Solid Air

This is like a Bob Ross painting without Bob Ross.

I had heard his name - mainly in association with other folkies from his era (Bert Jansch, Roy Harper, Nick Drake, etc), but I don’t think I’d ever heard his music. This is an absolutely unique, strange, and fascinating listen. A crazy mix of straightforward, earnest folk music and MUCH more experimental stuff. Acoustic backslap guitar, pronounced jazz-like bass, saxophone, off-kilter beats/drums, odd instrumentation (did I hear a dijereedoo in there?) and borderline stream of consciousness slippery/mumbled lyrics that play along with the music. I could listen to this all day long. I’m going to dig into the rest of his catalog.

The term oxymoron was first used in the 1657 apparently. Over 300 years later, John Martyn attempted to kill it softly with the bland and boring title track to "Solid Air." As the album opened, and "Solid Air" dragged on for over 5 minutes, I worried I wouldn't be able to make it through this album. My intense apathy towards the song nearly made me let out a silent scream, and it made me wish I'd started the album in a random order. But the only choice was to press on, hoping for a minor miracle to end the sweet misery (in my unbiased opinion). Luckily, "Over the Hill" quickly picked up the pace. And there was plenty more interesting to come after that. If I had skipped "Solid Air" and took a big toke when the second track started, I think it would have really hit me mid-way through the controlled chaos that is "I'd Rather Be the Devil." Folk, psychedelic rock, jazz, and blues, and more all come together with uneven results, making for what is perhaps undeniably an interesting listen. I went from * after the first track, then see-sawed back-and-forth repeatedly, briefly considering a ****. In the end, my only choice was to split the difference and stick with ***.

Not a single disharmony nor jilt on the whole album. Probably one of the best discoveries for me so far

- personally biased, this is 100% my jam. - unexpected jazz/blues elements with modern folk stylistics - suprising, polished and confident.

I had no idea what I was putting on when I started this. The first song (“Solid Air”) had me thinking jazz album. I wasn’t sure how to feel about the vocal delivery. The second song (“Over The Hill”) had me thinking bluegrass undertones. The third song (“Don’t Want To Know”) was back on the jazzier side. The fourth song (“I’d Rather Be The Devil”) becomes decidedly more funky… Turns out this is a very interesting and diverse British folk album from the 70s. The first time through I was intrigued if a little confused. On the second listen I locked in and fell in love with Solid Air and its very chill vibe. Martyn’s vocals really started to appeal to me. I really love the vibe and the instruments… a super nice experience. Not only a nice addition to better round out my musical tastes, but something I will enjoy hearing again and again. Some of my immediate favorites: Solid Air (so atmospheric!), Over The Hill (so down homey!), Dreams By The Sea (so funky!), May You Never (so uplifting), The Man in the Station (lovely with just a touch of drama)

Day 139: John Martyn - Solid Air (1973) First impressions: I absolutely loathe John Martyn's singing. His mumbling, slurred delivery is like drunk easy listening baby talk. One thing I do like is the organic, tactile feel of the standup bass, guitar, and Fender Rhodes accompaniment. Unusual for this kind of music, the musicians were given the basic outlines of the tunes and they just improvised the rest. There are no arrangements as such. Okay, that was just the first song, Solid Air. With Over the Hill, the style completely changes. This is more or less straight ahead folk-pop, and reasonably pleasing. Martyn drops the grotesque vocal affections from the first tune. The interaction between the mandolin and guitar on this tune gives it a driving quality. The third tune, Don't Want To Know, starts out with just a guitar and Fender Rhodes and is then joined by drums. One of the things I like about this album is that Martyn gives a lot of attention to rhythm. A lot of folk feels inert. Not this. There is a constant tug between the instruments to create a groove. It isn't danceable, but it has real energy. Oh no! On I'd Rather Be The Devil, Martyn reverts to baby talk. This must be his "jazz" voice or something. It ruins an otherwise fine track, which adds elements of rock, a smidgeon of funk, and even a soupcon of psychedelia! Again, I appreciate the organic, tactile feel that the band pulls off. I really enjoyed the extended instrumental coda of I'd Rather Be The Devil. Ugh! With Go Down Easy, we once again get Martyn's "jazz" voice. Okay, this album is a real mixed bag. John Martyn, obviously inspired by jazz, went for an improvisatory feel on this album, along with some traditional jazz instrumentation, which pays off handsomely. The instrumental textures on this album have a real richness. This goes a long way, as the songs themselves are no big deal. Unfortunately, Martyn was inspired to adjust his voice for the more jazz inspired tunes, which is a disaster. So, you have an album which is musically pleasant more often than not, but with lead vocals that range from so-so to vile. 2/5

Never heard anything off this before. Not really my cup of tea, reminds me of music a yuppie couple would have sex to. Stand out track I don't want to know about evil

Delightful. Flows beautifully between singing and playing. The guitar is the right amount of percussive. Martyn's voice is unique and captivating and like another instrument.

A new favorite. Atmospheric, serious but makes you want to be in the crowd to jam along. Folksy and Jazzy with experimental effects and smoky vocals

The overall ambience and mood achieved on ‘Solid Air’ is quite incredible. It’s smoky, intimate folk rock, with a strong jazz influence and dub elements, where the space between the grooves is just as important as the actual music. It’s a record you can almost dance to in parts, as well as nod your head to, and it’s definitely one for the stoners.

Love this album! Got it on vinyl. It came up in some list of albums if I like Nick Drake. At first I thought the vocals were a bit much but this album really is great sounding, catch songs, nice psychedelic breaks, folky stuff, a song for Nick Drake. 4.5+

I used to think I didn’t like Folk music. Turns out that maybe I just don’t like American Folk music. Well, maybe I should clarify…the British folk I’ve listened because of this list has been far more interesting to me than the American Folk music I’m familiar with. It’s seemingly more willing to experiment, with less adherence to tradition. There’s some truly beautiful Fender Rhodes keyboard playing on this record. It’s a funky, soulful and experimental psychedelic folk-rock record. Really great stuff here, especially if you enjoy Nick Drake.

I hadn't heard of this artist or any of his songs, and I didn't know what to expect when I clicked on the album to play it. Some interesting stuff here. Quite a variety of styles. Not interested enough to come back to for me, but it wasn't bad.

Solid Trash

Fantástico.

Cool, chill, jazzy

Amazing album, great mix of folk and jazz. First track i wasn't big on but the rest of the album was solid

I discovered John Martyn a good while ago through Beck covering him on a live in studio radio appearance. Later Spotify allowed me to explore his entire catalog and I was fairly obsessed with him for a while. I like nearly all of his 70s and 80s material. This album isn't my absolute favorite of his but is sort of his breakthrough and definitely a great album. The only track that doesn't fit the "night music" mood that he captures so well is the second track "over the hill" with the folksier sound of the mandolin that turns me off a bit. If you removed that track I think this would be a perfect album for me. I'm typically not a huge folk fan but I love his unique way of blending it with jazz and other elements. He maintains such a seductively subdued mood that I find hypnotic.

Very enjoyable. His voice is a bit nostalgic and pleasant, same can be said for the music itself. Could see myself listening to this album again. I might be making it a bit easy to impress me now but I’m giving this a 5/5 too.

Love this! Never heard of this guy, but he's incredible. Not necessarily a unique voice, but his singing is amazing. Guitar is awesome and love the jazzy vibes/ blues/folk mix going on. Love the double bass and strings in some songs too. Pretty crazy mix of stuff going on, but it works and listens super nice I think.

Wow, what a great little album. Entirely too short.

Amazing. Way ahead of its time as far as 70s folk goes. Fantastic production, well balanced instrumentation. Loved it.

Short and sweet. Good jams to work to

This is really amazing folk/jazz with some nice lyrics.

it was jazzy and catchy and super sick. man in the station was one of my favorite songs, it was great

Loooove this album. So mellow. Just glorious. Fave track - "Solid Air" has long been a fave. "I'd Rather Be The Devil" gets an honourable mention too...

I was truly expecting to dislike this (English folk music??) but it’s actually great. The melodies are great and this isn’t like folk music I was expecting.

Very cool album I’d never heard before. You can definitely hear the roots of rock/jazz/singer-songwriters like John Mayer and Jack Johnson in here.

John Prine-y vibe. Nice lyrics. Felt like an album you would play to soundtrack your road trip.

Genius. Been one of my favourite albums since I first heard it in the '80s and it still sounds wonderful.

Enjoyed this alot

This is the first John Martyn album I bought, possibly a year after it came out. I got it out of a delete bin for 50 cents. People who know me well get tired of me saying it's the best 50 cents I ever spent. He was an incredibly talented guitarist/singer/songwriter who effortlessly mastered any number of styles - folk, rock, blues, jazz, reggae and who knows what else. This is still possibly my favorite of his albums. Sadly he wasted his talent due to alcohol and substance abuse and his later stuff never worked nearly as well.

Superrbly beautiful album from start to finish. Second John Martyn album I've had on here and a very happy discovery.

what a beautiful album I listened to the full 2.5hr deluxe edition and loved every second just all around amazing - 10/10

The first few songs on this knocked my socks off—especially over the hill—but after that it was just a mildly pleasant album that I don’t have much to say about. It was like a mix between nick drake and Paul weller or something. Very folksy and jazzy but also rocky and psychedelic in places.

I had no idea what I was in for here, and I absolutely hated the first track. The vocal style seems to be different on the rest of the album though, and it turns out to be a pretty diverse and interesting 40 minutes. Not something I'll listen to often, but not everything on this list has to be.

Nr. 38/1001 Solid Air 3/5 Over the Hill 4/5 Don't Want to Know 4/5 I'd Rather Be the Devil 2/5 Go Down Easy 3/5 Dreams By The Sea 3/5 May You Never 4/5 The Man In The Station 4/5 The Easy Blues 3/5 Average: 3,33 Funky folk record

I found this album to be plucky but slow. Fairly soothing listening and it felt both crooning and bluesy. Wouldn't feel out of place in a western.

OK -he is no Nick Drake, but not bad. Pretty talented production and stylin' for 1973 "I'd Rather Be The Devil" opening riff was very close to Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell". Hmmm

Very Nick Drake coded.

Not bad but I think I would have liked it more without vocals. He sounds like me mumble singing to myself walking to the car or something

Fairly dull, slurry folk

Didn't get much out of this some of the music was fine, he seemed drunk, some of the vocals were a bit mumbled/slurred in parts which was distracting. 2*

This album is all over the place. He mumbles so badly at times that I can’t tell what is being said. There are several instances where I dig what is going on. Overall, I’m turning this album off.

Listened to this about a week ago but forgot to write the review. I can hardly remember anything about it - which tells you something... What I do remember: the singer mumbles a lot - didn't care for his delivery. Seemed like he was trying a bit too hard to sound like somebody else. Otherwise, kinda boring. Not bad or offensive. Some likable songs. But mostly just kinda meh.

Álbum incrível. Já virou um clássico para mim. Acompanhar as letras transforma a experiência. Destaque: Solid Air, Don't Wanna Know e May You Never

Profundo e com forte potencial terapêutico. Super original e diferente de tudo o que já ouvi. Ainda sim, com sons familiares e que me agradaram logo de cara. Ouvir mais e mais vezes

'May You Never‘ hatte ich im Frühjahr (2021) gehört, weil im 1001albums-subreddit darauf verwiesen wurde, mich dann aber nicht mit Martyn beschäftigt, den ich vorher nicht kannte. Freund von Nick Drake, eine gewisse musikalische Ähnlichkeit ist unverkennbar und deshalb gefällt mir das wohl auch so gut (btw: ich hoffe, Drake ist in dieser Liste). Dieses Album ist großartig, Perlen wie diese sind der Grund, dass ich dieser Liste weiterhin folge. "it's a classic with not a note out of place" sagt BBC Music und trifft damit den Nagel auf den Kopf.

Geweldig yeah

Cantautor setentero, del rollo de Nick Drake. Sin dejar de lado el folk acostumbrado, sustenta las canciones en su guitarra y en su magnífica voz, destacando también el uso mágico del teclado que hace así como el free jazz en que derivan muchos temas. Magnífico descubrimiento.

Bought it!

Really good!

Loved it.

Top Picks: Solid Air and I Don't Wanna Know. Love love love this album! one of my all time favourites. First 5 stars I've given

Yndisleg plata

291121 10:37 4.5

Dig this - Don't want to know

It’s some good Brit pop. And has “there she goes” on it.

But I can tell you it’s hard to hide When you’re living on solid air

For me it is the definitive John Martyn album.

4.5/5. Very interesting ideas for the time on a lot of these songs, and good variety

Really found this Blum layered smoothly like a bob ross painting. It was expediently crafted by someone who knows their craft. Could listen to it again and again

5/3 groove

In love, just wow. Bathing in that thick solid air

I own this album - one of my top favourite musicians ever.

I like this. A lot. As I was listening, I kept saying to myself "Self, says I, this cat sounds like a slightly more rocking Nick Drake". Come to find out from the Apple Music album notes that the two were buddies, and that the first track was written for Nick. After I patted myself on the back for my musical acumen, I listened to the album again (for the record, I did not do this with Napalm Death). I have a thing for music that makes me feel like I'm watching a late-night talk show in the 80s - you know, some family members are visiting, you're sleeping on the couch, and all of a sudden there's a whole world of post-10pm culture that opens up. Like my favorite photographs, I don't know exactly how to define it, but I know it when I see (hear) it. The songs "Carriage" by the Counting Crows, most early John Mayer, but "Clarity" in particular, "Circles" by Post Malone, "Magic" by Coldplay, "#41" by DMB...you get the idea. They should preferably have horns (you can just imagine Paul Shaffer and the Late Night orchestra stepping in), be restrained and sound like driving late at night. But it's also got some latent energy to it - like you know these dudes could bust out and rock if they wanted to, but it's 11:43pm on a Wednesday, they're hanging with Letterman, and just want to ride the vibe of night in NYC. That's what most of this album sounds like to me - the jam busts through from time to time, but mostly it's late, I'm on the couch, and all is right with the world...

Fajny blusik

One of the most influential musicians in my life, and this album was arguably his finest hour. I was obscenely young when I discovered John Martyn’s music on a clip show about Scotland’s* greatest musicians, which lead me down a rabbit hole of Martyn’s resplendent, ornate, trippy, psychedelic brand of songwriting. A live performance of the title track taken from his now iconic show at Rockpalast in Germany circa 1975 had me utterly transfixed. For someone who’s whole act was at that time incredibly barebones, he had a stage presence matched by few. How does the album version hold up? Actually not especially well. And this is a recurrent theme for the whole record. The extremely jazz infused production of these tracks detracts somewhat from Martyn’s talents rather than accentuating them. As a stripped back performer, the songs are imbued with maximum emotion. Here, the cocktail bar organ are a little too on-the-nose and indulgent. Tracks like “Don’t Want To Know” have a similarly sparse opening only to retreat into the smoky environs of mid-70s jazz clubs. “Over the Hill” and “May You Never” (a track which should be a singalong household staple across this island) are more conventionally folky and ground the album’s expansive soundscape in Martyn’s songwriter roots. Whether or not the array of sonic snapshots works for you as an album will depend on how much you focus on the actual songwriting on offer here - and on this front Solid Air is an utter triumph. Martyn’s polarising slurred vocal style presents another obstacle to negotiate. For me, it’s fitting that this album stand as an homage to Martyn’s late friend Nick Drake. Because not many besides the latter are capable of forcibly wringing every ounce of emotion out of each vocal line. Given the luxury of half stars, I’d give this a 4 1/2 rating, but a musician as influential as John Martyn deserves better than that.

A very classy album that sounds complete. There's nothing missing here. Even the sparseness of the music doesn't sound awkward. There's space for the songs to breathe. I'm never sure if Solid Air is a summer or autumn record. Either way, it carries you through with a very warm feeling throughout. The bass sounds lovely through the analogue production. Martyn's voice could break down and cry at any moment. He just runs with the full spectre of emotions from the downbeat title track, and then straight into Over the Hill. May You Never is the complete F-IT song. Superb.

Never heard of this guy before, it's nice

How did I miss this? Incredibly good. Funky and rustic at once. Great vibe, stellar voice.

This was actually a gift

absolutely incredible. i had never heard of this man before last night but i liked almost every song on the album. the first album that i listened to here that made me search out more of the artist’s music

My heart jumped when I saw this pop up as it's a favourite of mine. Heavily stylised and bound up with the whole scene back in early to middle 70s. Folky and Jazzy it's more upbeat and musically almost beyond compare. I love Nick Drake (who John wrote Solid Air for) and Roy Harper but John is not far behind in my affection. This is a solid 5.

Om du låter titelspåret spela i bakgrunden medan du och din dejt konverserar och tittar varandra djupt i ögonen ska du behöva göra bort dig TOTALT för att hon inte ska bli sugen. John Martyn är din ideala wingman. Se bara till att hon inte lyssnar allt för mycket på texten, då den är skriven till den deprimerade Nick Drake; det kan sabba stämningen. Men, ni vill båda ha något mer, något snabbare. Ni dricker hårdare. Och sånt. Ni vill 'Over The Hill'. Senare föreslår du en promenad på fälten utanför staden. 'Don't Want to Know' är en mörk stjärnhimmel utanför de störande ljusen. Den stjärnklara natthimlen börjar sedan pulsera och blinka i rött blått grönt gult, 'I'd Rather Be the Devil' är en psykedelisk mardröm, neurotisk och stressad. Covern av denna Skip James-låt visar att John Martyn har mer i sig än simpla bluesfolklåtar. Frukta icke, för 'Go Down Easy' är den mjuka filten som sänker sig över dig när trippen börjar lägga sig. Filten som ger dig krafter, för du ska upp igen! 'Dreams By The Sea' är igång, skaka på din kropp som en epileptiker! Svettiga efter dansen blir ni sentimentala, ni sätter er och du berättar för henne precis hur du känner. Du vet hur du ska göra, John Martyn har ju visat det för dig i 'May You Never'. Ni reser på er och vandrar vidare. Ni pratar om var ni ska just i natt, men ni båda vet att ni menar hela livet. 'The Man in the Station' spelas. Var ni hamnade? Lyssna på 'The Easy Blues' om du undrar. Dörren är låst men väggarna skakar. Vad finns mer att tillägga efter en natt som denna? Du faller ned på knä, du är numera för evigt i John Martyns grepp. Han är Gud, han är världen. Han är du, du är han.

I like this album. Reminds me of something I would listen to while walking in nature. Some trippy tracks on here, but they were all groovy enough to be consumable in a lot of environments. Would listen to again.

Awesome

One of my favourite albums, ever. The apogee of the British folk revival. Here, Martyn doses the waters with West Coast jazz influences resulting in a heady combination. Solid Air's smoky, blurry atmosphere proves perfect for listening after dark. Sensual, hypnotic, tender, magical. Music doesn't get much better than this.

Who on earth is John Martyn? What is this album all about? Turns out that this album is The Tits. It's just great. Unashamedly absolutely fan-piggin-tastic. Which of course means that John Martyn is going to be a wrong'un. Of course it means that. It has to mean that. Let's do some research. Oh, yes, there it is. Alcohol and drug abuse, spousal abuse, generally being a bit of a dick to a lot of people. Hmmm. Why is it that people who are so damn good at music are always such turds? If we can divorce the art from the artist, this is 5 stars. In this case - I think I probably can.

love it

Love it

Smooooooth

John Martyn led a tumultuous life and suffered from substance abuse for a good part of it. That being said, he was an extraordinary and innovative acoustic guitarist. I saw John Martyn in person could not have been more impressed by his style, technique, and ability. On Solid Air, his improvisation and collaboration with other musicians, especially the great Danny Thompson, was magical. I remember hearing Martyn play his guitar through an Echoplex for the first time - he brought a progressive influence to acoustic folk. Martyn achieved commercial success (23 albums), and when he didn't play solo, opened for many great bands and artists at one time or another, including Eric Clapton, Traffic, and Yes.

Best bluesy jazzy album I've heard so far. I love the atmosphere, the acoustics, the piano work, perfect. Great album for focus and relaxing. 9/10

I came to the John Martyn party late. It was the turn of the millennium - my life changed and my friends changed. One new friend used to spend a lot of late nights with me drinking wine and listening to John Martyn, with a bit of Cassandra Wilson thrown in. Not my usual style, but I came to love this genre-defying lyrical genius. Each song is infused with love and compassion and profound emotion. That voice just sucks you in. On the day JM died I happened to be listening to a radio show where the DJ was a massive fan. He turned over the show, the whole three hours into a dedication to his work. He didn’t really play the songs (maybe one or two per hour). What he did was to let people ring in and share their experiences of what JM meant to them. It was a masterclass in radio. There was a lot of emotion, a lot of tears but joy as well. The synchronicity worked for me, as if I hadn’t had those late nights with wine and Solid Air it would have meant nothing. Every song resonates for me and marks a turning point in my life. Fan-bloody-tastic!

Oh fuck yes this is one of the best things ever made.

Incredible accoustic guitar-focused folk rock. May you never is an all-time-favorite

Loved it

I honestly can’t say I had any preconceptions about John Martyn, as it’s a name that has never come up on my radar before. I’m excited to listen, as it’s always interesting to hear a highly regarded artist that I’ve never heard of. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Solid Air, Over The Hill The opening track here truly blew me away. The acoustic guitar together with his soft voice was a recipe for blissful listening and I enjoyed it a lot. This high level of music was maintained throughout the album - I generally preferred the songs with no percussion, but there were no bad songs to be found here. Overall, this feels like an artist I’m going to have to remember going forward as I was really impressed.

It's like Nick Drake fucked Van Morrison in a jazzy, bluesy atmosphere, and it's amazing. Tonally inconsistent, but still able to retain a cohesive identity of a chilled nightime, looking out on a city vibe. A real treasure to discover. 16/04/23

A genuine life-changing experience for the 15 year-old me. The same night I listened to Jackson Browne (Running on empty) Brian Eno (Another green world), smoked dope, and drank rum & coke. John Martyn has been my guitar hero ever since and I saw him live, half a dozen times - he was always amazing and each performance was individually memorable. One of the saddest stories in rock.

bon d'accord

Manifested

This guy likes jelly. Pretty smooth. Thought it was more recent.

This is the most psychedelic folk guitar I've ever heard. The playing on this album is fantastic. And the overall mood and sound of the album is unlike anything I've heard before. I think the blues sounds towards the end of the album are slightly weaker.

This is the album that derailed the whole 1001 albums experience for me. It was so good that I've been listening to it on repeat. I don't normally listen to this kind of stuff or I've never really sought it out but whatever it is, works well for my brain! It's just incredibly smooth and vibey. The melody/voicing choice for the songs is amazing. Guitar and what sounds like the double Bass on Solid Air was really nicely done. I liked the shakers for the mild percussion too. The keys are beautiful and kind of ethereal seeming. Like the sound stars would make in an animated movie kinda. Standouts: Solid Air, Over The Hill, Don't Want to Know (the keys solo was dope!), I'd Rather Be The Devil (live version has really fun drums imo and I love the gravelly-ness he throws into his voice) The vibes are immaculate, and I want more! I have a hard describing this album in terms of where I'd hear it but I'm going to keep listening to figure it out.

I cannot believe I hadn't heard of this guy before! This album was fantastic and EXACTLY what I was hoping to get out of this whole 1001 exercise. oof, what a stellar album travelling between genres and executing them all in a fun, unique and interesting way. Gosh this was super enjoyable. It's like Nick Drake except so much more psychedelic. Absolutely blown away, REALLY enjoyed all the acoustic songs, really interesting parts I cant wait to sink my teeth into trying to decipher. Absolutely amazing. Listening to more from this artist for sure.

Woah this one surprised me. I'm not farmiliar with John Martyn but this sort of progressive folk style is right up my alley. So many beautiful subtle moments just on the first song alone. Masterful guitar playing backed by soft keys and sax. Feels like I'm walking down a dead city street on a cool grey fall morning. The second song (Over the Hill) I knew without realizing it! This guy really captures the spirit of British folk in the 70s on this song. A lot of the other songs throughout maintain this calm but eerie ambiance with the backing instruments, makes the whole album feel extremely cohesive. Don't Want to Know ends to early for me, this could extend into some like 10 minute jam at the end and itd be heavenly. The bass on I'd rather be the devil is just wild. So many interesting sounds on this album. This one also has elements of jazz mixed in throughout. I feel there's a huge influence of Miles Davis Bitches Brew felt on a few of these songs (Dreams by the Sea being a prime example). Genuinely can't believe I've never heard this, it' like Nick Drake meets Miles Davis. It's progressive folk at its absolute peak.

Didn't know what to expect here but absolutely loved this. The exact folky vibe that I love and the exact kind of pyschy/jazzy/funky guitar tones that I'm into on the more upbeat tracks, super cool definitely listening many more times