Various - Harry Smith's Anthology Of American Folk Music Vol. 4 (CD)

Reissue of the year? Could well be! Back in 2000 the 'long lost' fourth installment of Harry Smith's ultra-seminal compilation of early American folk and blues was finally released by Revenant and now here it is again, justly back from the out-of-print limbo and impeccably presented in ornate, high quality paper packaging which houses a 100 page book featuring a biography of Smith as well as an in-depth track-by-track rundown and essays from the likes of Greil Marcus and John Fahey (whose label this was, of course). It goes without saying that the influence of the artists included here (Robert Johnson, The Carter Family, Leadbelly and Bukka White among them) on modern popular music is completely immeasurable but aside from all that (if you can put such a thought aside), it's completely relevant listening for the here and now as there's so much going on here that's completely timeless and relates to so much of the universal human experience, from the darkest, most painful of sorrow to the purest, most joyous of fun. Triple beautiful and hugely recommended!