Various Artists
Album: Folkroom Anthology Three
Label: Folkroom
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.folkroom.co.uk

I believe that Anthologies and collections are a blessing for any music fan. They give you the opportunity to sample so many different works and get a grasp of the different artists that are out on the scene.

They are also great for people new to a genre who wants to get a feel for whether or not it is the kind of music for them. Folkroom’s Anthology Three is one of these perfect slots. There is a really good sample of different kinds of folk spread throughout the album.

We get the kind of slow acoustic folk that is calming and soothing, such as Late Arrival’s Club ‘Graduation’ and Cameron J Niven’s ‘Fixing to Gamble’ but also the more mystical sounding folk songs like ‘Snowgirl’ by Ringlefinch.

The combinations of songs on a compilation like this is always essential and can make or break any album. For Folkroom, being a label is very helpful as they know what is popular and what has been selling work and so their experts have valiantly put together a carefully chosen anthology for everyone to enjoy.

There is excellent variety that caters to all tastes. If you are one for faster paced songs then there is even something for you such as ‘Wake the Dead’ by Joe Innes & The Cavalcade which would have anyone dancing and foot tapping.

Each song on the album has much to bring beginners and seasoned folkies alike, so if you want to experience something new, or just see more of folk, then a compilation like this will always do the job.

Paul Rawcliffe