Fionn Regan - The End Of History (2006)

Wikipedia: "The End of History is the debut album from Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan, released in 2006. The album was nominated for the 2007 Mercury Prize, and was also named Best Irish Album of 2006 by the Irish Independent".

Amazon.co.uk Review: "From the delicate and deceptively intricate "Be Good or Be Gone" that inaugurates Fionn Regan’s debut album, The End of History, it’s apparent that his is a talent not to be ignored. Recalling any number of folkish predecessors–Bob Dylan, Jose Gonzalez, Nick Drake–Regan’s finger-picked guitar work and warm, Damien Rice-esque vocals flow through this entire project like meandering, golden streams. Mixing winsome melodies with emotive chords and quasi-poetic lyricism, Regan straddles the classic folk sound of the 60s and the contemporary neo-folk scene with bristling aplomb. Unlike many so called ‘new folk’ heroes though, Regan keeps his approach simple, varying his songs not with electronic beats or acidic guitar squalls but light embellishments such as brooding strings (see the dark, Gonzalez-esque "Hunter's Map") and subtle backing vocals (see "Black Water Child"). Though skeletal, Regan’s songs create a dreamy, nostalgic ambience that successfully eschew cliché. Intimate and contemporary, universal and classic, The End of History is a triumphant and highly accessible first outing. –Paul Sullivan"

Track list:
01 - Be Good Or Be Gone
02 - The Underwood Typewriter
03 - Hunter's Map
04 - Hey Rabbit
05 - Black Water Child
06 - Put A Penny In The Slot
07 - The Cowshed
08 - Snowy Atlas Mountains
09 - Noah (Ghost In A Sheet)
10 - The End Of History
11 - Abacus
12 - Bunker Or Basement
13 - Campaign Button (Hidden Track)