VA - The Magic Forest, More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975 [2025] (3 x CDs)

FOLK

VA - The Magic Forest, More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975 [2025] (3 x CDs)

The Magic Forest: More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975 curated by Richard Norris, known for his work with Beyond The Wizards Sleeve and The Grid, and released by Strawberry Records, which is a subsidiary of Cherry Red Records, continues the exploration of the trippier and occasionally proggier elements of folk rock that first appeared on the 2022 "Deep In The Woods" release.

'The Magic Forest' The Magic Forest: More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975 is a groovy trip down memory lane, whisking listeners back to the late 60s and early 70s, a magical era of musical transformation.  Opening with "Magic Forest" by Fat Mattress, the anthology immediately sets a psychedelic scene. This track, with its striking acoustic textures and ethereal groove, captures the essence of late 60s mystique while hinting at the musical explorations of the 70s. The Woods Band follows with "Dreams," weaving delicate banjo into a rich tapestry of acoustic sound, embodying the quintessential folk rock vibe that nods to both the past and the future.

Affinity's "Night Flight" stands out as a fusion masterpiece, merging jazz rock with folk influences. Linda Hoyle's vocals channel Grace Slick, while Mo Foster's bass work adds a hypnotic undercurrent. This track seamlessly transitions from a dreamy melody to a rhythmic, jazz-infused groove, epitomizing the band's eclectic style. Prelude's "God" from their 1973 album How Long Is Forever features intricate acoustic arrangements and a gentle, harmonious melody, punctuated by fuzzy electric guitar and robust bass.

The compilation also unearths hidden gems like Aiden Nolan's "Out On A Limb," exuding a carefree vibe, and Kevin Lamb's "Frost On The Pasture," blending shimmering guitar and classic 70s Fender Rhodes. Bruce Spelman's "Sandcastes" offers uplifting lyrics paired with fuzzy electric sounds, perfect for folk rock enthusiasts. Other notable tracks include Carolanne Pegg's "A Witch's Guide To The Underground," blending 70s pop with light prog, and Majority One's "Rainbow Rockin' Chair," adding a psychedelic touch to a mid-tempo melody. With contributions from renowned artists like Sandy Denny, Fotheringay, and Honeybus, the compilation achieves a harmonious balance.

Overall, The Magic Forest is a whimsical, captivating, and slightly eccentric collection that promises a delightful auditory journey for fans of pastoral psychedelia and funky folk. It's a treasure trove for those who appreciate the psychedelic fringes of folk and the prog subgenres that blur the lines between the two. (B)

The companion set can be found here:

VA - Deep in the Woods, Pastoral Psychedelia and Funky Folk 1968-1975 [2022] (3 x CDs)

https://butterboycompilations.blogspot.com/2023/01/va-deep-in-woods-pastoral-psychedelia.html

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Track lists

CD1

01 Fat Mattress - Magic Forest 3:07

02 Woods Band - Dreams 4:16

03 Mellow Candle - Sheep Season 5:02

04 Shelagh McDonald - Stargazer 4:12

05 Knocker Jungle - I Don't Know Why 3:18

06 Amber - Sea Shell Rock Me 3:12

07 Prelude - God 3:44

08 Paul Brett - Empty Dreams/Flying Machines 3:22

09 Gary Farr - Don't Know Why You Bother Child 4:10

10 Aidan Nolan - One Out on A Limb 2:24

11 Keith West - Leit Motif 2:48

12 Agincourt - Barn Owl Blues 3:06

13 Julian Jay Savarin - Cycle 4:21

14 Natural Acoustic Band - Learning to Live 2:32

15 Forest - Fading Light 4:25

16 Zior - I Was Fooling 3:08

17 Affinity - Night Flight 7:17

18 Clifford T Ward - A Dream 4:12

19 Kevin Lamb - Frost on The Pasture 2:16

20 Barrington Davis - Strange Days 4:09

21 John Williams - I Wonder Why 3:24

CD2

01 Sandy Denny - Next Time Around 4:23

02 Fairfield Parlour - Aries 3:19

03 Family - My Friend The Sun 4:21

04 Chris Harwood - When I Come Home 3:56

05 Heron - Yellow Roses 4:14

06 Jade - Fly on Strangewings 4:27

07 Merrell Fankhauser & H.M.S Bounty - Ice Cube Island 3:25

08 Fresh Maggots - Rosemary Hill 3:36

09 Coterie - Dawn 3:11

10 Music Box - Downstairs on The Floor 3:23

11 Tim Hollier - Seagull's Song 4:12

12 Bill Nelson - House of Sand 1:39

13 John St. Field - Soft Lowland Tongue 4:14

14 Ian A. Anderson - One More Chance 4:07

15 Occasional Word - Missed My Times 2:26

16 Paper Bubble - Sorry About That 3:04

17 Ancient Grease - Mystic Mountain 3:34

18 Oberon - Summertime 5:02

19 Tim Rose - If I Were A Carpenter 2:56

20 Mark Fry - The Witch 6:43

CD3

01 Jade Warrior - Morning Hymn 3:39

02 Ghost - Hearts and Flowers 2:56

03 Honeybus - For Where Have You Been 3:02

04 Majority One - Rainbow Rockin' Chair 2:26

05 Fotheringay - The Pond and The Stream 3:19

06 Friends - One Sweet Day 2:19

07 Pentangle - The Snows 3:47

08 Maldoon - Sit and Talk About It 3:49

09 Comus - In The Lost Queen's Eyes 2:50

10 Ithaca - Questions 4:10

11 Bruce Spelman - Sandcastles 3:23

12 Carolanne Pegg - A Witch's Guide to The Underground 3:49

13 Alan Hull - Picture A Little Girl 3:22

14 John Ferdinando & Peter Howell - Jabberwocky 3:44

15 Mortimer - Last of The 'H' 4:19

16 Roy Harper - Sophisticated Beggar 5:07

17 Marsha Hunt - Southern Man 5:07

18 Snafu - Goodbye USA 4:24

19 Siren - Asylum 3:45

20 Bridget St John - Ask Me No Questions 7:49

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