On Tuesday 3rd June the Official Charts Company, produced by English Folk Expo, revealed the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the May reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public on Tuesday 3rd June at 7pm BST as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
Seven new releases have entered the May chart!
Mumford & Sons’ first record in seven years, Rushmere (Gentlemen of the Road/Island Records), remain in the No.1 spot.
Renowned folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby’s When They All Looked Up (Pure Records), kicks off our new entries at No. 2. The release marks her first collection of brand-new material, outside of her beloved Christmas albums, in six years. It features a stunning mix of original compositions and reimagined traditional songs, once again showcasing Kate’s signature warmth, storytelling and unmistakable voice.
Songs From The Yonder (Xtra Mile), the eighth album of chest-thumping anthems and shanty singalongs from Skinny Lister, comes in at No. 5. The much-anticipated record features the previously released title-track Song From The Yonder, the sea-worthy Yorkshire Belle, the fervent Plough On and swaggering drinking song Set Us Straight.
Merry Hell land at No.6 with Rising Of The Bold (Merry Hell Music), a joyful yet thoughtful folk-rock album shaped during a creative retreat in rural Shropshire. Fuelled by fireside sessions and flowing ideas, together the band transformed serious themes into uplifting songs rich with harmony, humour and heart.
Màiri Morrison and Alasdair Roberts’ collaboration with Canadian bassist and musical arranger Pete Johnston, Remembered In Exile: Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia (Drag City) enters at No. 14. Recorded in Nova Scotia, this collection of traditional material, gathered in Maritime Canada by folklorist Helen Creighton (1899-1989), finds Màiri and Alasdair performing Scots ballads and Gaelic lyrical songs with poignancy yet playfulness.
Swilkie (self-released), the new album from Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane enters at No. 23. From basking sharks to lighthouses, lichen to vanishing islands, curlews to tree planting – the record weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. It was written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney.
At No. 24 is Peggy Seeger’s 25th and final solo album, Teleology (Red Grape), a fitting tribute to over 70 years as a working musician, feminist and activist. Peggy’s 25-date concert tour in May and June will be her very last. After the tour, Peggy will retire from recording and live performance. But this is no apologetic or quiet farewell – Seeger is going out with a thoughtful, philosophical and very satisfying bang.
At No. 40 is ReLoved (Vertical Records) by Celtic music trailblazers Capercaillie. The release finds the band celebrating 40 years together, joined by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. These compelling orchestrated versions beautifully encapsulate the spirit of Capercaillie’s repertoire – with strident waulking songs collected from the Hebrides, hypnotic groove-infused instrumentals that draw on traditional forms of jigs, reels and eastern rhythms and modern ballads.
The full Top 40 list can be viewed HERE
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