KT Tunstall – Eye to the Telescope (2004)

KT (Katie) is a Scottish singer songwriter very much in the traditional mode; she would have been just as at home in the 70s or 80s as in this Century – which is probably why I like her. No flashy production, no dance grooves, no bursts of rapping or guest singers – just plain but good quality playing and songwriting – not a bad voice either.  I bought her first three albums starting with this classic.  Apparently a last minute cancellation led to a surprise debut of the song ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ on Later with Jools Holland – which was an almost instant success and came just as this album was being released.  The album went to number three in the UK and has sold well ever since -the most popular of her records.  Never seeming to seek fame, and quite outspokenly critical of the state of modern music she has solidly ploughed her furrow.  Best on this are opener ‘Other Side Of The World’, ‘Universe and I’ and ‘Suddenly I See’ – great songs.