Martyn, John & Beverley: Road To Ruin (Vinyl LP)

A complex and sometimes belligerent character in real life, on record, John Martyn was the epitome of the folk-dreamer, embodying the spirit of the bourgeoning London acoustic scene of the late 60s. Well-known and respected for his 70s albums Solid Air and One World, this is where it began.

John Martyn met Beverley Kutner and the pair married in 1969. Kutner was a dazzling folk singer who had been invited by Paul Simon to sing on Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends album. It was obvious that two such talents united in love should also unite in music.

The second and final John & Beverley album, The Road To Ruin came out in late 1970; it is a mature, fully realised work, and a glimpse of what would have happened had Island not encouraged John to go back to being a solo artist. Opener Primrose Hill was later sampled by Fat Boy Slim, and the John-led Parcels offers a template for what would become his signature style as the decade progressed. It is one of those rare albums that creates its own atmosphere, late night intensity, middle age soul.

1. Primrose Hill
   
2. Parcels
   
3. Auntie Aviator
   
4. New Day
5. Give Us A Ring
   
6. Sorry To Be So Long
   
7. Tree Green
   
8. Say What You Can
9. Road To Ruin