Mojo - The Music Magazine

ISLAND RECORDS: It wasn't all rocking on down to Compass Point, Nassau, to top up your tan. Back in a darkling, '60s-'70s Britain the best in British folk-rock, prog, Indo-Jazz and medieval whimsy were indulged by the coolest label in Christendom. Phil Alexander straps on a cheesecloth codpiece to enjoy the finest beards ever worn...

1. John Martyn - May You Never

From 1973, Martyn's song for adopted son Wesley is like a friendly bumblebee slowly circling your head as you soak up the sun on the back lawn of perma-sun-drenched memory.

2. Jethro Tull - Witches Promise

Flutes, fools and f___ed up folk: this was Top Of The Pops in 1970. Take that, James Galway!

3. Nirvana - Pentecost Hostel

Brilliantly bucolic orch-pop from 1968 by the "real" Nirvana. "And in the lobby Magdalena is friendly / To all the people with a passport of insanity"

4. Sandy Denny - The North Star Grassman And The Ravens / Crazy Lady Blues / Late November

VIDEO

No embed, but astonishing solo performances by the eldritch first lady of folk otherness.

5. Richard And Linda Thompson - A Heart Needs A Home

Breathtaking, heart-shredding symbiosis by Teddy's mum and dad in 1975. "Better than the recorded version," comments "lits" rightly.

6. The Incredible String Band - The Half Remarkable Question

From 1968, and therefore pre-Island, but we couldn't resist Robin Williamson's über-Pecknold look and the lovely Mike Heron's deft sitar work.

7. Fairport Convention - Time Will Show The Wiser

Funny sound, but a glorious hint of the Judy Dyble-era Fairports' propulsive rock power. Velvet Underground, eat your hearts out!

8. Dr Strangely Strange - Documentary

Wyrdling Irish folk-rockers remembered. Lovely interviews with Ivan Pawle, Tim Booth and Tim Goulding. What were the ping-pong bats for? All is revealed...

9. Quintessence - Freedom

Hot percussion freakout from 1971's Glastonbury performance by Ladbroke Grove's Indo-jazz proggers. But hey, those two should get a room!

10. Amazing Blondel - Cantus Firmus To Counterpoint

Three guys crash Lincoln Cathedral in 1972, rock the Robin Pecknold/Timothy Claypole, and get a serious bit of medieval prog on the boil. Hallelujah, indeed!

The best of Island folk, prog, pop, rock and reggae, plus brilliant pieces on Nick Drake, Yusuf "Cat Stevens" Islam and Island boss Chris Blackwell, in the latest issue of MOJO magazine.