Complete Vanguard Studio Recordings
Of all the young lovers smitten by folk music in the '60s, Ian Tyson and  Sylvia Fricker cut the most striking couple, and--as a couple--many of the most  striking sides. Over seven Vanguard albums, recorded between 1963 and 1968, Ian  & Sylvia lent their vibrato-heavy voices to traditional folk and country songs  with strenuous and studied results. However, on indisputably classic Tyson tunes  such as "Summer Wages" and "Four Strong Winds," and well-chosen (and, at the  time, obscure) ballads by peers such asBob Dylan("Tomorrow Is  a Long Time") andSteve Gillette("Darcy  Farrow"), their ethereal harmonies and uncluttered acoustic arrangements go a  long way towards explaining the duo's popularity and influence. Hard-core fans  may frown over the sole previously unreleased track (a toss off called "Je  T'aime Marielle"), but they will also cherish Vanguard's sparkling remastering  and packaging (a delightfully written appraisal by Colin Escott is included) of  this much-needed collection. No better overview of Ian & Sylvia's art can be  located. Although you won't find their best album (1970's country-rock gemGreat Speckled Bird) here, you will find a cache brimming with the  strengths and weaknesses of the folk revival.--Roy Kasten