OUGENWEIDE/ ALL DIE WEIL ICH MAG

This reissue of the first two Ougenweide albums is one of last year's best news for folk prog fans. While both albums had received re-releases (legit or not), this little baby is a rather indispensable for fans and newcomers alike. Both this release and the following one have superb booklets with an extensive group history (English/German), including loads of photos (including the booklet's covers), both albums' full artworks reproduced as well as the totality of the (Middle High German) lyrics as well. The sepia-coloured booklet is actually very reminiscent of the first two album sleeves, which were dominated by the same old paper colour. A gorgeous picture adorns an excellent logo name that you will find in the next release as well.

While I wrote reviews of the original albums in the album's respective page (so please look there for detailed reviews), what one must know is that this is about the best way for everyone to acquire their music, no matter if you are a newbie or a veteran of the group. If their first album is rather close to the German equivalent of Fairport Convention crossing with Steeleye Span (but not as Celtic) and Pentangle, their second album is much more medieval and would resemble more Malicorne or Parzival or even at times Amazing Blondel.

An excellent (and cheap) manner to get comfy with this out-of-the ordinary band, but it is advisable to not listen to the full disc in a single shot for fear of overdose: rather divide your listening sessions to the original albums separately. Outstanding value, this is the textbook case of the perfect 2-on-1 re-issue.