The Best Albums of 2005

Tracy Grammer - Flower of Avalon

2001 saw the release of Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer’s stunning ‘Drum Hat Buddha’ which was, and still is one the best albums we’ve ever carried. Sadly Dave died in 2002 and in addition to the legacy of the three excellent duo albums.... full review

£13.49

Dar Williams - My Better Self

Since her debut album, each of Dar’s albums has seen her incorporate new elements and styles in her writing and sound, but ‘My Better Self’ a measured mix of her previous releases and everything here sounds natural and unforced. The album has .... full review

£13.49

The Wailin' Jennys - 40 Days

The Wailin’ Jennys are three Canadian contemporary singer/songwriters, and while Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody are all established artists in their own right, the combination of the three together.... full review

£13.49

Ellis Paul - American Jukebox Fables

Ellis Paul is one of the more dynamic folk singer/songwriters around one with a stylistically varied back catalogue that ranges from the trad Boston folk of ‘Say Something’ through to the experimental ‘Sweet Mistakes’; even armed with the knowledge.... full review

£13.49

Jess Klein - Strawberry Lover

Almost five years after her excellent ‘Draw them Near’ album, Jess has returned with another striking disc – ‘Strawberry Lover’ follows her move from Boston to Brooklyn, and this relocation is matched by a subtle change in sound.... full review

£13.49

Rachel Ries - For You Only

'For You Only' is an extraordinary album - simply recorded and arranged it focuses mainly on Rachel's voice and guitar and leads the listener down a varied and adventurous musical and lyrical path.
The songs are contemporary pieces.... full review

£13.49

Lynn Miles - Love Sweet Love

Miles’ previous album ‘Unravel’ was a pretty bleak and barren affair, but the contrast with this new disc is obvious from the start of the opening track – it’s not that her familiar darkness isn’t present in her writing, but the musical tone.... full review

£13.49

Jory Nash - Spaz Loves Weezie

Although improbably titled (it’s taken from a piece of graffiti Nash saw whilst on the road in his native Canada), this, his fourth and strongest independent release is an accessible, varied and intelligent collection that deserves.... full review

£13.49

Kate Rusby - The Girl Who Couldn't Fly

Excellent album that mixes traditional folk with Kate's own songs; it’s all beautifully arranged and performed and Kate's voice is still the main point of focus for the listener, but the backing from her own guitar and a wide range.... full review

£13.49

AJ Roach - Dogwood Winter

Over the past few years folk-country Appalachian music has enjoyed a real renaissance with many high profile releases featuring traditional songs, styles and instrumentation. AJ Roach operates in a similar musical field, but where he differs.... full review

£12.99

Pete Morton - Flying an Unknown Flag

Over the past few years Pete Morton has produced some of the best British folk influenced singer/songwriter discs around - his albums are, without exception uniformly excellent, this new collection continues the trend as it's full of memorable.... full review

£13.49