A classic British folk album that was quietly disregarded at the time of its release in 1970 has been reassessed as a buried vinyl treasure…
So many records go under-appreciated at the time of their release, before slipping into legend and becoming incredibly collectable. Just Another Diamond Day, the debut album from British folk musician Vashti Bunyan, is one of those records. After a limited release in 1970, only a handful of copies of the original pressing are believed to still be in existence.
It has a sense of tranquillity born from Bunyan’s reflections on travelling through Scotland by horse and wagon in the late 60s; its realism and honesty enabling you to picture everything she saw through her eyes. Despite being joined by well-respected musicians including Dave Swarbrick and Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention, Just Another Diamond Day features minimal instrumentation: acoustic guitars, traditional fiddle sections and dreamy, softly picked harp serve as the canvas for Bunyan’s enchanting voice.
The album received a lukewarm reception from fans and little promotion from her label, Philips. This would cause Bunyan to feel demoralised with the music industry, sending her almost into exile and opting to live a low-profile life. It’d be nearly 30 years later that word would get back to her about the collectability of Just Another Diamond Day; it’s now looked upon as a landmark British folk release.
This album, which will set you back a cool £1,500, has aged much like a fine wine. The style may have been duplicated over the years, but few have come close to the beauty of this long-forgotten classic.
Glen Bushell