Fish Records Mailer - Issue 40

The excellent list of high profile releases continues into the early summer with memorable discs from Jeffrey Foucault, Kris Delmhorst, Heather Eatman, Slaid Cleaves and Josh Ritter amongst the new albums. The two discs that were the catalyst for the start of Fish Records are now available in the UK for the first time in many years; those who don’t have Dar Williams’ first two albums should seek these out as they remain two of the best folk-singer/songwriter of the past 15 years.

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.... full review

£13.49

Kris Delmhorst - Strange Conversation

Kris’ third album for Signature Sounds sees her drawing inspiration from the work of a number of celebrated poets, but rather than being a dry and academic exercise the whole collection feels modern and light...... full review

£13.49

Slaid Cleaves - Unsung

While known for some strong albums and some exceptional standout songs he’s taken a different approach for the release of Unsung and has released an album of songs from his favourite writers. Rather than covering well known artists and songs.... full review

£13.49

Josh Ritter - The Animal Years

‘The Animal Years’, Josh’s first album for a major label marks a subtle change in direction from his two previous Signature Sounds releases. There’s an altogether more substantial feel to many of the lyrics and the whole collection feels centered.... full review

£13.49

Various - Sail Away (songs of Randy Newman)

As one of the finest songwriter's of his generation, Randy Newman's songs are famous for their scathing and insightful edge and wit combined with a sharp turn of phrase. This stunning disc gives some of the biggest and best names in country/folk..... full review

£13.49

Heather Eatman - Doll Hospital

Heather Eatman's 'Candy & Dirt' remains my favourite pop singer/songwriter that Fish Records carries; intelligent, barbed lyrics wrapped up in great melodies; so the arrival of a new collection of songs is more than welcome here.... full review

£13.49

Peter Mulvey - The Knuckleball Suite

Peter Mulvey is a truly distinct artist; as a lyricist he’s articulate and unpredictable, and his rhythmic guitar work and varying musical styles make him stand out from the crowd. This description could apply to any of his previous albums, but this new disc.... full review

£13.49

Johnsmith - Break Me Open

Johnsmith is an established and understated contemporary folk singer/songwriter, this is the first disc of his to come our way, but it will definitely lead us to investigate his previous albums.
He's reminiscent of Pierce Pettis in.... full review

£13.49

Dar Williams - The Honesty Room

Originally released in 1993 and then re-released in 1995 with additional tracks and some additional instrumentation ‘The Honesty Room’ is one of the very best contemporary folk albums of the past 15 years or so. Revisiting the disc in 2006.... full review

£10.99

Dar Williams - Mortal City

Originally released in 1996 (and re-issued in Europe in 2006), Dar’s second album picked up where her debut left off and continues with a superb collection of memorable songs. The opener ‘As Cool As I Am’ is a real eye opening rock/pop song.... full review

£10.99