John Martyn - Sweet Little Mysteries: Island Anthology

Import-only two CD compilation from the British Folk/Rock legend highlighting his critically successful years with Island Records. Along with Nick Drake, John Martyn was one of the most compelling British singer/songwriters to emerge during the 1970s. Martyn specialized in an acoustic, bluesy Folk sound, but he was also a restless experimentalist, running his guitar through all manner of effects processors and incorporating elements of Jazz, Pop, and ambient music. This double disc set is a survey of Martyn's work for Island Records, ranging from 1971's folky Bless the Weather through 1980's pop-oriented Grace And Danger. In between, listeners are treated to a comprehensive sampling of the artist's talents, from his sonically expansive guitar-scapes to his poetic, meticuloussense of songcraft. The music from Martyn's early-to-mid '70s period stands up the best, but the later work selected here is strong too. This is an excellent introduction back to front.

1) Bless the Weather
2) Head and Heart
3) Glistening Glyndebourne
4) Solid Air
5) Over the Hill
6) Don't Want to Know
7) I'd Rather Be the Devil
8) May You Never
9) Fine Lines
10) Eibhli Ghail Chiuin Ni Chearbhaill
11) Make No Mistake
12) One Day Without You
13) Lay It All Down
14) Root Love
15) Sunday's Child
16) Spencer the Rover
17) You Can Discover
18) Call Me Crazy
19) Couldn't Love You More
20) Certain Surprise
21) Dancing
22) Small Hours
23) Dealer
24) One World
25) Some People Are Crazy
26) Lookin' on
27) Johnny Too Bad
28) Sweet Little Mystery
29) Hurt in Your Heart
30) Baby Please Come Home
31) Sapphire
32) Fisherman's Dream
33) Angeline
34) Send Me One Line