Sandy Denny, Trevor Lucas and Friends: The Attic Tracks 1972-1984 - Sandy Denny

Subtitled "The Attic Tracks 1972-1984," this indispensable compilation rounds up 18 rare, alternate or previously unreleased recordings, highlighting some of the many treasures that lurk within Sandy Denny and Trevor Lucas' voluminous archives. Many of the titles are familiar, of course, but the performances should thrill even the most jaded collector. From Denny, the tally includes a French language version of "Listen Listen," demos of "One More Chance" and "Rising from the Moon" (both songs destined for the Fairport Convention LP of the same name), Rendezvous outtakes "Easy to Slip" and "Losing Game," the B-side "Still Waters Run Deep" and a superb live version of "Stranger to Himself." Lucas, meanwhile, is showcased on a stunning 1974 Fairport rendition of "The Ballad of Ned Kelly," a cover of Dylan's "Forever Young," and "Girls on the Avenue," a 1977 solo project that saw him surrounded by a virtual Fotheringay reunion. It's an excellent collection, then, full of surprises and overflowing with numbers that should never have been shelved. But maybe we should be grateful that they were, for without them, we'd never have been granted this magical album. ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide