Oak Ash Thorn is reviewed in the May issue of Uncut Magazine, available in newsagents now. Graeme Thomson calls the album "Grave but undeniably beautiful and always finely judged… anyone who hasn't investigated (Bellamy's) legacy should find this an ideal entry point."

In the same issue there is an Unsung Heroes feature on Peter Bellamy by Rob Young, author of the excellent Electric Eden. He too finds time to praise Oak Ash Thorn, calling it "An excellent compilation." And its very gratifying to see Peter covered in one of the non-folk music monthlies.

Finally, John Mulvey also writes about Oak Ash Thorn in Uncut's new music blog, Wild Mercury Sound. He writes "There's an impressive tribute album called 'Oak Ash Thorn' on Folk Police, on which a well-chosen cadre of newish folk artists tackle Bellamy’s Rudyard Kipling-derived songs from the early ‘70s."

The front cover article of the latest issue of Stirrings Magazine is an extensive interview by editor Raymond Greenoaken with Folk Police Recordings about the making of Oak, Ash and Thorn. You can order a copy here.

Mind you, Stirrings gave OAT a fairly rubbish review! Not to worry though - Bellamy associate Nigel Schofield, writing in Tykes News, said, "It is a particularly moving experience to listen to this excellent collection - songs recorded with respect but without deference, with affectionate sincerity rather than a simple sense of duty, with a desire to keep the songs relevant and not set them in a museum display. Genuine thanks to all concerned in this fine collection." The Observer's Neil Spencer also liked it, calling the album "a rich, varied set that's a showcase for a new generation of folkies."

Meanwhile, Bright Young Folk write that "Oak, Ash and Thorn" is a fascinating collection, which both recalls and honours the work of Peter Bellamy and reinvents it for a modern audience. Essential listening." And at Spiral Earth they say "Homage, introduction, or pure reminiscence, whatever Oak Ash Thorn is to you, just don't miss out on this landmark recording." Finally, we're very pleased to get a thumbs up from Terrascope Online, who write, "I really can’t recommend this highly enough. If you are only tempted to buy one folk album at the moment then do yourself a favour and make it this one."


Copies are still available from the Folk Police online shop.

We're very pleased to let you know that the Oak, Ash and Thorn Project has been playlisted in the March edition of fRoots. The album has also been given a great review in the magazine by Colin Irwin, who writes: "far from turning in his grave, Bellamy - who was far from the arch traditionalist some fondly imagine - would surely himself take great joy and pride in the productive outcome of his colourful legacy. And, whatever its wider connotations, it's a rare 16-track collection in its own right where the fast forward button isn't required."

The Oak, Ash and Thorn Project and Elle Osborne's Good Grief are now available in the Folk Police on-line store! Good Grief will be in record shops via SRD from 31st January (winter snow and flu delayed the release by a week) with Oak, Ash and Thorn following it out into the world on 21st February. We also hope to have both albums available as downloads soon too - we'll keep you posted.

The Oak, Ash and Thorn Project has received its first review. Tim Carroll at Folkwords has described it as a "folk milestone", adding "This miscellany encompasses an extensive melange of talent. Some may not consider the album presents a 'perfect storm' of folk, but this intriguing anthology is pretty damned close". You can read the whole thing here.

Meanwhile, Elle's Good Grief e.p. continues to receive plaudits. John Mulvey, writing at Wild Mercury Sound, Uncut's new music blog, believes that "There’s a sense that Osborne is drawing lines between the drones and atmospheres of the avant-garde and their ancient antecedents in the British folk tradition" adding that "This one’s a good start to 2011."  Fatea Magazine reckon that Good Grief is "An EP that feels as though you want to hold it to your chest and feed it soup... It's got a real timeless feel to it that enhances its dark charm." And Organ Magazine calls it "A radiantly quiet piece of acoustic folk beauty that’s voiced in such a glowing way... Her songs stand tall in the storm and don’t falter - beautifully beguiling, simple, uncluttered, perfectly textured rich folk songs that slowly slowly reveal themselves."
Finally over at our blog page, Raymond Greenoaken has kindly provided us with an extended version of the sleevenotes he has written for Oak, Ash and Thorn.