The Best Albums of 2006

Mark Erelli - Hope and Other Casualties

The artwork of this, Mark’s 5th album pays homage to Dylan’s ‘The Times They Are A-Changin' cover art, and while that makes a bold statement about the disc, it’s one that he carries off throughout the 11 tracks. ‘Hope and Other Casualties’ is.... full review

£13.49

Bellowhead - Burlesque

Bellowhead, winners of the BBC Radio 2 folk award for Best Live Act 2005, are a dynamic 11-piece band combining the traditional skills of John Spiers, Jon Boden, Benji Kirkpatrick, Paul Sartin, Rachael McShane and Giles Lewin combined with.... full review

£13.49

Crooked Still - Shaken by a Low Sound

Their debut ‘Hop High’ is one of the finest contemporary US folk discs around and this follow up expands and delivers on the promise on that disc. Technically, this drummerless quartet are as good as it gets and Aoife’s vocals are beautifully clear.... full review

£13.49

Antje Duvekot - Big Dream Boulevard

Of all the discs that have come through the Fish Records doors, there is only a handful that have really left a lasting impression on the first listen; I can recall the first time I heard Dar Williams’ ‘Honesty Room’ and Anais Mitchell’s ‘Hymns for the Exiled’.... full review

£12.99

Tim Van Eyken - Stiffs Lovers Holymen Thieves

While traditional folk music has seen a revival and increase in exposure over the past 10 years thanks to a raft of talented young artists, the way in which Tim Van Eyken has reinterpreted the songs that make up this album puts.... full review

£13.49

Krista Detor - Mudshow

Over the latter half of 2006, Krista Detor’s ‘Mudshow’ has been picking up some excellent reviews in Europe, but has stayed below most people’s radar, making it one of the best kept secrets of the year. One listen through the disc and.... full review

£13.49

Brett Dennen - So Much More

The opening strains of ‘Ain’t No Reason’ will certainly make you sit up and pay attention on the first listen through – Dennen’s vocals are astonishing as he has a very female sounding voice and singing style, immediately bringing to mind both.... full review

£13.49

Eilen Jewell - Boundary County

One of the most memorable debut albums to come our way over the past few years, Eilen Jewell’s ‘Boundary County’ is a collection of 13 songs that mix country, folk and blues into an album of memorable and authentic Americana.... full review

£13.49

AJ Roach - Revelation

Like his excellent debut disc this is a contemporary singer/songwriter album with its roots firmly in the Appalachian Mountains, the singing style and instrumentation can be easily linked to the region’s history, but he’s certainly no slave to the tradition.... full review

£12.99

Jeffrey Foucault - Ghost Repeater

While Jeff’s previous two albums are stunning collections with brilliant lyrics and imagery, the one criticism that can levelled at them is that they lack a little accessibility as the dark lyrics and musical textures can be overbearing at times. This new album.... full review

£13.49

Alana Levandoski - Unsettled Down

Although ‘Unsettled Down’ may be Canadian Levandoski’s debut release, this album of folk/country songs is a fully rounded and accomplished collection. The tracks are mainly acoustic guitar based with traditional.... full review

£13.49