Topic Records have a host of new releases and reissues to mark their 70th Anniversary. The oldest independant record label in the world, Topic Records features most of the significant songers and musicians of the revival.
Various Artists - Three Score and Ten
THREE SCORE AND TEN is seven CDs(144 tracks) in a ten by ten inch hardback book, with dust jacket containing 108 profusely illustrated, full colour pages with a narrative portrait of Topic from 1939 to the present day. Also included separately is a complete discography of every Topic release from 1939 to the newest releases in 2009. There are 144 tracks that cover all aspects of Topic's recording history in 7 themed CDs with many rare tracks never before on CD. The extensive text gives a detailed recording and social history with profiles of the essential recordings, principle artists and key personages. The many hundreds of illustrations are a revelation in themselves, anchoring the whole project with photos of the artists, album sleeves, advertising leaflets, snapshots and memorabilia.
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Martin Simpson - True Stories
Everyone knows that Martin Simpson is one of the greatest guitarists in the world, combining immaculate technique with a highly musical sensitivity and sensibility. True Stories" is evenly divided between traditional songs and tunes (English and American) and Martin’s original compositions. It ranges from solo guitar instrumentals to full band arrangements featuring some of the finest musicians anywhere: Danny Thompson on bass, Radiohead’s drummer Philip Selway, B J Cole on pedal steel, fiddle from Bellowhead’s frontman, Jon Boden and accordion from Andy Cutting .... and many others.
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Brass Monkey - Head of Steam
The original English powerhouse brass-meets-folk band returned with a new album.
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Eliza Carthy - Dreams of Breathing Underwater
Years in the making, "Dreams of Breathing Underwater" showcases a mature songwriting and performing talent - lyrically, musically and stylistically. The overall spirit of "Dreams of Breathing Underwater" is one of coherent diversity. A chamber orchestra, Mariachi brass, grunge guitar, good-time jazz, sensual Eddi Reader harmonies as well as Eliza’s inventive fiddle and earthy vocals provide some of the musical highlights of this highly original album.
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