fun, 13 Sep 2008
A selection of short stories, rich in meaning, but with no pretensions. Great fun to listen to again and again, especially on long car journeys, because as each Country of origin or Story-teller changes we become alert and ready. Am so impressed that I really want to buy another compilation album like this.
Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either.
Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..
Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose...
Spread the word: Jake's the greatest, 18 Jan 2008
As a tiny lad in the late 60s I used to love Jake's tv appearances - I loved the sound of his guitar playing and his deadpan delivery and his vocals used to have me in stitches, though I couldn't have understood 99% of the lyrics! Then last year, four decades later, I read an article on the release of Jake's boxed set in Mojo magazine. Straight onto Amazon I ordered myself a copy of the Very Best of Jake Thackray. What a fabulous delight. I have since ordered another five copies which I've sent out to various friends, and here I am on Amazon again, ordering another three copies for further friends. Spreading the word. Jake, you're fab, unique and wonderful. There will never be anyone else like you. Wishing you were here.
More than brilliant songs, 21 Feb 2006
It is impossible to know and hear the very best of Jake Thackray without hearing him speak as well as sing. I had the privilege of seeing Jake perform live on three seperate occasions during the late 70's and early 80's. Whilst his musical talent was (and still is) unique, this fine compilation is missing the vital ingredient that made him so special - his words. Occasionally you can get a little of the atmosphere with the live tracks when he introduces a song but to really appreciate how good he was you had to be there. For every song there was a story and these represented at least half of the show and were a major reason why people went to see him.
So come on Music Publishers lets try to find a recording of one of Jake's gigs and publish it without any editing - only then will you really get "the very best of Jake Thackray".
Beware Copy Protection, 26 Apr 2004
I can only echo the other comments, but would point out that the copyprotection prevents this disc from playing on at least one in-car | | |