John Fahey - Railroad 1

This release was going to be judged the third most important Fahey recording of all time in Mojo magazine's "How To Buy John Fahey" feature, but was disqualified as it was out of print. (Honest, Kris Needs, who wrote the article, has also written the sleevenote.) Unavailable on CD since the early 90s (and never with its proper sleeve), second-hand copies go for upwards of $300 on the internet. Album Description

My favorite John Fahey album/cd

I purchased this "album" in 1984. I still have the album. I then purchased the cd which was promptly stolen and there was a gap in time where the cd was out of print. The older I get the more I love and appreciate this cd. With John Fahey following through on a variety of themes on any one of his volume of albums this particular album is clear and focused. The aural quality of his guitar is clear, sharp and sometimes haunting. The first few phrases of the lead song "Frisco Leaving Birmingham" are a flagship for a journey led by a folk guitar playing melodies distilled from distinctly American influences such as Mississippi John Hurt, Leadbelly, Bukka White along with other relatively unappreciated blues/folk guitarists. Initially I did not care for some of the slower pieces featuring slide work (notably "Oneanta" and "Afternoon Escape Through Salem") but now I appreciate the moody and contemplative nuance of the songs. Thematically all the songs conjure imagery supporting the name of the album. Unlike some of his other albums there is little experimentation. This is my favorite Fahey album. The picking is from the sure hand of a master who aims for expression instead of speed or virtuosity. I am glad it is once again available in cd format. It is reassuring to see John Fahey is influencing other guitarists and perpetuating what is a distinctly American guitar genre. August 23, 2008

Great album,...thanks

This is one great "lost" Fahey album,.....and you can(and I MUST)thank this company for re-issueing this title at a price I could afford!

Classic finger-picking guitar with that John Fahey sound that so few can touch. The last "Takoma" album too. If you are a fan,.....you really NEED this. No kidding.

Now ,....WHERE'S "Fare Foreward Voyager" on CD? Can it PLEASE be re-issued......PLEASE?????

August 18, 2007

A gift.

This cd is a true gift from a brilliant artist. Unfortunately, this seems to have gone out of print at the time of this writing. The seemingly effortless playing of Fahey's guitar and the simple beauty he creates makes one only thankful that he graced this Earth to give us a blessing such as this. Truly at the top of a stellar body of work. July 6, 2003

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