The debut album from James Yorkston and an essential album to own. Moving Up Country deserves to be remembered as one of the noughties' finest records. With Yorkston capably evoking the folk tradition of sprawling instrumentation amidst an even more sprawling storytelling ability. The gentle piano tones of ‘St Patrick’, with a tantalising violin finish, and the opener ‘In Your Hands’, introduce the tender and wistful tone of Yorkston’s voice amidst layers of lush sounds. The title track is imbued with a sense of melancholy, as a hushed accordion helps it slowly drift along. ‘I Spy Dogs’ remains an upbeat number with erratic guitar, and ‘6:30 Is Just Way Too Early’ finishes with a flourishing organ, a testament to the capable and dynamic music created by the band on this stunning debut.