Mercury Prize Nomination For Former Station Album of the Week

Celtic Music Radio picked Transform Me Then Into A Fish by English folk musician Martin Carthy as its Album of the Week back in July.

Our presenter Hugh Taylor visited Martin at his home in North Yorkshire to talk about the album – his first solo release in 21 years – and his long and successful career.

Now the album has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Mercury Prize with the winner to be announced in Newcastle on October 16.

Martin is the oldest nominee ever for the prize having released Transform Me Then Into A Fish after he had just returned from a two-week tour of the United States and was celebrating his 84th birthday.

It looks back at his eponymous debut from sixty years ago, re-imagining eight tracks from it and adding three from his current repertoire.

Hugh Taylor (left) with Martin Carthy

As Hugh said, Martin Carthy is an amazing man and a joy to interview.

“Here was someone who was there before the birth of the Folk Revival,” said Hugh. ”I just turned my recorder on, and it was like standing under Niagara Falls with a bucket.”

In a special programme for Celtic Music Radio that was broadcast on Saturday, July 5, Martin shared stories of conversations with Lonnie Donegan and the realisation that he had no idea of the massive impact his recording of ‘Rock Island Line’ had on the Folk Revival and the sales of guitars.

“Martin told me that the oldest song in his repertoire, ‘The Trees They Do Grow High’, he found, not in the Penguin Book of English Folk Songs, but a much older, Penguin publication, the Weekend Book, issued as two volumes in 1924,” said Hugh.

” It was a vivid and wide ranging conversation offering a real insight into a truly remarkable musical career.

“At one point he expressed his obvious dissatisfaction with the recording of Lovely Joan, which was included at the request of Dave Swarbrick.  Swarbrick told him to just play any chords and folk would love it.

“While admitting that Swarb was right, Martin’s much happier with his new arrangement.”

One of the finest songs on his debut album, ‘A Begging I Will Go’, has been given a re-working with contemporary words reflecting life for street beggars in the 21st century.

“Martin had countless tales to tell and it was all a fascinating insight into the musical life of one of our most celebrated and talented folk musicians,” said Hugh.

“I have to say it was very difficult to edit the interview for just an hour-long Album of the Week Show as he had so many things to share.

“It would be brilliant if he wins The Mercury Prize. All of us at the station are rooting for him.”

You can listen to Hugh and Martin in conversation here:

https://www.mixcloud.com/celt95fm/album-of-the-week-saturday-05-july-2025/  

https://www.mercuryprize.com/news/2025-mercury-prize-albums-of-the-year-revealed