On Tuesday 4 July the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo revealed the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the June reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk On Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are five new releases in the June chart, including a new number 1.
Straight in at no. 1, Careful Of Your Keepers (Rough Trade) by This Is The Kit (Kate Stables) chronicles a world of mistakes and mishaps, cruel circumstances, and universe-driven surprises. It’s a record that embraces the concept of outrospection – the idea that one gets to know oneself by developing relationships and empathic thinking with others. The album was produced by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) who captures beautiful instrumental performances while leaving the space required for her robust, silken voice to lead.
In at no. 2 is Archangel Hill (Domino Recordings) by Shirley Collins who, at 87 years old, continues to be one of the most celebrated names in English folk music. This album showcases a collection of songs from traditional sources and Collins’ favourite writers and includes a live performance at the Sydney Opera House in 1980, featuring an arrangement by Shirley’s talented and much-missed sister Dolly Collins.
No. 10 is Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay (Topic) by Jim Ghedi and Toby Hay, a duo project between two finger style guitarists, coming together to blend influences and different styles of playing to create a unique sound for guitar-based folk music. The album was recorded at Giant Wafer Studios in mid-Wales, where the duo recorded the entirety of the album live, with no edits or overdubs.
In at no. 15 is Haar (Make Believe), the 5th solo album from Highland fiddler Lauren MacColl (Salt House / RANT / Heal & Harrow). The entirely self-composed album is based on coastal tales and happenings from around the eastern firths of the Scottish Highlands, performed on fiddle with collaborators Rachel Newton, Mairearad Green, Alice Allen, Anna Massie and James Lindsay.
No. 31 is Lawside (Last Man Music) by Roseanne Reid. The album is named after the district of Dundee where most of the songs were written. Becoming a parent has informed and shaped much of the content. The album was recorded locally in Perth, just south of Dundee, with producer and fellow Scot Dave Macfarlane.
The full Top 40 list can be viewed HERE.
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