Guardian Music — These 60s psych-rockers play a winning hand with their take on a traditional Texas gambling songBuried among the military bands and trad jazz in my Dad's record collection were one or two gems, notably a number of Lonnie Donegan 78s, perhaps the best... more info

Guardian Music — The second best Fairport Convention singer secured a UK No 1 only to move on, leaving solo success behindWas it for only three weeks in autumn 1970 that Matthews Southern Comfort topped the UK chart with their cover version of Joni Mitchell's song ab... more info

Guardian Music — The psych-folk pioneers stand as a reminder of a period of incredible creativity in British musicDespite a recent reissue series, and a revival of interest that has seen younger musicians starting to offer tribute, the Incredible String Band remain o... more info

Guardian Music — Entertainer and singer who rode the crest of the folk revival of the 60s and 70sJohnny Silvo, who has died of cancer aged 75, was a singer and entertainer who performed in British folk clubs for more than 45 years. His wide-ranging repertoire, which ... more info

Guardian Music — (Rooksmere)Despite the title, this is not just an album of carols but a varied selection of (mostly) wintry songs performed by a four-piece that features two celebrated veterans of the English folk scene. Ashley Hutchings and Simon Nicol were found... more info

WFMU's Beware of the Blog — In a half hour, I heard two radically different but excellent female singers. Irene Trudel played Sandy Denny singing a demo of "Who Knows Where The Time Goes," which Denny sang in completed form on Fairport Convention's Unhalfbrickling in 1969..... more info

Guardian Music — (Folk Police)It starts with gently edgy backing and sturdy vocals from Fay Hield, and then suddenly the traditional favourite Spencer the Rover is transformed, with a startling, epic wash of sound in which trumpets are matched against pedal steel gui... more info

WFMU's Beware of the Blog — Really ace footage of these two bands playing on Ainsdale beach in 1971 near Southport, England. More at this youtube channel, but I chose this particular clip for the jaunty lil jig Maddy Prior does toward the end. more info

Guardian Music — You don't have to head to Britain's cities to find a clued-up crowd – there are some unlikely pockets of cool, from Anstruther to Frome and Nettlebed to Barrow-in-FurnessAnstruther, FifeThe small seaside village of Anstruther, 50 miles north of Edi... more info

Guardian Music — (Fellside) Hedy West was one of the great American stars of the 60s folk revival. Born in Georgia, the daughter of a union organiser who worked with mining communities, she sang mining songs, epic narrative ballads, children's songs and country tunes... more info