rob st john

On the latest Folklore Tapes Ceremonial Counties release, a fuller picture of the hidden history of England emerges as Rob St John covers strange beasts of Durham and Preston duo Powders cover Staffordshire’s ceramic industry, both hitting the sweet spot between ambience and narrative.

One of Scotland’s most progressive outfits Modern Studies announce ‘Welcome Strangers’, an album of modernist pop weirdness for the 21st century, a bricolage where classicism meets experimentalism and repeated listening unearths new stories for this contemporary age.

This week’s mix is the first in a new mix series in which we only feature vinyl and cassette format. The first comprises entirely of vinyl 7″ singles/EPs. The geeky bit: The mix was recorded using Audio-Technica AT-LP5 using the built-in phono stage and USB output. I may use an external phono Stage next time, just for comparison. Some of the singles were in need of a good clean so expect some crackles …

Listen to The Food of Love Project, dedicated to Shakespeare’s legacy and featuring the likes of Alasdair Roberts, Kirsty Law, Rob St John, Dead Rat Orchestra, Stornoway, Thomas Truax, David Thomas Broughton and more.

Rob caught up with Modern Studies in Birmingham while they were on tour promoting their debut album ‘Swell to Great.’ While the tour is over the momentum created by the reception of their album isn’t as they prepare for their BBC Quay Session in Glasgow next month.

Whilst not a full-on festive offering, our latest mix does contain some festive cheer from Steve Tilston & Maggie Boyle, Tim Laycock, Richard Farina With Blind Boy Grunt (better known as Bob Dylan) & Eric Von Schmidt, and some top-notch wassailing from John Kirkpatrick. Plus classics from the likes of John Martyn, Sandy Denny, Hamish Imlach and Richard Thompson and some great new music and a wee delve into Topic …

Our Song of the Day comes via chamber pop band Modern Studies whose players hark from Glasgow-via-Yorkshire led by Glasgow songwriter Emily Scott and some old pals and collaborators.

Introducing The Food of Love Project, a compilation album featuring some of the great names of folk music celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy: Alasdair Roberts, Dead Rat Orchestra, David Thomas Broughton, Stornoway, Thomas Truax and more.

Song, By Toad Records announce lineup for Pale Imitation Festival in Edinburgh: Including Rob St. John, eagleowl and the Save As Collective feat: Jonnie Common and more.

On the latest Simple Folk Radio show Dillon features, amongst some FRUK regulars, a brilliant concept EP from Adam Gnade that was released with little to no fanfare a couple of years ago.

The pastoral sounds of Rob St. John return tomorrow on MayDay with a stunning special release on Song, by Toad Records which I have to admit I have been bowled over by. Charcoal Black and the Bonny Grey / Shallow Brown is simply stunning and beautiful!

The latest Simple Folk Radio show features a session from Rob St. John which marks the re-release of his critically acclaimed first album, Weald. Don’t miss it!