With a background in hard rock and punk, James Yorkston is a notable member of the British singer / songwriters' guild. His albums are traditionally traditional in design but in a subtle way James seeks adventure within the genre, for example by collaborating with producer Paul Webb from Talk Talk (Year Of The Leopard). Prior to his recording contract with indie label Domino, Yorkston had already
… recorded an album of English folk songs, which have since found their way to the consumer as b-sides. Still, the idea did not let Yorkston go and he recorded eleven new folk songs. He was looking for a collaboration with James Green and his band The Big Eyes Family Players, from whom he once got a CD in his hand after a performance. Neither Yorkston nor Green consider themselves true folk musicians, which provided a fresh, uninhibited view on the ancient songs. Perhaps because the recordings took place in a (according to stories) haunted building, the musicians have unerringly captured the unstable atmosphere that fits the often sinister songs about death, drink and betrayal. (MS)more
