Author: For Folk's Sake

FFS best of 2021

It’s been another strange year for everyone, but in difficult times there’s always music to look after us. 2021 saw some wonderful releases across the spectrum, so here For Folk’s Sake writers round up some of their favourites. Thanks for…

Album | Freddy Parish – A Cold July

With a poet’s eye for hardship and a string-band leader’s ear for lush but focused arrangement, Freddy Parish’s A Cold July in Tucson delivers a mix of lyrical brains and musical brawn that belies an artist releasing their debut. Parish…

Album | Brigid Mae Power – Head Above The Water

Brigid Mae Power’s third album brings a change, or perhaps expansion, to her sound. The Irish singer-songwriter’s first two records had the feeling of being recorded in a small room, her haunting voice soaring above blurry soundscapes comprised of little…

Album | Mavis Staples – We Get By

A group of black children looking through a chain link fence at a carnival in the distance is the cover of Mavis Staples’ new album We Get By. The image is from a photo essay published in 1956 by Gordon…

Album | Lily & Madeline – Canterbury Girls

2018 was a big year when it came to break-up songs. In the pop world, Ariana Grande preached self-reliance and empowerment in Thank U, Next. So fucking grateful for her ex, Ariana suggested break ups are manageable if you can…

Album | Serious Sam Barrett – Where The White Roses Grow

Citing Hull folk dynasty the Watersons as a primary influence, fellow Yorkshireman Serious Sam Barrett’s traditionalist credentials are clear throughout a career now stretching to nine albums and a seemingly never-ending touring schedule. This time around, he has branched out…

Feature | 2018 Highlights

As the year is drawing to a close we asked FFS writers to share their highlights from what, we all agree, has been a pretty good year for music. You’ll find a selection of tracks for these artists on our…