Once the largest independent label in history, Chris Blackwell's Island Records has a legendary past in several genres: reggae (Blackwell brought Marley to the mainstream), rock (Jethro Tull, King Crimson, etc.), and—as documented on @MOJOmagazine's June 2009 covermount—British folk, particularly that of the 1970s. While there's no Nick Drake to be found, despite the month's cover feature, the disc goes deep into the roster with such groups as Amazing Blondel and Dr. Strangely Strange. The finest work here, though, is of the genre's leading lights; specifically, a handful of acts descending from the band Fairport Convention. I very nearly Jammed a Jethro Tull song, but Warner Group blocks it here, so I return to my wits with a song from Sandy Denny's post-Fairport band Fotheringay. The band released only one album during its lifetime, a 1970 eponymous effort. This month's covermount has no fewer than three Denny lead vocals; she is truly the queen of modern British folk.
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