The Spiral Earth 2007 Retrospective
At Spiral Earth we recognize that creativity is not a competition. With our small window into the artists lives we can appreciate the commitment shown to their art. So first things first, a big thank you to everyone we've covered. We appreciate all the hardwork and we love the music.
However at this time of year, somewhere between the last mince pie being digested and venturing back onto the highstreet to bravely hit the balance enquiry button our thoughts turn to the cultural highpoints of the last twelve months. So one evening the whole of team Spiral, yes all two of us, barricaded ourselves in the office at HQ with the last of the eggnog and some industrial strength coffee to contemplate the big question. After a long night of soul searching we emerged blinking into the light with a list of recommendations to stimulate your senses from the year that was 2007.
Festivals
2007 felt like there were more festivals than ever before, and something at every level, from free one day affairs to the increasing number that cater for 5,000 plus and have word class acts on the bill.
Then the weather hit.
The misery of having a festival cancelled can't compare to the horror of having your house wrecked, and I hope everyone who experienced it first hand is back to normal or on their way to it by now. I know how grim it can be, friends of mine who were flooded out in Hull still haven't got back into their house after all these months. The floods washed out some festivals and hit others with reduced ticket sales and I fear that the effects will stretch into 2008. Some festivals haven't recovered from the loss of revenue whilst others such as the Big Green Gathering are facing huge bills from the local councils and police for licensing and 'security' (money for old rope by any other name).
Luckily, it takes more than bad weather and bureaucrats to dampen the resolve of all the brilliant people that organise these festivals and live events across the country. I'd like to wish them an especially good New Year!
David Kushar
My five stand-out albums of the year:-
Trespasser by Chris Wood
Hard hitting songs of sensory overload from one of folks heavy hitters.
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/chris-wood-trespasser.asp
Tonight At The Arizona by the Felice Brothers
Visiting our shores for the first time this year for some truely ramsackle shows. These boys from New York's Catskill Mountains deal in the most chaotic and rootsy Americana.
http://www.myspace.com/thefelicebrothers
Wistman's Wood by Wistman's Wood
This trio of Devonians stunned us with their evocation of the southwest landscape and the odd Norweigian song!
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/wistman.asp
Fairest Floo'er by Karine Polwart
This has sneaked into the shops over Christmas. Don't let it languish there too long. The ideal soundtrack of trad songs for the thin winter sunlight.
http://www.karinepolwart.com/
Fresh As A Sweet Sunday Morning by Bert Jansch
A career spanning live trip through Bert's back catalogue with selected tracks from his latest beauty 'The Black Swan'.
http://www.bertjansch.com/
Dave Kushar
Iain Hazlewood
My five stand-out albums of the year:-
Rosemarie by Thistletown
Playing this album feels like lying down in a summer meadow with the sun warming your body and the birds singing merrily in the hedgerows. It feels as if it's been with you for ages as elements of Trees, Forest, Pentangle and early Fairport are gently referenced in it's melodies. In these days of cramming CD's with as many songs as possible it has just eight tracks, and it leaves you wanting more.
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/rosemarie.asp
www.myspace.com/thistletown
The Bairns by Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
This stands out from the crowd on almost every level, songs, arrangements, musicianship, production, you name it, this album is staggeringly good. There is a load of blather in the press about 're-inventing' folk music for the 21st Century, the simple fact is that good contemporary folk music is not afraid of it's heritage and can be absolutely of it's time without having to overthrow what's come before.
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/the-bairns.asp
www.rachelunthank.com
Roots The Best of Show Of Hands
Fifteen years of fantastic English roots music. This double CD compilation reminds us just how good they are and stands on it's own feet as a cohesive album, something 'best of's' so rarely are. The whole package is a treat, from the lavish packaging to the extensive sleeve notes. If you haven't got any SOH in your collection, shame on you, go out and grab a copy of this perfect introduction to the masterful duo.
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/the-best-of-show-of-hands.asp
www.showofhands.co.uk
The Gathering by Marianne Segal featuring Circulus
From the moment I heard about this match made in heaven I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed one bit. Marianne has one of the most recognisable voices in folk-rock, it's been a long wait for new material from her, The Gathering makes the wait worthwhile. Michael Tyack works magic over the whole proceedings, as a musician and producer. I just hope they do some live dates in 2008!
Tomorrows Laughter by Sara Lowes
This only hit my desk a week or two ago, hardly enough time to make an impression on my best of the year list surely...
Yet I keep playing it, and what better criteria for this kind of list! Sara has a great voice and great uplifting songs. Mark my words, she will be big in 2008...
http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/sara-lowes-tomorrows-laughter.asp
www.myspace.com/saralowes
Iain Hazlewood
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