An album that wasn't much of a success when released, yet one that really helped define a new era in the sound of Willie Nelson – one that's both as introspective as the concept albums he would soon issue on Columbia, and which also maybe has a bit of the Austin underground creeping into his sound as well! The record has a unified vibe – the story of a couple going through phases and stages, good and bad – mixed with a few bits that preface the "skit" style of later hip hop records, and which really tie things together. Titles include the classic "Bloody Mary Morning", the excellent "Pretend I Never Happened", and the tracks "Walkin", "Down At The Corner Beer Joint", "Pick Up The Tempo", "It's Not Supposed To Be That Way", and "No Love Around". 2LP version features all sorts of rare bonus material – alternates of most of the tracks on the album – some nicely different! LP, Vinyl record album

A Spanish album that brings together two classic early records from this great guitarist! First up is the self-titled John Renbourn – the first full album from acoustic genius Renbourn – a set that would not only establish John's legacy for years to come, but also have a very strong impact upon the role of the guitar on the British scene too! The album's definitely in a mode that owes something to an American folk legacy – but it also really breaks from the past with unusual phrasings and colorings in Renbourn's guitar – certainly with an ear towards ancient English modes, but also at once very fresh and contemporary – a strong precursor to the waves of new acoustic talents that would flow from the UK a few years later, but maybe even more revolutionary – given that John's mostly just working here with his guitar and voice. Bert Jansch adds guitar to a few tracks – and titles include "Song", "Down On The Barge", "Plainsong", "Judy", "Beth's Blues", "Blue Bones", "Train Tune", "Winter Is Gone", and "Noah & Rabbit". Next is Another Monday – one of Renbourn's most obscure records, and a set that is mostly instrumental, with some completely fantastic work by Renbourn on guitar – but which also features a bit of guest vocals from singer Jacqui McShee – whose warmer presence next to John really makes for a nice pairing. The album's as powerful as it is subtle, really beautiful in its sense of variety – with titles that include "Buffalo", "One For William", "Lost Lover Blues", "Another Monday", "Day At The Seaside", "Nobody's Fault But Mine", and "Waltz". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album