VA - Topic Records: The Real Sound of Folk Music (2017)

The perfect introduction to Topic Records the worlds oldest surviving independent record label, set featuring 28 specially selected tracks from the labels vast catalogue. The story of Topic is synonymous with the growth of folk as a musical and social movement in Britain and these recordings demonstrate the bridge between modern music and a traditional art form. On this set you will find some of the most remarkable singers, songs and tunes - either drawn directly from the tradition or inspired by it.

Tracks featured include John Tam's, Unity, Steve Ashley's ,Ships of Shame, Dick Gaughan's, Both Sides the Tweed and Ewan MacColl's, Dirty Old Town.

Many of the tracks deal with social issues of the time and there are also re-workings of great traditional story songs like - Anne Briggs' Blackwater Side, Mike Watersons' Tamlyn, Nic Jones' Canadee-i-o and the majestic performances by Martin Simpson, Shirley Collins, Davy Graham, Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy and The Watersons.

Topic also offers up June Tabor and Oysterband cover version of Joy Divisions classic Love Will Tear Us Apart.

Pentangle, Andrew Cronshaw, Brass Monkey, Vin Garbutt, Johnny Handle, Bill Caddick, The Cheviot Ranters, Cilla Fisher and Artie Tresize, Silly Sisters, Tim Van Eyken, Peter Bellamy and Oak - the list goes on - a fulfilling and haunting introduction to the great legacy of the folk tradition and Topic Records

TRACKLIST

01. Dick Gaughan - Both Sides the Tweed
02. Harry Upton - Canadee-I-O
03. Davy Graham - Angi
04. Shirley Collins - The Sweet Primroses
05. Martin Simpson - Never Any Good
06. Andrew Cronshaw - Wasps in the Woodpile
07. Pentangle - The Time Has Come
08. Anne Briggs - Blackwater Side
09. Martin Carthy feat. Dave Swarbrick - Scarborough Fair
10. Eliza Carthy - Worcester City
11. Ewan MacColl - Dirty Old Town
12. Watersons - Pace-egging Song
13. Silly Sisters - Hedger and Ditcher
14. John Tams - Unity (Raise Your Banners High)
15. June Tabor - Love Will Tear Us Apart
16. Brass Monkey - The Handweaver and the Factory Maid
17. Steve Ashley - Ships of Shame
18. Vin Garbutt - The Land of Three Rivers
19. Johnny Handle - Dust
20. Mike Waterson - Tamlyn
21. Bill Caddick - Two-fisted Heroes
22. The Cheviot Ranters - The Ideal Schottische
23. Artie Trezise - Blue Bleezin' Blind Drunk
24. The Full English - Man in the Moon
25. Jack Elliott - Talking Dust Bowl Blues
26. Tim Van Eyken - Barleycorn
27. Peter Bellamy - When I Die
28. Oak - Scan's Polkas