Awkward Annie (Audio CD)

Her best yet This is a super album. Kate's wonderful voice and beautiful arrangements of a mix of trad folk and new songs make for an almost perfect album. Planets is probably my favourite but it's so hard to choose.

A Welcome Return to Form After her rather disappointing last album "the girl who couldn't fly" coupled with her flirtation with a hit parade (a misguided duet with Ronan Keating) I approached this new album with some trepidation. To my delight I found this album to be a stunning peice of work. Typically Kate Rusby, the songs are in turn haunting and humorous; fine examples of joyful music making. There is the usual mix of original compositions and deft arrangements of traditional songs. If you can get to one of her live performances, I can't recommend it enough; half folk music, half stand up comedy.

A return to the Kate that is best... I am a big fan of Kate and still rate that "Little Lights" is her best album to date and I am on my second copy due to wear and tear !!!. The previous album to "Awkward Annie" was "The Girl who couldn't fly" and I listened to this only twice before condeming it to the archives. Why ? I felt that the backing instrumentation was set too loud and Kate was continually appearing to sing in the background. I suppose that this can be explained by the fact that the main instrumental player, John Mccusker also produced it. Anyway "Awkward Annie" is a joy because this was a make or break album for me and it is Kate as she should be heard. Kate singing softly with the instrumentation accompanying her - not drowning her. The best and the quirkiest Track 12 - a version of the Village Green Preservation Society so upbeat and great on the drive home. Mind track 6 - Planets a great chill down song.

Barnsley lass is reet good ! Kate Rusby is the English queen of folk at the present time. Her seamless string of beautiful albums continue to fall into the eager hands of her many fans like apples from a wind blown tree. With husband John McCusker providing support and her highly talented ensemble of backing musicians,Kate continues to mine the rich seam of English traditional music with the consummate skill of of a true professional. Awkward Annie is a better album,for me, than The girl who couldn't fly. However....I still feel she hasn't recorded a five star album yet. Her masterwork...a folk Sgt Pepper or Blonde on Blonde. Each album still throws up the odd twee nursery rhyme or dreary ballad which keeps the album lodged in the 3/4 star catagory. One of these days Kate will make her magnum opus. An album of a dozen perfect tracks which will stand out from the crowd. Until that day,Awkward Annie will do nicely !

Hard times Every album she has produced has been superb and this is no exception. Knowing what she has gone through recently makes this latest achievement even more extraordinary. A magnificent talent, her interpretation of songs like "John Barbury" are amazing. Her voice is a like a nightingale. I bought it and its superb. Buy it.