Various Artists - Strange Folk (Albion Records/Apace Music)

A logical, merciful change of tack from the label which brought us 'Buddha Chillout': 'Strange Folk' is an imaginative and defiantly non-populist mix of psychedelic folk from the last 30-odd years. That means Nick Drake rubs bony shoulders with James Yorkston, and Joanna Newsom cosies up to Pentangle. It's like the ultimate Green Man Festival, and thus deserves your applause.

Charlie Ivens