• Track Listing

The first volume of classics and rarities drawn from the vaults of the influential Vanguard label of New York, who were instrumental in forging the marriage of folk and rock in the mid-1960s. Long famous for their folk catalogue, this CD charts the development of Vanguard's folk-rock category. As the genre took hold, the label's primarily acoustic roster began to feature amplified accompaniment on their albums. The best of these electric experiments by Richard & Mimi Fariña, Eric Anderson, Ian & Sylvia, Patrick Sky and others are featured. We also include the original versions of several songs that went on to become folk rock standards, such as 'Co'dine', 'Reno Nevada' and 'Back on the Street Again'. The compilation also shines light into several worthy nooks and crannies of the Vanguard catalogue, such as Jonathan & Leigh, Judy Roderick, Jackie Washington (accompanied by an incognito Youngbloods), and Circus Maximus, the latter featuring a young Jerry Jeff Walker. Several acts like the Vagrants, Hi-Fives and Project X appeared only on rare singles that are seeing their first ever reissue here. There are a handful of unissued gems featured, including a storming alternate version of 'Morgan the Pirate' by Mimi Fariña, from her never-released 1967 solo LP. The package comes with comprehensive annotation and many rare illustrations. Ace. 2005.