Dark Fields (2009)

Solstafir is an Icelandic outfit who, perhaps due to outgassing of volcanic vents on that geologically active island, have managed to cross epic metal with psychedelic influences and even a smidge of Fields of the Nephilim. Sólstafir has been around for quite some time, but Köld is only the band's third full length album. With song lengths ranging generally in the eight to twelve minute mark, one naturally would assume it takes quite a bit of time to write such long, epic numbers.
The word "epic" shall be used liberally throughout this review. Sólstafir fortunately avoids the dark side of epic, which is extremely long songs that have poor structure, too much noodling or no sense of when to knock it off…

Limited 50 CD box set. Al Stewart's 60-year career in music has made him one of the most successful folk-rock artists the British Isles have ever produced. The Admiralty Lights shines a light on how a Skiffle-mad kid from Bournemouth conquered the world. The Admiralty Lights is a career spanning, definitive collection of Al Stewart's work. Comprising 50 discs, this astounding set follows the legendary singer-songwriter from humble beginnings in 1964, to global stardom in the '70s, through to his most recent recordings in 2009. Contains Al's complete original run of 21 studio albums in original sleeves and lovingly presented in deluxe LP style jackets. Also included are 18 discs featuring never-before-heard live concert recordings from 1970 to 2009, 3 discs of rare BBC Sessions from 1965 - 1972 and 8 discs of Demos, Outtakes and Rarities, offering a rare inside look into Mr Stewart's world. A beautiful 160 page hardback coffee table book is at the center of this spectacular package, featuring comprehensive liner notes from author and Al Stewart expert Neville Judd and previously unseen photographs, flyers and ephemera from across his illustrious career. Rounding off this smorgasbord of Al Stewart delights is a 'Year of the Cat' print, individually signed by Colin Elgie, three posters including one specially designed by Colin Elgie and a 24 page Collectors' Book, detailing all of the rare recordings in the set.

The Pogues were an Irish-British Celtic punk band formed in 1982 and fronted by Shane MacGowan. The original name of the band was "Pogue Mahone" (meaning "Kiss My Arse" in Gaelic).