Gold Star Releases of 2011

Every year we each make a list of our gold star albums: our favourite releases from the previous year. These are our picks for the essential albums of 2011, and would enhance any traditional music lover's collection.

See also: last year, next year and gold star releases from other years.

Gordon's Gold Star
Releases for 2011
ArtistAlbumLabel
La bottine sourianteAppelation d'origine controléeBorealis
Brozman, McSherry & O'ConnorSix days in downRiverboat
Paul & Liz DavenportSpring tide risingHallamtrads
Brian FinneganThe ravishing genius of bonesSinging tree
GenticorumNagez rameursRoues et archets
John KirkpatrickGod speed the ploughFledg'ling
The old swan bandSwan for the moneyWild goose
The onceRow upon row...Borealis
Martin SimpsonPurpose + graceCompass
Emily SmithTraveller's joyWhite fall
Heidi TalbotThe last starCompass

Also outstanding:

⋅ Beoga (How to tune a fish)

⋅ Barbara Dickson (Words unspoken)

⋅ Jim Moray (In modern history)

⋅ Brian Peters (Gritstone Serenade)

⋅ Les Poules a Colin (Hebertisme Nocturne)

⋅ Rough Guide to English Folk

⋅ Music & Song From Scotland: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Greentrax Records

  
Colin's Gold Star
Releases for 2011
ArtistAlbumLabel
GenticorumNagez rameursRoues et Archets
John KirkpatrickGod speed the ploughFledg'ling
LithaDancing of the lightArtes
Tom McElvogue / Paddy KerrThe long hard roadSelf
Ewan McLennanRags and robesFellside
Jim MorayIn modern historyNIAG
Martin SimpsonPurpose + graceCompass
John Spiers / Jon BodenThe worksNavigator
June Tabor / OysterbandRagged kingdomTopic
Various ArtistsCecil Sharp Project 2011Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Also outstanding:

⋅ Julie Fowlis (Live at Perthshire Amber)

⋅ Iarla Ó Lionáird (Foxlight)

⋅ Mánrán (Mánrán)

⋅ T with the Maggies (T with the Maggies)
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