Folk Brittania: James Yorkston

The BBC4 series Folk Brittania has showcased old and new 'folk' artists. James Yorkston is originally from Fife and has been/is a part of the Fife based Fence Collective , but now lives in Edinburgh.
The Fence Collective also include the increasingly popular King Creosote.
His sound is similar to some of the New American Folkies eg Devendra Banhart and Sufjan Stevens.
Lots of mp3s can be found on his website , live tracks, demos etc, its well worth exploring.
Some direct links are given below.

Movin' up country (mp3)

Pepparmyntste (mp3)

Lost Gems: Bridget St John

Bridget St John was a stalwart of the John Peel show in the late 60s and early 70s and recorded albums for his short-lived Dandelion Records label.

She had a voice that sounded like an english accented Nico, and has recently re-appeared performing with Devendra Banhart.
The track I remember most vividly from sessions on Peel is Fly High from the 'Thank You For...' album. After the recent re-discovery of Vashti Bunyan it would be good to think that Bridget St John could get some belated recognition.

Her first three albums have been re-released by Cherry Red Records with extra tracks.

Fly High (mp3)

Lost Gems: Procul Harum 1967

Lost Gems: Procul Harum

One of the first albums I ever bought was Procul Harums 1967 eponymous début.
Though the band were best known for the hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale” this didn't appear on the original UK release, but was added to the USA issue.

If you have only heard the single you are in for a treat! The album is heavy on blues and Dylan influences and the Hendrix style guitar of Robin Trower.

If you want to learn more then a great fan site can be found here.

Buy from Amazon.uk
Buy from Amazon.com

Cerdes (Outside the Gates of) (mp3)

Something Following Me (mp3)