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Awkward Annie | 
| Artist: Kate Rusby
Label: Pure Records
Category: Music
List Price: £14.99
Buy New: £9.78
You Save: £5.21 (35%)
New (43) Used (2) from £8.28
Rating:  32 reviews
Sales Rank: 716
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
EAN: 5060066680061
ASIN: B000TKODDQ
Release Date: September 3, 2007
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | Awkward Annie | | • | Bitter Boy | | • | John Barbury | | • | High On A Hill | | • | Farewell | | • | Planets | | • | The Old Man | | • | Andrew Lammie | | • | Dreams Of Nancy | | • | Daughter Of Heaven | | • | Blooming Heather | | • | The Village Green Preservation Society |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 27 more reviews...
 A hidden treasure November 25, 2008
I can't believe it has taken me so long to discover Kate Rusby. My record collection is dominated by the works of great female singer-songwriters like Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell, as well as more recent talents such as Gillian Welch and Dar Williams. Yet I'm ashamed to say that I only learnt about Kate accidentally from a TV documentary about her a few months ago. The first thing that struck me was the sheer quality of her singing on one of her own songs, "The Lark" from "The Girl who couldn't fly" album, as well as the artistry of her lyric writing. I went out and bought the aforementioned album on the off chance that I would probably enjoy some of it, but was astonished to find that the whole album was of the same impeccable standard. Since then, of course, I've bought all her CDs, including her most recent release, "Awkward Annie" which may well be her best yet. She draws some of her material from the rich tradition of English and Scottish ballads, but she also has a very rare ability to write contemporary songs that sound as though they've been around for much longer. On "Awkward Annie", standout tracks include "Farewell" and "Blooming Heather". Another very distinctive quality of her music is that it blends influences from the twin traditions of British and American folk music. The use of banjo, accordian and mandolin on many of the tracks gives the music a haunting, plaintive quality similar to some bluegrass and Appalachian music. If you're new to Kate's music, like me, you can be confident that this album will provide a perfect introduction, but to be honest the standard of her work is so consistent that you could start with any of her albums - she really is that good. I'm looking forward to seeing her at the Blackheath Concert Halls in London on 14th December where she is going to be playing music from her new album of carols and other christmas songs.
What a discovery July 16, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I like to listen to Jerry Anderson on BBC Radio Ulster, he's really funny (although when my English Nephew was visiting he couldn't understand a word anyone on the show was saying) and he plays nice folk music. I heard the song 'village green appreciation society' a few times on his show, and thought it was brill (I don't remember the Kinks version.) I surfed the net to find who sang it, and came across Kate Rusby - what a discovery! I bought this album on the strength of that one track, and have played it nearly to death already. I like all the songs, as well a loving Kate's accent (I spent two years in Leeds when I was at college, and it brings me back to those happy times.) Buy it. Play it. Love it.
Worth it for the Kinks reworking May 8, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
How can anyone who has heard this album agree with the creature who gave it 1 star? Whilst it's not my favourite KR set, it shines like a diamond in the dross of contemporary music and is worth the purchase price for the kinks rework from Jam & Jerusalem.
 Sure to please all folk fans. March 1, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is one of Kate's best albums. In the past she has tended to overload her selections with the same themes, many of them quite despondent. Despite her unfortunate personal problems she has somehow managed to come up with a greater share of "up" songs. It's a policy I hope she maintains.Her voice is as sweet as ever,her production sounds in no way inferior to John McCusker, and she has enlisted a couple of new backing musicians to add to her usual retinue. This has helped to freshen things up.Chris Thile does a lovely harmony (along with Eddi Reader)on High on a Hill, plays mandolin and is joined by the excellent John Doyle on another track. The tracks I enjoy most are her own originals, which is another encouraging sign for the future.The title track has a gorgeous lilt which makes me, at any rate, want to sing along with it every time I play it!
Was a little disappointed with Blooming Heather described here as "traditional".The song is better known as "Wild Mountain Thyme" or "Go Lassie, Go" and was written by Francie McPeake , who I believe was from Belfast.I don't like the male vocal line used either,so this does not replace Sean Tyrrell as my favourite version. The album's closer is the old Ray Davies song " The Village Green Preservation Society" which is every bit as successful as it is surprising,and is an inspired selection.You can't really go wrong buying this album !
 TIME FOR A RETHINK February 8, 2008
6 out of 12 found this review helpful
I've been a fan of Kate's since I bought her early albums including the ones she did with Kathryn Roberts and Equation. However, this is her worst yet, which is perhaps forgivable considering the circumstances of its evolution.
She says herself on the sleeve notes that this album was tough to make and, frankly, it shows. It's a family effort with brother helping out with the production and doing the mixing - which is very patchy. The best track on the album, 'The Streams of Lovely Nancy' is ruined by the intrusion of the now seemingly obligatory brass band while 'Blooming Heather' is quite the worst rendering of this beautiful song that I have ever heard. Far from enhancing the piece, the intervention of operatic tenor, John Hudson, is seriously misplaced.
Kate should review her direction once she's over her obvious distress at the failure of her marriage. A return to her roots would be a good idea as well as getting some much needed professional help in production and mixing techniques.
Given this, I'm sure her next album will signal a return to form from the Barnsley Nightingale.
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