Solid Air [Import]

John Martyn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 16, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B0000071YW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,332 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #68 in Music > Imports > Folk
  • #98 in Music > Folk > British & Celtic Folk > British Folk

Editorial Reviews

CD edition of the British Folk singer/songwriter's landmark 1973 album. Solid Air has long since been considered by many to be his best album. John Martyn began as a folksy minstrel but seemed drawn to experimental, free form improvisation. Solid Air is where John Martyn's love affair with effects and echoplex became serious. The title track, dedicated to his close friend Nick Drake, became a eulogy, while the breezy "Over The Hill"--one of the greatest songs ever written about a train journey--is a feathery delight. "May You Never" and "Don't Want To Know" continued the simple, stoned ballad approach, although it is his interpretation of Skip James' "I'd Rather Be The Devil," totally reshaped with hypnotic shifts, tidal echoes, and a slurred growl, which broods over the whole album. A record that remains Martyn's youthful zenith.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Neglected Masterpiece, September 22, 2000

By 

Greg C (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solid Air (Audio CD)

What a totally wonderful album!! It's one of those works that truly have something for everyone. A love of left-field jazz and blues led him to this scintillating formula that you can kick back and enjoy (repeatedly!) or pick through for cool, groovy samples. I had long heard of this album as a big influence on folks I really respect, but that still didn't prepare me for the bewitching effect of this magical effort. Why, pray tell, is this guy not world famous? Upon further investigation, I found that "Bless The Weather" and "Inside Out" are also incredible, especially the former. This is ideal for listening on a cool, breezy, sensuous evening, but the moments on it that challenge that idyllic scenario are the ones that will keep you coming back for more. Also highly recommended to Terry Callier fans. I wish some ad agency would put something from here in some commercial, and get him some deserved recognition while he's still around to enjoy it, unlike his late buddy Nick Drake. GET THIS ALBUM!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ESSENTIAL John Martyn album., September 18, 1998

By 

Michael C. Fox (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solid Air (Audio CD)

There must have been something in the water supply in the early '70s that enabled John Martyn, Van Morrison, the Stones, etc. to create an incredible series of albums. Then, just as suddenly and inexplicably, they all seemed to have run aground. Martyn with INSIDEOUT, Morrison with HARD NOSE TO THE HIGHWAY, and the Stones with GOAT'S HEAD SOUP. Martyn's problem seems to have involved not only the standard 70s spiral into drugs and alcohol, but a nearly fatal bout of Phil Collinsitus by way of Spinal Tap, MACH 2--freeform jazz experiment. Martyn's voice, always his most expressive instrument went noodling off through most of the 80s as he sank deeper and deeper into synthesizers, drum machines, and Kenny-G jazz. HOWEVER, there was a time when Martyn stood amongst the British folk giants: Nick Drake and Richard Thompson. It is no surprise then that Drake is the inspiration for the title track, a mournful eulogy Martyn wrote after his friend's death, and Thompson accompanies on several tunes. If you are determined to hear more of this potentially great singer/songwriter, the only other disc to consider is BLESS THE WEATHER. Possibly the only performer alive today who could be resurrected by means of the threadbare UNPLUGGED format.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The stuff that inspired MTV's "unplugged" series!!, November 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Solid Air (Audio CD)

I was introduced to John Martyn's music in the early 70's, through the "Solid Air" album. From first listen, I was mesmerized by the combination of acoustic bass and guitar, coupled with John martyn's soulful voice. In "Solid Air" you will find that 80% of the titles are really good songs, unlike many albums which are put out these days... In subsequent years, I have kept listening to this album and "Bless the Weather" and have turned on many acquaintances to this wonderful music. NOT ONE PERSON I HAVE PLAYED THESE ALBUMS TO HAS DISLIKED IT...

If John reads this review: "Thank you"