For The Sake Of Song

"Me pongo mirando al mar, veo como las olas unas vienen y otras van..." Moving in a southwesterly direction for some rest & recreation. First up: a flying visit to Jerez de la Frontera flamenco city, to attend the jubilee edition of the famous Buleria  festival. Back in a week or two, hasta luego! El Camar�n De La Isla -  Como Castillo De Arena

The bearded one returns with an album that harks back to his earlier lofi efforts, and that's a good thing if you ask me. Welcome back, old buddy. Iron & Wine - Bitter Truth

Gillian Welch must be struggling with one of her frequent writer's blocks, as it's up to her trusted sidekick David Rawlings to deliver the goods again. Which he does with verve, backed by a rootsy full band and Welch helping out on percussion and background vocals. If you're in need of a delicious and diverse collection of Americana, look no further. David Rawlings - Cumberland Gap

This one's for the freaks: a lavish 5 cd box full of bluegrass treasure, brought to you by Richard Weize, a guy who used to work for the acclaimed Bear Family reissue label. They contain all the songs legendary bluegrass maestro Bill Monroe recorded for the Decca label between 1950 and '51, including numerous outtakes. Flowers are blooming indeed. Bill Monroe - The First Whippoorwill (take 7) Bill Monroe - Rawhide (take 6)

An intriguing, trippy take on a stone cold Dead classic. Settle down easy, why don't you. Dead Rider - Ramble On Rose

Probably my fave ever Lou Reed cover. What's yours, my amigos da musica ? Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane

Just got the sad news that Glen Campbell has passed away. The legendary country singer, who started his musical career as a session player with the famous Wrecking Crew, made his best work with songwriter and producer Jimmy Webb. He was 81. Miss him. Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman Glen Campbell - Where's The Playground, Susie

Gone the clouds, as this is the reissue of the year as far as I'm concerned. Trust me on this: you really need this 1972 Britfolk masterpiece by Lal & Mike Waterson in your lives. Featuring Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy, Maddy Prior and Dave Mattacks amongst others,  Bright Phoebus  was rather misunderstood by the tradfolk mafia when it came out and soon faded into obscurity, but slowly but surely turned into a holy grail of sorts over the years. Now it's finally here in remastered glory on  Domino records, coupled with a fine fine bonus disc with demos from '71. Don't miss out. Lal & Mike Waterson - Bright Phoebus Lal & Mike Waterson -  One Of These Days ('71 demo)

Neil's immortal  Down By The River  like you never heard it before. This is some seriously funky psychedelic stuff, brothers and sisters... Find it on a new compilation packed with goodies called Function Underground: The Black and Brown American Rock Sound 1969-1974 . Purple Snow - Down By The River

The Boys Next Door, precursors to the mighty Birthday Party, take on a Gene Vincent rockabilly gem. Instant mayhem of course. Like to hear the original, too? Thought so. Boys Next Door - Cat Man Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps - Cat Man