Carta Topografica D'italia

This definitive compilation comprises 38 tracks that span the years from 1969 to 2006. They represent the most productive eras of the group and this 'must have' double CD set includes their best known songs from a plethora of fine albums, including 'Magna Carta', 'Seasons', 'Songs From Wasties Orchard' and 'Lord Of The Ages'. All the songs have been expertly remastered. The first CD was previously released in 1991, but has recently been difficult to obtain. The second album is a new compilation. Informative CD liner notes include an in-depth interview with singer/songwriter Chris Simpson, who describes the evolution of Magna Carta and the inspiration behind many of the songs. The CD cover is by the legendary Roger Dean.

Magna Carta's third album was the first with guitarist Davey Johnstone on board, one reason for its subsequent immortality in collecting circles. Another is the extravagant packaging that accompanied the original Vertigo release – the gatefold sleeve was designed to open up like a box, with a layer of apples (from Wasties Orchard, of course) within. Add a crystalline Gus Dudgeon production and, of course, the popularity among collectors of the original swirly Vertigo label design, and Songs from Wasties Orchard emerges a seldom seen but much sought-after gem. For anybody familiar with the group's first two albums, Magna Carta's own style remained constant, a collection of beautifully stylized folk ballads sung and gently strummed with a warmth and versatility that saw the group endure (and, presumably, enjoy) constant comparisons to mid-period Simon & Garfunkel. The addition of Johnstone to the original duo does little to derail those remarks – indeed, his own musical versatility puts one firmly in mind of the Americans' more ambitious moments, as mandolins, sitars, and harpsichords dance behind Glen Stewart and Chris Simpson's magically melded vocal harmonies.

This is a quasi-masterpiece of folk prog music full of refined details. The warm & pleasant acoustic bass contributes to give a slight jazzy tendency to the whole. The tracks are so good that even the country electric guitar parts are absolutely excellent. Everything is well put at the right time, at the right place: the palpable harmony is a strong point on this record. There are practically no psychedelic, spacy or experimental passage: everything is just down to earth; it is a pure, positive and sane music, excellent for your soul. The presence of a few orchestral arrangements, narration passages and many grand backing chants enhance the value of the tracks. The exemplary balance between all the instruments is quite noticeable. The quality of the recording is almost irreproachable considering the release year…