Roy Harper - Folkjokeopus (1969)

I first read about Roy Harper in NME (70 cents a pop in the '70s), and getting curiouser after listening to Led Zeppelin's 'Hats Off to Roy Harper' from the band's third album, made every effort to get a load of his music. It wasn't easy to come by, but thanks to the late great John Peel, I managed to catch some of his songs on the airwaves and was immediately fascinated by his voice which sounded like a gruffer version of John Lennon's.

Harper's most celebrated gig was as the vocalist for Pink Floyd on 'Have a Cigar' from 'Wish You Were Here', though it's his solo recordings dating back from the '60s that truly represent his artistry and genius as a singer-songwriter. This 1969 recording, featuring a crack band of top British sessionists, is one his finest. It amply displays his gift for verse and melody... BTW, you should check out his song 'Black Cloud of Islam' if you're in the mood for some potent contemporary-folk protest music.