The Pop Corporation

In record collector circles, Dorothy Carter is a big ticket and her ‘Troubadour’ LP is the stuff of legend. Originally released back in 1976, it was a pioneering and unique work and linked up folk with other-worldly avant-garde behaviours. It’s a wild and beautiful body of work.

She studied formally before finding herself in a convent in New Mexico where she had all manner of spiritual epiphanies and visions, as well as playing with a collective who improvised their music called the Central Maine Power Company. To say that Carter lived quite the life, would be a gross understatement.

Carter also modified her collection of instruments, not limited to harps, hurdy gurdys, zithers, and whatever else she felt moved by. Some of her instruments can be heard on the spellbinding ‘Troubadour’, recorded in Boston and bewitching the few that heard it. The fact it wasn’t hugely successful isn’t a surprise given the experimental nature – but then again, it wasn’t ever meant to be pop music.

It is hypnotic, rootsy, peculiar and thankfully, it has been reissued so everyone can enjoy it. If you’re a fan of Pentangle solo LPs, New Age music, experimental folk and ambient, then you should absolutely check this out.

Drag City are responsible for the redo, so you’ll know its all been done with a whole lot of care. Check your favourite independent record shop for a copy or, if you’re not up for leaving the house and can’t be bothered using a search engine, here’s a link.

Have a listen to the wonderful ‘The King of Glory’ in advance.