Back catalogue: Folk/Americana

Review: He might be a wise old rock and roll figurehead now just as well known for being a famous friend of former Present Barrack Obama (if you haven't already, check out the pair's podcast, it is well worth hearing) but the age-defying voice behind enduring anthem 'Born in the USA' still knows how to have a little fun. And it comes in the form of this special bit of white festive wax (a picture disc version is also available on Juno) featuring his take on two Christmas classics. 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' and 'Because The Night' both get gravelly, epic makeovers that will warm your heart on a cold winter's eve.

Review: Tamara Lindeman was at a real transition point in life when What Am I Going to do With Everything I Know was first unveiled. A six track strong EP, here the moodiness and tangible sense of isolation, loneliness, and hopelessness that had once emanated from her voice dissipates into equally tender and gentile thoughts on an impending marriage and all that may come with it. For some, an equally troubling time in their lives, for others something to truly work towards and - when it finally arrives - celebrate, either way it's a subject ripe for emotional songwriting.

But in actual fact, Lindeman, her fiance and troupe treat the concept of matrimony with something close to apathy, or at least lackadaisical 'might as well'-ness. The culmination of this record, 'Almost Careless', sees her ask the question 'what if', but in a way that's neither excited nor nervous, but simply filled with inquisitiveness and a matter of fact consideration.

Review: It was probably easy to come up with a catchier title for this collection of treasured recordings from one of the 20th Century's greatest lost talents. But like everything Buckley and music, ease isn't really part of the story, that is unless you're referencing the pure bliss of listening to this legend's voice, which is as easy on the ear as you could ask for.

Comprising tracks that were originally captured for broadcast, they reveal the very essence of what Buckley was about. Heartfelt, open-veined songs that grasp the human condition in astute swoops, by this point in his career the folk and Americana signatures had merged with jazz and abstract elements, presenting an image of a restless artist determined to keep exploring. It's been said before, but we will reiterate; had it not been for the tragic overdose a year after the OGWT recording featured here, we can only imagine where his oeuvre would have ended up.

Review: Given their roots as an all-female band helmed by two sisters, it's not surprising that Northumbrian folk stars the Unthanks have used their platform to deliver numerous albums inspired by, or made in tribute to, creative women. Perhaps the most famous of these is 2017's 'Diversions Volume 4: The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake', which first hit stores in 2017. Now reissued, the album sees them deliver interpretations of poems and songs written by Nick Drake's mother, Molly, whose incredible work only came to light following her death in 1993. It's an inspired and evocative collection all told, with sweet renditions of Drake's songs - laid to tape in typical Unthanks fashion, with the Unthank sisters' harmony vocals accompanied by evocative folk instrumentation - accompanied by acapella readings of some of her thoughtful and emotive poems.