Ian Matthews - Valley Hi/Some Days You Eat The Bear And Some Days The Bear. CD. Ex-Fairport Convention lead singer Ian Matthews recorded a pair of inspired albums for Elektra in the early '70s. Valley Hi was produced by Michael Nesmith and contains many original Matthews classics plus songwriting contributions from Richard Thompson, Jackson Browne and Randy Newman. Somedays You Eat The Bear continued the mellow L.A. country-rock sounds with songs by Tom Waits, Gene Clark and Crazy Horse with guest guitarist David Lindley among others. A unique blend of British folk and American country rock. Featuring a new detailed interview with Ian Matthews, complete lyrics, rare photos and more

Ian Matthews - Stealin' Home/Siamese Friends. CD. (B.G.O. Records - BGOCD680) Value for money- two albums from the classic late 70s/early 80s period of this charismatic ex-Fairport Convention/Southern Comfort/Plainsong/Hi Fi frontman, one of Britain's most underrated singer-songwriters. Both originally released on the short-lived Rockburgh label; now digitally remastered and slipcased. As well as his own fine compositions, Matthews has always been a shrewd judge of material: compositions by Robert Palmer, John Martyn, Stevie Nicks and Jonah Lewie are given the full treatment.

Ian Matthews - Spot Of Interference/Shook. CD. (B.G.O. Records - BGOCD681) 2fer featuring the best of the acclaimed singer-songwriter's 80s albums. Although associated with folk-rock due to his time spent as frontman with Fairport Convention, Plainsong and Southern Comfort, Matthews' solo output has always stylistically varied and been difficult to pin down, and these are no exception- the first flirting openly with tthe powerpop sound of XTC, Squeeze, Bram Tchiakovsky et al, the second an excursion nto minimalist synthesised New Wave. Sadly, he never received enough acclaim for these experiments, but the albums are worthy of investigation- especially in a digitally remastered slipcase format with brand new notes.

Ian Matthews - If You Saw Thro' My Eyes. CD. (Water Music - WATER209CD) First time CD re-issue of this 1970 debut (originally on Vertigo) solo album by ex Fairport Convention man, later of Matthews Southern Comfort and Plainsong.This is melancholic stuff and Ian's voice is in fine form and is very similar to Neil Young's After The Goldrush.11 tracks, remastered and housed in a mini LP gatefold sleeve.

Ian Matthews - A Tiniest Wham. CD. (B.G.O. Records - PP006) As a founding member of Fairport Convention back in 1967 Iain appeared on the bands first three recordings before forming his new band Matthews Southern Comfort. This album recorded in Iain's adopted home of Texas finds him rediscovering his folk/rock roots with 12 new self penned songs.

Ian Matthews - I Can't Fade Away- Ian Matthews Live. DVD. (Cherry Red DVDs - CRDVD119) The first ever DVD to fature the former Fairport Convention, Southern Comfort, Hi Fi and Plainsong frontman delivering what he does best- a set full of quality folk and country-based rock, albeit here presented in its somewhat synthesised 80s form as he dazzles a devoted audience at the Marquee in 1984. Still worth watching though!! Region 0 PAL.

Ian Matthews - Zumbach's Coat. CD. (MK2 - MK2002) With over 25 solo albums and albums with Fairport Convention and Plainsong under his belt Iain Matthews could be fairly considered to be ready to take his place as a musical heavyweight. This, his new album, has been garnering impressive reviews for its mix of catchy uptempo tunes and beautiful ballads. Some have even gone so far as to exclaim best album so far, well, you'll have to discover that for yourself.

Ian Matthews - Go For Broke / Hit And Run. CD. (B.G.O. Records - BGOCD727) Two mid '70's folk albums on one CD, digitally remastered, slip cased and featuring new notes by John Tobler. Nineteen tracks from the ex Fairport Conventioner who seemed in this period to be permanently releasing new material, including: the covers "Brown Eyed Girl" and the highlight "A Fool Like You", "Tigers Will Survive" and "Help To Guide Me (I Need Your Help.)"

Ian Matthews - Journeys From Gospel Oak. CD. (Castle - CMQCD1413) Originally released in 1972, this is one of the best albums the former Fairport man made. A loose concept piece, it concerns itself with the night of Hank Williams death. Includes bonus tracks not previously available on CD plus five brand new 2006 tracks. Includes: "Met Her On A Plane", "Tribute To Hank Williams", "Things You Gave Me" nad "Devil In Disguise." The definitive version of this defining album.

Ian Matthews - Dark Side / God Looked Down. CD. (B.G.O. Records - BGOCD733) Two mid '90's albums on one CD. Digitally remastered, slip cased and with new notes. Recorded for small independent American labels, they have been unavailable for a number of years and include more of Iain's wonderful songwriting. His lengthy career in the business and fine reputation has made him into a musical heavy weight. Includes: "Alone Again Blues", "So Many Eyes", "Save Her Love" and "Ballad Of Gruene Hall".

Ian Matthews - Osolomeo. CD + DVD. (Inbetweens Records - IRDVD003) Twenty two track live concert DVD from the legendary singer songwriter and former Fairport / Southern Comfort / Plainsong member recorded in Colorado in 1993. The single camera angle may put some off but it is one of Iain's most passionate performances; he seems to be highly confident, perfectly connected with his music and his audience. Released from Iain's own archives after he stumbled across it and fell in love with his own performnace! Bonus thirteen track CD is a set with Iain and Andy Roberts recorded at the Brosella Folk & Jazz Festival in 1992. DVD PAL / REGION 0

Ian Matthews - Pure And Crooked / Skeleton Key. CD. (B.G.O. Records - BGOCD739) Two 80’s albums from Iain (he has changed his name twice during his long and diverse career) that were originally released on small independent labels. Skeleton key must have been a bit of a surprise for his long term fans as after a decade of synth and new wave experimentation, Matthews returned with his most acoustic and stripped down album ever. Pure and Crooked is some of Matthews most convincing folk rock he ever prodcued, with the former Fairport singer penning almost the entire album (something he rarely ever managed). Digitally remastered and slipcased.

Ian Matthews - Contact. CD + DVD. (Blue Rose - BLUCD0422) The Blue Rose Christmas Party December 17, 2004 in "Blue Rose Capital" Heilbronn, Germany featured two label artists - Todd Thibaud andIain Matthews. Joined onstage by Richard Kennedy Mike Roelofs, the trio played a great set of 14 songs, older stuff as well as songs from his latest album Zumbach's Coat. The release finds Iain relaxed, focused, fluid and full of zest and confidence. Includes: "Woodstock", "A Lamb In Armor", "Girl With The Clouds In Her Eyes" and many more. DVD features the same gig: bonus material includes photo gallery, discography and biography.

Ian Matthews - Tigers Will Survive. CD. (Water Music - WATER210CD) 1971 found former Fairport Convention lead singer Ian Matthews not only extremely prolific but surprisingly consistent. Tigers Will Survive, originally released on Vertigo in November of that year, is no exception. Featuring backing from British band Quiver (which included Bruce Thomas, later of the Attractions, and Tim Renwick, who played with David Bowie among others). Tigers Will Survive, as was Matthews' style, is a brilliant collection of originals and choice covers (including Eric Andersen's classic "Close The Door Lightly When You Go" and an a capella version of The Crystals' "Da Doo Ron Ron". Mellow folk-rock jams of the highest order.

© Delerium Music 2008. Web Site written and maintained by Matt Platts for Paragon Digital. Please see www.vatloophole.co.uk for information on why we closed down.