Last night, just before making dinner, I clicked on your FAIR ISLES. As it turned out, I ended up listening to most of the songs you offer on MP3U. What a joy it was, Mark, to listen to your fine work. You have style, sir. Your songs are memorable and well produced with clever and poignant lyrics. I also enjoy your guitar work. Are you the guitar soloist on these tracks? If so, good job!

Lovely track Mark, your vocals are sweet mate. Instrumentation is pefect...no flaws here. layered vocals raise the song that bit more, great harmonies. Glad i got to hear it :)

Cant believe i have never heard this one before. Beautiful song - love the folky instrumentation especially the flute sound. Great lyrics and a sweet vocal backed by tight harmonies. So many musical elements to like on this - the guitar work is noteworthy. James

Hey Mark, i've been on your page a few times and really enjoyed the quality of the songs but i thought you had maybe moved on from mp3u as some of the comments date back to 06. Great your still around. Can i look forward to some new material from you? Hope so. Gibbo

Hello! First time listener of your music here.. I'm a rock/metal guy, but I have very fond memories of growing up surrounded by folk music and a family that would congregate to play and sing together! This is great for me! I'm feeling right at home.. :) Thanks for sharing

i really like this, Ive been messing with the idea of folk mixed with Drum n bass, what would be your thoughts on me sampleing some of your tracks?? Leo x

Hi Mark, I've been walking through the Mp3 Unsigned Hall Of Fame and it's great to see that this is currently the most popular Folk track of all time on this site with 69 votes. Can't believe I missed this song cause it is beautiful. Anyway I've voted and this popular track is now on 70. All the best. PJ

Excellent song, beautifully recorded, and it makes me want to visit the Fair Isles ASAP!

This is a beautiful song. Lovely lyric and really nice vocal. Great production! Loved it! Rated!

Very cool! I love the instrumental section from 2:10-2:50

Wow, beauty through simplicity. Remarkable job on this recording. Sounds quite soothing with just enough grunt as to not put you into a deep sleep and leave you rather refreshed at song end!

Some lovely lyrics, very thoughtful and a new twist on traditional folk. Quite haunting.

You mixing is always spot on man, classic work!

I CANNOT believe out of 116 comments I haven't heard this Mark. Firstly thank you for stopping by on my track. This is sooooo you my friend. Excellent sound and reminds me of the times when you used to frequent the boards more often.. Take Care Andy:)

Thanks Mark on the positive feedback on my song, All I Need. Really appreciate it. Wait for Stars

A good song lives forever. Beginning of 2011 and it's in the top ten of the charts!

beaut song.....

Who was it that wanted a tambourine? Fantastic vocals, if you're going to go to the trouble of harmonies on a song this good I would suggest getting a female harmony too. Excellent song!

You have a beautiful gentle folk sound...love the lyrics vocals and the sweet harmonies..Rated

Beautiful song Mark,stunning vocal work and arrangement right on the button.Its got more shine than a lighthouse.Smiled all the way.Rated.

You certainly have captured the celtic feel. Love the arrangement and your vocals tell the tale perfectly.

Evocative and a tad melancholy. Rated.

I'm always late,but the last will be the first. This track are Pink Floyd Vibe and I love it so much. You are such a talented man. I you need my service just PM me.

Really evocative rolling track. Love the guitar work... the instrumental parts are reminiscent of Knopfler's later stuff... Rated, and will take a download if that's all right by you :)

Fair Isles takes me back to the years of Jefro Tull! :) GREAT STUFF SPIRE Thanks for the great comment on our site

I like songs that evoke a connection to nature. Thank you. All buttons.

Wonderful music/songwriting/singing the whole wonderful adventure listening to your music. Looking forward to hearing more of you music.

Really nice track, clear and emotive vocals, glad I found your page, will be listening to your other tracks now too :). All the best Deborah Ivri

Very nice tune Brother Mark, very relaxing, just what I needed right about now. all buttons for you sir.

Hi, I'm late to this sorry. This is lovely and catchy. Great vocals including harmonies. Yes, definitely a Celtic vibe which I love. Very pleasant indeed. Reminds me a bit of America (the group) who I also really like. Well done! Rated. Cheers, Smudge from Smudgie

Very good vocals,Well crafted song,Emotional songwriting Rated.

My kind of music Mark. I love Capercaillie and Clannad and there's a similar Celtic vibe here. Great vocal harmonies, excellent melody and the musical backing is cool, especially the bass and there is some intricate stuff going on without it dominating the song itself. Have a rate!

love the harmonies,style,lyrics,arrangement...makes you proud of where you come from..give us another one Mark..rate..stevy.y..Bone Degree

This is one fantastic tune,I love the vocals and the whole arrangement, your talent shines here! Vin

hi, mark - i'm returning the listen - thanks so much for yours. this has a lovely gentle quality with nicely placed harmony - not too little, not too much. i hear all kindsa instruments that might not even be here - fiddle? mandolin? i like the way you think musically! well done - anne

Sounds like you had an orchestra backing you. I love that old Irish sound. Paints a picture so vivid I can feel the cold rain and wind. Rates!

This is a really cool song. I love the easy melody and the harmonies. Nothing I could possibly dislike about this track.

Thanks Mark :c)

QUITE IMPRESSIVE M.E.! YOU'RE QUITE THE SONGWRITER AND WHAT STANDS OUT IS YOUR ABILITY TO EXPAND YOUR STYLE, THE HARMONIES FLOW QUITE NICELY, GREAT MUSICIANSHIP. THE PRINCE OF RNB~ RATEDX

I agree, stunning track, must admit to being drawn to anything with a hint of celtic. Hint of Syd Barrett in vocal. Love the pic of you in white afghan coat. See inside cover of 'In Search of Space' Hawkwind. Will get to listen to all tracks ASAP, your comments noted & appreciated... Rob (Shaarilla)

Everything about this is perfect to my ears. I rate this highly. Great performance and production. Makes me homesick for my native Celtic land, where I started my musical journey playing in folk bands. Thank you too, for your welcome and generous comments :-)

Nice work Mark, top work here mate. The song flows with an endless relaxing vibe. Very nice work indeed. Easy to rate this one!! Darren.

I can't believe I never left a comment on this one before, perhaps I thought you had recieved enough already! The Celtic influence is strong with this one, do you have any Irish descendants? A nice, easy song with a touch of the nostalgic about it.

Wow, really love a good folk tune.Flawless Piece, Thanks.

wow, great song! very reminiscent of the music I grew up with as a kid (Donavon, Raspberries,Al Stewart etc..) Clever songwriting and great vox performance.

had to come back, really nice, where are you selling your albums? I will surley buy one soon, efrona

ok.. what a cool sound this is, I'm amazed. Really love the way the whole song comes together, surley I will go listen to other songs and wish you all the success you desire for this effort. efrona

Very calming track. Reminds me of someone from the 60s, but can't put my finger on who. Lovely feel to this all the way through. You might be fairly near me... if you're ever playing nearby I'd definitely come for an evening of listening to this (and a few nice drinks).

Mark, this sounds fantastic..really lovin the Celtic feel runnin through! Great songwriting! Agree, the vocals do have that kinda 60s vibe, though they sound very fresh at the same time! Must say, can't see any problems with the dynamics..everything sounds well balanced to me! Defo rated and recommended!

Mark my friend i could sit and listen to you live in a pub with a guiness in my hand forever. Timeless musicians of your quality are few and far between. Long may you write. Flawless writting and the perfect quality vocals for your style. Rated and added you to my reccomends. Johnny

Hey my friend, track sounds very good.Being of Irish descent it gives me a celtic feeling. Nicely done. Thanks for your kind words on my music. Good luck to you my friend.

fair isles- very interesting voice hunny, reminds me of 60s music in a way, great stuff. i agree wirh tedshirt that the dynamics could be stronger but other than that good stuff Nathalie xx

Good song. I really like your voice, it has it's own character. Would sound good with some mandolin on it, I think. The dynamics could be stronger - a bit of tambourine on the chorus, for example. It's good stuff, keep at it.

Came back to nom this one.Really like it. Kevin Mooney.

Nice celtic feel to it, very close to my heart. Reminds me of Horslips. Great vocals, overall sound and production. I would love to hear more stuff like this on the radio. Even though i am a metal head to the core, I love good music and this is certainly more than good. Excellent work, well done mate, keep it up.

a very enjoyable blend of traditional celtic sensiblilites and modern technology. Strong melody throughout makes this peice very palatable and listenable. Cool stuff.

yeah i can smell the green grass of home this song gave me nostalgia when i lived in england in my early years.....that what music is all about cheers mate!!!!loved it

Hi there, finally got a chance to come and listen, I heard lots about you and it all seems to be true! I was impressed right away, such a nice sound you've got here, I love the harmonies. I'll have to come back and listen to a few more! Awesome!

Very nice piece, full but not too busy. Good cooperation among the instruments. Love the vocal harmonies and the sentiment of the song. Good Job!

Hey, f great sound there, mate. Love the vocals..soundin lush! Nice, laid-back feel throughout an some very nice guitar work. Good stuff! JD>

I really like the simplicity of this song. The lyrics are particualrly good, I'm impressed by the internal ryhmes and the thought you've put into setting the scene. I can too can hear Crowded House in your vocals and the lilting piano lines. A really nice mix too, where everything has space to shine without overpowering the other elements of the track.

loved the jethro tull-esque intro ! the vox were very 60's-like the beatles but , also reminded me of crowded house. beautiful lyrics , composition and production !! loved it !

This is a cracking piece of modern sounding folk I have to say! As much as you may not expect me to listen to folk, I may surpise you....lol....A very British track all round and the lyric, vocal and delivery encapsulate what you were aiming for perfectly without falling into the twee sound that's so common in folk nowadays. Cracking listen and a well made, written & produced track. And the fact you've partied with Lemmy just puts you waaaaaay up there regardless of the tunes....lol...Quality!

I like this, it just 'feels right'. It is a simple song and the simple ones are always the best, think Hey Jude! Very nice.

That acoustic guitar sounds really nice and the vocals sound top notch to me. Liking the slow, but hooking rhythm of the track. As I don't know almost anything about the genre, I'm afraid I can give you any constructive criticism or so. All I have to say that I like this track. I better listen all of your other tracks as well, as this track has very much potential to be honest. Well rated dude.

I love this song it has a very earthy feel. Your lyrics and vocal quality are exceptional. Iwill be given all your songs a listen in the next few days. Thanks for letting me listen

Brilliant tune, very traditional, but love the way whole thing moves.. very good!

Brilliant tune, very traditional, but love the way whole thing moves.. very good!

Hi Mark! Firstly,,Thanks for comments on my song :) appciated! I love the instrumental hooks in the track! very memorable!! You have a unique voice,, very nice! The guitar sounds great! and a nice idea! I'm gonna nom this one..cos i really like it.. feel like it should be in a film or something, it's very visual! Jen :) xx

back for this track. i really like the chorus sound in the vocals on this. worthy of a nom..

It's all been said so I'll just rate you! Love the vocal and instrumentation! Kevin Mooney.

Definitely hear the Tull influence here and Ian Anderson is one of my favourite singers. This was a very enjoyable piece to listen to and music really fit the sentiment of the song well. Really enjoyed this piece. Rated :)

Honestly, there is avery soulful feel to your music. People can feel your heart in your music, and that is a very hard thing to do unless you really have a passion for your music. It's evident, and that's why it sound great.... Much Luv & success.

Real cool stuff, got some folk sounds here. Gives me a hollyday felling. Cool vocals and spheres. Really like this music reminds me of my earlier days at home in winters at home we got more of this kind of music. Rated !!!!

Hi Mark This is Cowboy Cal (Bob Brannan) Very mellow ... A mix of old and new in this. Cool vibe ... Rated. Bob

Hey Artist of the day again!Cool.This is an awsome tune.Takes ya back like your there with them sailors.Production is great.Hey,sure enjoyed collabing with ya.Looking forward to more when i have a little more time.

Excellent song - lovely tempo. Perfect for the subject matter. Well sung, nice harmonies and well played. All round top song! Rated, Martin

Love the song Mark! I think the melody goes great with the concept and feel of the song. Vocals sound awesome and I enjoyed the lyrics. Thanks for stopping by our link as well. Keep it up! -Lane

I love the ambience in this piece. One of my favorite bands is Jethro Tull, and this reminds me of them a lot. I like your vocal work and the wind instruments - they give the song a rennaisance-ish feel. Good solid song.

Hi Mark! :) Yep...seen you and da' butterfly on front page today so thought I'd stop in and say hi ya! Hi Ya! :) Carol Sue

Artist of the day! yeeeah,LOL.

Mark you really have a good clean sound here. I love the production. This is a well crafted song. Love the words. Really enjoyed this tune. Thanks for the comments on my "Jamaican College Fund" and "If Can't Hold Your Liquor..."DWI is driving while intoxicated. You can get in some serious trouble for that here in the states.It's probably the same in the isles.

Lovely listen mate, really did enjoy this track, nice production, and mix of modern & traditional sounds. Rated. Regards: Fatal X 8 ~ Aka ~ Destri

Ace! Loving this. I haven't heard anything with this style sound so contemporary and cool for a while! Loads of folk influences i can hear that we all owe a debt to in most music genres. great stuff

thankyou for all the kind words. and you really showed me some love on my page. i see your more acoustic based...i might have couple tracks up your alley, perhaps i should post them. anyways that flute really sets the tune...rating

ratings for sure!

wow that flute is enchanting. this isnt my genre of choice either, but regardless i had a lot of fun listening. great vocals.

Lovely to see this at the top of the charts again Mark...I was getting worried mine was stuck there forever hahahaha. Bout time I rated this one again...you gotta know I love it to damn death!

haha my foot starting tapping and my head bopping instantly! Really like the vocals, real good voice. the pan pipes arre a nice touch. really enjoyed this one.

havin a look at your influences love them all and seen a good few of them too ..mr harper and mr thomson fecking wesome artists...no wonder i like your stuff.

oh my god this is fecking awesome stuff man...ive been to all the festivals around the uk and never heard of you ..you deserve recognition for this track alone..rated and you join my reccomended now..one of the best productions ive heard from here ..d.l too...jeso im gonna love coming home drunk and listening to this

very nice song, found it very relaxing to listen to. Vocals sounded really good. I guess its the way you wanted it to sound, but I thought it stayed very much at one level throughout, I personally would have liked a bit more change throughout. Anyway, thats only my opinion, I still think the song set a lovely atmosphere throughout, well done!

hi mark thanks for your nice comments regarding my summer of love track all the best spinelli

Sooo smooth - makes me want to crash out in a field somewhere and watch the clouds go by - Has a real hippy festival feel - always good for the soul...x

really nice track, and the musical picture painted is really nice, great vocals too. excellent stuff!

hi mark really lovely song...beatifully played...warm, delicate and a lovely vocal.. thanks ashley

CONGRATS ON MAKING THE CHARTS,AGAIN,LOL. This is a great tune,man.

Another listen gives more ratings and nominations from me. Thanks for your coomments to The Shed

Hi Mark sorry for taking so long to get to your stuff. This is quite a nice song its got some old English folk influencers and a little bit of celtic too me thinks. Its a nice ditty that gently envolpoes the listener in the melancholy of the verse. its a lovely song mark. Rating and Nominating. Cheers From The Shed

really cool mark, not a fan of folk but the vocals do it for me really good delivery sweet guitar and nice pipes? yup gonna get me thumbs up cool track fella

loving on this one again!

This is a beautiful song! Salt of the earth. Longing and permanance. A feeling of fleeting but enduring. Makes you want to be there!

Loving the song, you've got a really smooth tone about your voice, and the words in the song really make you imagine that you are on some jorney home. Will be looking out for more!

Hi Mark just wanted to drop by again to thank you for all the kind words and encouragement...very much appreciated...and to let you know that you truly make beautiful music.HEATHER MARIE HARRISON

This s still my favorite Mark thanks for all your kindness welcoming me

I love your music! The words music everything..the subject matter especially its story telling at its root. songs

Great stuff mark. Joanne

I do believe you have one more fan! Bravo! Carol Sue

I worked with some celtic musicians a few years ago mark...and we would have been proud to do a version of this song....and boy they guys would have relished this. Great great song....well done.

och sorry laddie...we knocked you off top spot...but to be fair, you are probably at least partly responsible with your kind clicks hehehe I am here listening again...what is THAT about eh? xoxo

wow, quality nice way to start the day

I am so glad it is at number 1 where it deserves to be (even if it's keeping me off that spot lol) It deserves to be there...still loving it Mark

Now that's a piece of soothing music, I needed that after a day from hell. R&N!

Very nice arrangement indeed. Love the instrumentation and the vocals sit so sweetly in the mix. Very nice track Mark. Welcome to the VIP club too :-D Rainy x

Oh we are on the same wave length, I can see that...check out Golden Years and Baptistas to see what I mean. Love this to death...just wonderful mate (we are neighbours by the way, as I am a Brightonian born and bred) I would not change a thing on this one. It's just perfect. Rated.

Hey,Artist of the day again!Mellow Stuff!

Thankyou for the lovely comments on my songs. Fair Isles takes me back to some other time. I love it :)

Hey mark i really appritiate the gracious comments on my tracks thank you so much.I love yours also! How would you feel about collaborating on a song or two?

Hey Mark.Congrats on mak'in the charts and artist of the day.You have some excellent tunes man.

really really good! its like a new slant on folk altogether.. folk with pop sensibilities.. I guess it means its just a good song.. Makes me think of syd barrett... stu vanish xx

Very good song mark!....Love the vocals and harmonies, and Bass playing is really good too!...excellent clear production too!..Good stuff:)

Like another review i read, this isn't really my thing but i enjoyed this track. Very soothing sound. Bono might be taking notes from you!!!

this song glides along nicely, a polished vocal a very nice listen, a very nice celtic sound i found it quite compelling! good stuff

Not usually my kind of thing but i thought i'd have a listen anyway.The track actually has a real chilled vibe, i enjoyed it i really like the flute, this track definately screams out GB, youv'e got a real smooth voice aswell, a very enjoyable track in all glad i checked it out.Nice.1

really great song, loved the folk element, emotional but yet not sorrowful.. Ruth

This is a really well thought out track, very well done. Steve

This is the first I've listened to you. Great Quality! You have such a young voice, Paul Simon meets Jethro- tull Kinda thing. Your experience shines through all over this. Great. Steve

Has a nice nautical feel to it. I can just imagine being on a ferry when I listen. Can't go wrong with folk, it's my second favourite genre. :D

I really like this Mark. Song structure and writing style are great, production and harmonies are very good, lyrics too. Harp glissando works well. Just proves you can't keep a good musician down! well done mate

Yep,nice one Mark.Very very smooth and clean.Like how you took the situation at hand a made such a nice tune out of it.Another masterpiece pardner.Well done.

Yeah this is nice. The voice comes across well and the music is tight. Nice harmonies. So smooth. Your bass is so on. All the instruments are worthily played by a worthy sailor. :)