The cover is in fabulous condition, with the spine completely intact and fully legible. The labels are excellent and the vinyl has a lovely sheen and plays superbly. Cleaned on a VPI Cyclone RCM. For photos and music review, see my .com site

VINYL: Ex

LABEL: Ex

COVER: Ex

Side 1

1. Wrth fynd efo Deio I Dywyn
2. Y ferch o blwy Penderyn
3. Fflat Huw Puw
4. Migildi Magildi
5. Pibgorn
6. Y G’lomen
7. Bwthyn Nain
8. Can crwtyn y gwartheg

Side 2

1. Gwn Dafydd Ifan
2. Gorymdaith gwyr Dyfnaint
3. Y cobler du bach
4. Dacw ‘nghariad
5. Can Huw Puw
6. Torth O fara
7. Y gelynnen
8. Castell Coch
9. Had maip Mon

The band got together in 1974 when they met at Aberystwyth University and have now been playing together (with slightly different line-ups) for over 30 years. Celtic influences were very much in vogue at this time (Alain Stivell was breaking through) and Mynediad am Ddim were part of this trend. However they were also a fun band, even their name (‘Free Admission’ in English) caused confusion with promoters and poster readers. This album was their 4th and last vinyl release on the SAIN label and shows the band going back to traditional Welsh folk material. ‘Torth o Fara’, meaning ‘Loaf of bread’ has sleeve notes in 5 languages (Welsh, English, Breton, French and German). Many of the songs are sung a cappella style, which proved really effective, while others, such as ‘Bwythyn Nain’ (Grandmother’s cottage) is certainly in the Stivell style, with flowing electric guitar and tin whistle supporting some excellent vocals. The final track on Side 1 ‘Can crwtyn y gwartheg’ has some great fiddle with bhodran providing the rhythm building to a great climax, again, great group vocals.

Side 2 The acapella version of ‘Y cobbler du bach’ (the dark little cobbler) is really moving, while to compliment this, there are also instrumental only tracks, showing skilled musicianship. The ballad ‘Dacw ‘nghariad’ (There is my love) has delicious harmonies and delicate acoustic guitar contrasts nicely with the more raucous ‘Can Huw Puw’ (Huw Puw’s song). This is followed by the title track, which has some excellent fiddle playing and is a great fun song. But you have to hand to the welsh folk song writer who came up with the fascinatingly titled final song -  ‘Had maip Mon’ (The turnip seeds of Anglesey) – pure genius.

Overall, this is a great album which showcases a sample of the fabulous traditional Welsh folk music and has insured that this music will justifiably live on.