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The Folk And International Roots album club
Before any newcomers spend too much time reading this thread, I have to mention that for the time being, the club has CLOSED for lack of interest. Lisnaholic, January 2014.
Welcome to the permanent clubhouse thread of the Folk And International Roots album club. 1. Who is the club for ? It`s for anyone interested in discovering and discussing international folk music. 2. What`s the club going to do ? The plan is to select a folk/world music album for discussion every two weeks, following this monthly schedule:- the date of the month:-.. 1----------7----------14----------21----------30 time to nominate albums:..>>>>>>>.................>>>>>>>>>> vote in poll for one album:................>>>>>>>>....................>>>>>>>> listen to the poll winner:... >>>>>>>>...................>>>>>>>> discuss winning album:.....................>>>>>>>>......................>>>>>>> If it looks complicated, don`t worry, it`s about the same process as any other album club here ! In any given week, there should be two activities you can participate in: nominating and listening or voting and discussing. Just check the day of the month, above, or section 5 below, to know what`s going on. 3. What exactly is Folk And International Roots music ? Originally, "folk music" meant music by unknown composers, which was played on inexpensive instruments and passed on from generation to generation like an oral tradition. The modern music scene has required an expanded definition that encompasses folk-rock, country, and other sub-genres that, to be included, should still retain an easily discernable link with traditional music and, usually, a focus on acoustic instruments. "International roots" music just means all of the above, but applied worldwide too. Anyone who wants to thrash out the nuances of folk-genre definitions is welcome to do it on this thread, or they can go to TheBig3`s thread: http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...fine-folk.html 4. How do I participate ? Just check the monthly calendar above, or the Current Club Status section below. That should tell you what`s happening each week, then follow these simple rules : 1. Post your album nominations in this thread. For everyone`s convenience, please include the release date, album cover (if you can) and a brief description. 2. Look for a separate poll thread to be announced every other week and vote for an album, but please don`t vote for your own nomination. 3. A week after voting for an album, look for a separate discussion thread to air your views on that album. 4. If you nominate an album, you should, out of politeness, contribute to the discussion that follows, even if your album wasn`t chosen. 5. If a nominated album consistently fails to get votes, it may be given a "Last Chance" tag. If it doesn`t win in its Last Chance week, it`ll be deleted. So I hope you`ll join in - the more active members there are, the more fun it`ll be ! Any comments on the club itself are also welcome. 5. Current club status : * You can dream up a nomination of your own, which you are welcome to post at the end of this thread. * You can post a comment about any of our previously chosen albums on any of the following threads. For our most recently discussed album, go to the last link on the list:- First Year ( July 2011-July 2012 ) :- http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-de-lucia.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...hieftains.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...bum-exuma.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...bob-dylan.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...r-valravn.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...ani-keita.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-brothers.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...nset-rise.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...led-album.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...ml#post1137116 http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...th-cotten.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...ry-cooder.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...reg-brown.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...eil-young.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...broughton.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...en-dalton.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...t-ranglin.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...oglenifty.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...n-huur-tu.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...y-douglas.html Second Year ( From July 2012 ):- http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...y-higgins.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...big-blood.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-thompson.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...z-casseus.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...im-sparks.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...ni-diabat.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...bob-dylan.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...za-el-din.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...no-agadez.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-cafund-s.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-bajakian.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...escaleros.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...upaa-oiun.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...pentangle.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...cioc-rlia.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...yaz-niyaz.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...l-medioni.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...n-connors.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...erra-xera.html http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...baba-zula.html |
This is a week for nominating albums ( we`ve only got until the 21st of the month ), so, to be quick, I`m offering this one:-
Irish Heartbeat by Van Morrison and the Chieftains (1988) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg After building up a huge following in their own right, the Irish folk band, The Chieftains, finally teamed up with fellow country-man Van Morrison to produce an album that should have a wide appeal. Eight of the ten tracks are fresh and powerful reworkings of traditional songs; the lyrics do not disappoint and Van Morrison`s unique delivery will send a chill down the most jaded of spines. Add to that the full range of the Chieftains` fiddles, pipes and bodhràn, and you have an album that succeeds on many levels. You can play it loudly and be swept away by the swirling music, or play it softly and it still sounds great. There are moments of joy, nostalgia and mystery, and a heartfelt version of Carrickfergus in which VM pulls out all the stops. VM also contributes two of his own more reflective compositions (including the title track) that fit well into the album although I consider the traditional material much stronger. Well, give the album a listen and you can decide for yourself ! |
Hmmm not sure if this comes somewhere under the folk/international banner;
Passion, Grace and Fire - John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia (1983) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...e-and-Fire.jpg Certainly acoustic, not entirely sure it's folk. Some brilliant spanish guitar though. Just some extra info from the liner notes. Al Di Meola plays in the left channel, Paco De Lucia in the right channel and John McLaughlin in centre. |
I love the Chieftans, not too keen on Van who has a rather moany voice!
I did quite enjoy his country album "Pay The Devi", tho, from a few years back I'll think of an album to nominate Does it have to be a new album? |
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Hako Yamasaki - Tsunawatari
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MGzBS6DRMI...sunawatari.jpg This is an album by Japanese singer/songwriter Hako Yamasaki. Strikingly beautiful, melancholic, and not in English. This record employs some of the standard 1970s studio tricks, but for the most part, it's a true folk record featuring just the artist and her guitar. |
Exuma by Exuma
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1FfeEq4IS8...00/exuma_1.jpg I suppose I'll nominate Exuma's debut album, which was released in 1970. Basically, it's an early freak folk album that incorporates a somewhat African-like vibe into its music. It's rare for me to find an album and enjoy it from start to finish, and I have to say that this is one of those rare albums. |
Valravn - Koder på snor
http://gaffashop.dk/images/Valravn.jpg
I have for you some new version of folk, there exists even name for this genre - folktronic. Valravn is band from Denmark and Faroe Islands, they combinate traditional folk instruments with electronic music. I enjoy music with non-english lyrics, it's fresh change. Unique sound and when it comes to live concert, they create evening full of energy. Their live playing was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. It's folk for open-minded music freaks so I love this album from start to finish. |
http://http://ecx.images-amazon.com/...500_AA300_.jpg
"Nashville Skyline"- Bob Dylan An important album in Dylans' career. Dylan had been taken over by ego till God made him have that motorcycle crash. Dylans' oversized ego crashed at the same time. When he surfaced, he was more grounded and more real. He came back with the superb rootsy classic John Wesley Harding which featured some of his best songs The album closed with a country love song "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" which was a prequel to "Nashville Skyline", his album of simple country songs in which his voice sounded better than ever accompanied by Nashvilles top players The ego was gone. Here was a man making music. And it sounded good |
For some reason my image for the Nashville Skyline album has not appeared. But you know the one
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Talking Timbuktu - Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder (1994)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ngTimbuktu.jpg This one's new to me but sounds promising. |
^ Thanks, fazstp. I know that album and it`s pretty good.
Actually most of the MB album clubs limit the nominations to one per person per poll, so I might hold this album over until the next round, if that`s ok by you. But thanks again - your enthusiasm is appreciated ! |
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Is there a link to listen to the album? John Mclaughlin & Paco de Lucia & certainly great guitarists |
^ Passion,Grace and Fire is our first pollwinner, so it`s time to track it down and give it a listen !
Nominations for albums are always welcome - if you post one now, it`ll be entered for our next poll, which will take place from 7 to 15 August. |
I'll throw out a nomination for one album that'll definitely be a contender for my album of the year this year.
Mamani Keita - Gagner l'argent français (Working for French Money), 2011 http://www.theartsdesk.com/media/k2/...72dd63a_XL.jpg Mamani Keita's 3rd solo album is another extension of her expert fusion sensibilities. On Gagner l'argent français, she mixes traditional Malian folk music with western rock, funk, and electronic styles. Each of the 10 songs has an undeniably unique personality, granted in no small part by Keita's own vocal style. While she sticks closely to the traditional west-African chanting that's common in her culture, she also augments it at times to fit the eclectic blend of sounds that she fronts on this album. Perhaps most importantly, Gagner l'argent français is an album that celebrates diversity. I have not found an official lineup for the album, though the sheer number of instruments from different cultures that can be heard throughout is a testament to this. Though it covers a lot of ground, the heart of this music comes from Africa and is an expression of Malian culture. Fun fact: Since Mamani Keita is Malian royalty, the caste system in her country technically forbids her from making music. She is the sister of the "golden voice of Africa," Salif Keita, who broke this taboo many years ago, and she naturally followed suit. I like the think the world is better off for it. Note: This is not an easy album to find. As far as I know, there are no full songs on youtube from this particular album (the title tracks on there begin about halfway through the song, skipping the beautiful intro to the album.) There are a few songs from her previous albums on there, but she has evolved her sound since. Of course, I would be happy to assist anyone looking for this in PMs. In any case, here is one song from her second album (that I have yet to track down and listen to), Yelema. This song is not representative of her sound on Gagner l'argent français. |
My thanks to everyone who has nominated an album so far - they make for a very varied and interesting bunch of albums.
This post is just to let you know that the recent poll has just closed, with Irish Heartbeat by Van Morrison and the Chieftains as the winner. So it`s time to give that album a listen before we open a discussion thread for it on August 21. Any new nominations would be welcome; they`ll be entered in our next poll, which`ll also be opened on August 21. Don`t forget that it`s your nominations and comments that`ll keep this club alive so please keep them coming ! |
This Is Fire (2006) by Spires That in the Sunset Rise
http://batlyrics.com/v_images/album/...s_fire-big.jpg Felt like we needed a new suggestion or two to help this thread become more active. So... here you go. This Is Fire, Spires That in the Sunset Rise's most accessible album, is not only a great entry point for the band (an all-female one at that), but also free folk and avant-folk. Of course, I use the term "accessible" lightly mainly due to the fact that this album is still very experimental... Squeaky/beautiful violins, ominous guitar playing, and vocals similar to that of The Raincoats and (occasionally) the almighty Comus. This band is slowly becoming one of my favorite folk artists... along with Big Blood, Jandek, and Bert Jansch, and I hope we all get a chance to listen and discuss it in the future. :) Desertshore (1970) by Nico http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...esertshore.jpg You probably know of this album... So I won't say too much about it. It's experimental, folky, dark, drone-like, and it has very unique female vocals. I'll finish on a few quick notes: she's not tone-deaf (like many claim), she has the most interesting solo career out of all the other Velvets (in my opinion), and this album isn't completely murdered by her harmonium playing (such as in a few of her previous releases). That's all... I hope this helps... |
"DESERT WIND"-OFRA HAZA
http://991.com/newgallery/Ofra-Haza-...ind-452246.jpg From the late Nineties, this was Ofra's attempt to reach an international market without abandoning her Israeli Mizrachi roots. A gorgeous album, IMO. Ofra Haza passed away of Aids related illness I'll post some tracks soon |
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^ Thanks for the nomination, Moshe. Looks like a good one. It`ll interesting to see how it makes out in the next the poll, which`ll be opened on Sept 7.
In the meantime, we have a new poll-winner, Exuma by Exuma. So now we all have a week to find it and give it a listen before a discussion thread is opened up, which`ll also be on Sept 7. |
Let's see, how about;
Fred Neil (1966) by Fred Neil http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...-Fred_Neil.jpg Wiki |
Colour Green by Sibylle Baier (Recorded 1970-73, released 2006)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...reen_album.jpg Wiki |
We have a new poll-winning album to listen to this week, Mamani Kieta`s Gagnar l`argent francais and a thread to talk about it will open up on Oct 21.
In the meantime, album nominations, as always, are welcome. In fact, here`s an album I`d like to share:- http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6t8A5Ma3G0...rs-tonight.jpg This is Americana that takes a little from Dylan, a little from Springsteen, but still manages to carve out a territory, and individual voice of it`s own. Like the cover photo, the music has a striped-down, somber beauty; usually mournful, but sometimes erupting into raucous celebration. |
At the moment, we`re going to have six nominations for our next album poll, which`ll open on November 7.
So there`s plenty of time, and plenty of space on the ballot list: how about coming up with some dazzling new nominations, guys ? |
It's beyond November 7, but the voting thread is not open. Can I nominate one album?
Can it be a compilation? If so, I nominate this compilation of african singers: Compilator (it's a seal, not a person): Putumayo Album's name: African Odyssey Year: 2001 http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg Samples can be listened on Amazon: Amazon.com : Music Sampler I nominate it for those songs: Sinama Denw - Habib Koite Mar - Augusto Cego Kecu Minino Na Tchora - Bidinte Raki - Oliver Mtukudzi The Well - Seydu Fundo Di Matu - Manecas Costa |
Greg Brown - The Evening Call (2006)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ening_Call.jpg Rather mellow album from a prolific musician. WIKI |
As things are at the moment, we only have four candidates for the next poll, which`ll open up on Dec. 7, so this would be a good time if anyone has a suggestion to make.
There are still lots of great albums out there waiting to be nominated, lying around like so many neglected wallflowers, just hoping to be invited to the dance that is the FAIR album club. |
Here's a nomination:
http://cover7.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/090/92969.jpg Folksongs and Instrumentals With Guitar (1958) by Elizabeth Cotten It's a blues/folk album by a woman whose talent wasn't discovered until she was 63 years old. It helped inspire the contemporary folk boom that would happen in the coming decade, and it is an essential listen for any avid fan of the genre. A very unique album... |
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They played here with Deer Tick recently. I didn't make the show but a friend of mine did and he said these guys were amazing. I'll have to check out this album but is there anything you'd recommend? |
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There are a couple of clips on this thread to show you what you missed: http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...-brothers.html Prior to Tonight At The Arizona they brought out a self-titled album, which is just as good.It has a similar feel; full of their characteristically short, melancholic songs and, for anyone who is overdosing on Christmas cheer, the marvelously depressing "Murder By Mistletoe". The album they made after Tonight At The Arizona is called Yonder Is The Clock and it has a much rougher sound, with harsher vocals. It took me a while to get used to it, but I`m such a fanboy that I made the effort and haven`t regretted it. |
The latest poll winner is the Elizabeth Cotten album recommended by Jackpat, so why not give it a listen and join in the discussion thread which`ll open on January 7th.
In the meantime, does anyone have any new nominations they`d like to share ? Put in a suggestion now and it`ll be included in the next poll, also opening on January 7th. |
"I asked Hank Williams, How lonely does it get ?
Hank Williams hasn`t answered yet..." Something tells me that Leonard Cohen must`ve hosted an MB album club at some point in his career ! Later today I`ll be posting a new poll, so if anyone has an album they`d like to share, today would be a good day to post it on this thread. Also welcome would be any suggestions that might help to make this club more active. :) |
The most recent poll was under-subscribed to say the least, so, to conform with the club the calendar, I`m going to leave it one more week to see if any new nominations come in, then I`ll open another poll on Jan 21st and see if that does any better.
If that poll flatlines too, I guess I`ll reluctantly declare the FAIR album club clinically dead. :( |
Hey, I'll start to participate in this more. This club really deserves more attention and it's ridiculous about the lack of turn out in both the discussions and the voting.
Anyways, I'll go ahead and nominate The Complete Guide to Insufficiency (2005) by David Thomas Broughton. I've been really digging it for the past couple of days and would love to share it with the lot of you. If you want some information on it or a brief description, then just click on the David Thomas Broughton thread that I made recently. |
How about
Karen Dalton - It's So Hard to Tell Who's Going to Love You the Best (1969) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ren_Dalton.jpg Great bluesy vocals on this first release from Karen Dalton. This is the opening track. Her version of the Fred Neil track A Little Bit of Rain. Wikipedia |
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Think I may have mentioned this one in the defunct SHAC but might as well toss it in here.
June Tabor - Ashore (2011) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...hore_cover.jpg Newer release from a prolific English folky. |
Because of the grand clear-out in the last poll, we`re now down to just two (or arguably three) nominated albums. Also, I missed the exact kick-off date for the new selection poll, so I`m figuring now that it might be best if we skip a fortnight.
Instead of a poll opening on April 7, as it should`ve done, how about opening the next poll on April 21 ? This`ll give us time to come up with new nominations, I hope, while staying in step with the sequence shown on the OP calendar. :) |
On the international side this is a rather peaceful diversion from Armenia featuring the duduk (a traditional reed woodwind). Not particularly ground breaking but a kind of melancholy beauty.
Songs From a World Apart - Lévon Minassian and Armand Amar. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg . |
Well done, fazstp! I`ll be nominating something new too, and let`s hope that Jack Pat comes up with something.
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