The Old Spanish Trail

Ian Matthews' post-Fairport Convention quartet Plainsong only produced two records (not counting their competent but mediocre 1995 reunion album) before breaking up in the mid-'70s, but both 1972's In Search of Amelia Earhart and Now We Are 3 – the latter is issued here for the very first time – contain some of the most flawless and emotional country-tinged folk-rock of the era. This eponymous two-disc set from the Water label includes both albums in their entirety, as well as numerous bonus cuts and live tracks.

A reformed Gunfighter Jimmy Ringo is on his way to a sleepy town in the hope of a reunion with his estranged sweetheart and their young son who he has never seen. On arrival, a chance meeting with some old friends including the town's Marshal gives the repentant Jimmy some respite. But as always Jimmy's reputation has already cast its shadow, this time in the form of three vengeful cowboys hot on his trail and a local gunslinger hoping to use Jimmy to make a name for himself.