Love Above All (Inside The Mind Of The Acid-Folk King)

Love Above All (Inside The Mind Of The Acid-Folk King)

Love Above All (Inside The Mind Of The Acid-Folk King) is an eclectic compilation exploring the connections between contemporary experimental folk, psychedelic songwriting and the enduring influence of the underground folk tradition. Released in 2007 under the Uncut magazine banner, this collection brings together a selection of independent artists alongside legendary British folk guitarist Bert Jansch, creating a musical snapshot of the alternative folk landscape and its renewed interest in intimate, unconventional songwriting.

The compilation features artists associated with the adventurous independent music scenes of the 2000s, including Jana Hunter, Rodrigo Amarante, Papercuts, Rio En Medio, Matteah Baim and Feathers. Their presence places the collection within a wider movement that embraced atmospheric arrangements, individualistic songwriting and a willingness to blur the boundaries between folk, indie rock and experimental music.

Tracks such as Jana Hunter's “Vultures”, Papercuts' “Unavailable” and Rio En Medio's “Tiger's Ear” highlight the breadth of the artists represented, while contributions from Hecuba, Eliza Douglas and Noah Georgeson add further depth to this independent-minded selection. Rather than focusing on a single sound, the compilation brings together a variety of artists under the broad umbrella of alternative and psychedelic folk.

The title's reference to the “Acid-Folk King” points towards Bert Jansch, whose intricate fingerstyle guitar playing and distinctive approach to traditional folk helped establish him as one of the most influential figures in British acoustic music. His appearance here with “Life Depends On Love”, a song dating back to 1967, provides a direct link between the folk tradition and the later generations of musicians exploring its possibilities.

For listeners interested in the acid-folk revival, experimental singer-songwriters and the independent music culture documented by magazines such as Uncut, Love Above All offers an intriguing selection of artists from different corners of the alternative scene. It is also a worthwhile title to explore for collectors of magazine-associated compilation CDs and releases that capture the musical currents of the 2000s.

Tracklist

1. Jana Hunter – Vultures (2:05)

2. Rodrigo Amarante – Diamond Eyes (3:37)

3. Papercuts – Unavailable (4:23)

4. Rio En Medio – Tiger's Ear (2:57)

5. Kyle Tomzo – Bicycle (3:51)

6. Matteah Baim – Wounded Whale (2:29)

7. Feathers – Ulna (3:56)

8. Hecuba – Peace & Money (3:36)

9. Eliza Douglas – Shell (2:55)

10. Noah Georgeson – Build & Work (2:47)

11. Bert Jansch – Life Depends On Love (1:46)