About this item

The story of Topic is synonymous with the growth of folk as a musical and social movement in Britain and these recordings demonstrate the bridge between modern music and a traditi onal art form. On this 2 CD set you will fi nd some of the most remarkable singers, songs and tunes - either drawn directly from the traditi on or inspired by it.

Tracks featured include John Tam’s, Unity, Steve Ashley’s ,Ships of Shame, Dick Gaughan’s, Both Sides the Tweed and Ewan MacColl’s, Dirty Old Town. Many of the tracks deal with social issues of the ti me and there are also re-workings of great traditi onal story songs like - Anne Briggs’ Blackwater Side, Mike Watersons’ Tamlyn, Nic Jones’ Canadee-i-o and the majesti c performances by Marti n Simpson, Shirley Collins, Davy Graham, Marti n Carthy, Eliza Carthy and The Watersons.

Topic also off ers up June Tabor and Oysterband cover version of Joy Divisions classic Love Will Tear Us Apart.

Pentangle, Andrew Cronshaw, Brass Monkey, Vin Garbutt , Johnny Handle, Bill Caddick, The Cheviot Ranters, Cilla Fisher and Arti e Tresize, Silly Sisters, Tim Van Eyken, Peter Bellamy and Oak - the list goes on - a fi lling and haunti ng introducti on to the great legacy of the folk traditi on and Topic Records