Albums of 2007: vintage year, gem of a winner
October 23, 2007
Martin Simpson pictured by David Angel
James Keelaghan from his official site
November is not even upon us, but I have decided to present an early list of my albums of 2007.
It is possible that something may yet come along to challenge my verdict.
But I would be astonished if the remaining two months of the year, rarely the most active period for important new releases as opposed to Christmas target material, produced a serious rival for Salut! Live’s folk album of the year.
Martin Simpson take a bow.
When Prodigal Son appeared, I said only something quite exceptional would shake my conviction that this was a record that was unlikely to be bettered. And so it has proved, despite a stream of compelling CDs from James Keelaghan, Lau, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset………the list goes on, and you will see it in full if you bear with me.
You will also discover the reason why Kate Rusby is denied her rightful No 2 slot and has to make do with a special award.
This has been a vintage year for folk. But never forget one golden rule: what you see here is intended as a guide, not an instruction. If you already know you share my tastes, or think you do, all but one of the albums listed can be bought at knockdown prices from my record shelf Salut! Listens in the sidebar to your right (or from the artist's own site in Talitha MacKenzie's case). I will find suitable prizes for the best three Comments* posted at Salut! Live and identifying releases you think I have overlooked.
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