Donovan's Children: Get a Load of Freak Folk !

Here’s a post specifically for old fogies like me who love their 60’s folk, but haven’t had the time or inclination to always listen to new music.

Prepare to be blown away by something the press has calling ‘Freak-Folk’.

Think what Donovan or Nick Drake would sound like now as Psychedelic ferals, or indie hippies and you have one of the most interesting forms of contemporary music around

Listen to Joanne Newsome’s Sadie or Peach, Plum, Pear off her 2004 album The Milk-Eyed Mender and I guarantee you’ll want more, her voice is something very unusual, Kate Bush at 6 years old, but it moves you in a pretty amazing way. She’s a harpist, harpsichordist and songwriter with a few albums under her belt.

Listen to Devendra Banhart singing ‘Spiralling’ with Antony and the Johnsons and you’ll think kindly aliens are speaking through your speakers.

Both are particularly influenced by folk singer, Vashti Bunyan, ‘The Godmother of Freak Folk”, for her 1970 seminal album Just Another Diamond Day

Here’s some albums worth a listen

Six Organs of Admittance: Schol of the Flower

Devendra Banhart Rejoicing in the Hands

Sir Richard Bishop Improvika

Sean Smith Sean Smith

Iron and Wine Our Endless Numbered Days


Image: Courtesy Drag City