Steeleye Span- Gaudete & John Barleycorn (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

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[@kengregory6026]

The British pop charts were fairly eclectic in the 70s...Top Of The Pops was the big show of the week to listen to/watch who was in the charts that week.I'm fairly sure I remember seeing Steeleye Span doing Gaudete on Top Of The Pops...not sure what the fans of Slade,The Sweet etc thought of it :)

[@lbd-po7cl]

I grew up listening to this band and others of their milieu in the 70z - they were my bread and butter! So pleased you've gotten round to them. Maddy Prior and Tim Hart were an established folk duo before forming Steeleye Span, and already had a solid catalogue and good musical relationship. If you want to hear more of Maddy from this album I recommend Saucy Sailor. And for a magical song that will raise tbe hair on the back of your neck I suggest King Henry, which also has some great instrumental breaks. Gaudete was a big hit when it came out as a single in 73, and I think is tbe only song in Latin that has made the UK pop charts (No. 14 I believe). Probably their biggest hit, though, was All Around My Hat, which is a joyous song which again showcases Maddy's vocals as well as t h e band's tight harmonies.

[@MGmirkin]

King Henry from one of their latest releases is the best version. I think it was Live at a Distance? That or the 50th Anniversary. But I think that one was on Live at a Distance, and Boys of Bedlam was on 5oth Anniversary... That version of Boys of Bedlam is musical insanity, and the best version I've heard to date. If you get a chance, absolutely give that one a go, it's hit much harder than the original and leans heavily into the 'insane asylum' vibe, they only sang cheerfully about in the original.

[@planekrazy1795]

When ever I listen to Steeleye Span it brings back memories of the Village Pub of my childhood. Saturday nights were Folk nights there were several groups in attendance every week but anyone was welcome to give us a song. Some songs were very funny and suggestive.

[@Richard_Jones]

When I was 12 I was a big fan of Steely Dan's Haitian Divorce and with Christmas coming up I made sure everyone knew how much I like the band. You can imagine my face when on the 25th I opened what was very obviously a record, only to find it was Gaudete by Steeleye Span.

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

"Alison Gross" is probably my favorite Span song.

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

It's a good one. I think Span lost their spontaneous vibe when they introduced drums. (on all around my hat). Even their vocal songs are amazing. So wonderful combinations of highs and lows. Parcel of rogues is almost only vocal and it's a good experience of this.

[@steeleye2112]

LOL - That mention has made my week and yes a massive fan of all era's. Song recommendations are in the hundreds but just for starters Betsy bell and Mary Gray Long Lankin Drink Down the Moon One Misty Moisty Morning Hard Times of Old England Shaking of the Sheets and basically everything they ever did. Also if you ever play any online games and see Steeleye as the user name that will be me as well :)

[@iluvausten40517]

Happy you are getting to Steeleye Span, although this is an interesting choice for first listen for them. If you want to explore them further, I would recommend Thomas the Rhymer and All Around My Hat (the most popular song they had in their heyday) . . .

[@lbd-po7cl]

I certainly second Thomas the Rhymer! Also, the album that's from - Now We Are Six - was produced by Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and includes David Bowie on sax on one track.

[@DavidTateVA]

Agree on both recommendations! Also The Weaver and the Factory Maid, Little Sir Hugh, Cam Ye O'er Frae France, One Misty Moisty Morning, so very many more...

[@heliotropezzz333]

My husband and I loved Steeleye Span. He was singing their songs at work (which was outdoors) when I met him. However neither of us could stand 'All Around My Hat'. We thought it was commercial nonsense.

[@iluvausten40517]

@@heliotropezzz333 I am actually with you on All Around My Hat . . . not my favourite of theirs by a long shot . . . I only suggested it because I know it was their biggest "hit" at the time . . .

[@Tsongkapa1]

The prior commenters are correct. Songs like "Thomas the Rhymer", "One misty moisty morning", "Black dog", and "The weaver and the factory maid" are more representative of their work.

[@MGmirkin]

Allison Gross, 700 Elves, Gower Wassail, King Henry, Lord Randall, You Will Burn, Harvest of the Moon, Lowlands of Holland, Boys of Bedlam, False Knight on the Road, their ouevre is immense and covers so much, and so many styles: light, dark, crazy, fantastical, historical, humorous, drinking songs & drunk tales, tales of love, sex, murder, military service, crimes, punishments, etc. So, so much. They will never not be my favorite band of all time...

[@ybycomh]

Steeleye Span is so great. Drink Down the Moon is definitely my favorite of theirs.

[@rossmcconchie1316]

This is the band I have seen live more than any other!

[@brianparker663]

Me too! Three times last year alone. First saw them in 1974 at age 16. 😄

[@AndrewGruffudd]

Gaudete is what sold the band to me back in the 1980s - I'd been mostly into Classical music before then. But since then I've listened to many of their tracks, among my favourite are Drink Down the Moon, Black Freighter, Cam Ye Oer Frae France, Bach goes to Dublin, All Around my Hat, Alison Gross, Twa Corbies - I could go on and on 'til doomsday - but good first choices. Try Drink Down the Moon next, or Boys of Bedlam...

[@AndrewGruffudd]

I forgot about one of my favourite songs, the original blackleg miner off the hark! The village wait album. I'm not going to get into politics but these industrial songs are quite appealing, like the strawbs' Part of the Union and Alan Price's Jarrow Song.

[@stpnwlf9]

There have been a number of contemporary recordings of John Barleycorn including a great one by Traffic and also one by the John Renbourn Group (John Renbourn was part of Pentangle.)

[@mariosandri4010]

Both versions, in my opinion, are far superior to Steeleye Span's (but Traffic's is unparalleled).

[@stpnwlf9]

@@mariosandri4010 I agree with you. Both Traffic and Renbourn recorded better versions.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

At winter's solstice, we drink our ale and gather round, to tell the tale. Of Steely Dan who drank too many cans, and threw himself from a Steeleye Span. Oh, what an intoxicated man! Peace & pastures from cow-land Ct.

[@beatledad]

steeleye span opened for jethro tull on the passion play tour...the parcel of rogues album has a great tune called ALISON GROSS which i love

[@Glenner7]

Wow - you made it to Steeleye Span! They are so good, but I don't think the two songs you listened to today really represent the Steeleye Span "sound" they're mostly known for. My favorite Steeleye Span album is Parcel of Rogues. I'd suggest any one of these songs: All Around My Hat Misty Moisty Morning Cam Ye O'er Frae France The weaver and the factory maid Alison Gross The Wife of Usher's Well Hard Times of Old England The amazing Maddy Prior was also in a group called Silly Sisters that put out a couple of albums. They had a few very interesting songs like "My Husband's Got No Courage In Him".

[@samanthahealy1134]

All fantastic

[@Scaleyback317]

@@samanthahealy1134 Cam ye o'er frae France, Lowlands of Holland, Somewhere along the road - they been doing this for so long rarely do they disappoint.

[@kengregory6026]

How many folk singers does it take to change a light bulb? 10....1 to change the bulb,and 9 to sing about how good the last one was :)

[@spanfan7669]

Actually, 5 walked out because it was electric ;)

[@kengregory6026]

@@spanfan7669 haha...nice one Greg :)

[@DavidTateVA]

I discovered Steeleye Span in 1978... Their 4-decade run covered so many different styles and mixes, it's hard to give a thumbnail of "what they sound like". Their first album is almost purely traditional acoustic folk. Their second album is an experiment in electrified folk, with some hits and some misses. More progress, more different lineups, and then they hit their prime with the Maddy Prior / Tim Hart / Bob Johnson / Peter Knight / Rick Kemp core, stunning albums. Their first greatest hits compilation, _Original Masters_ , has a very good sampling of the various styles and lineups of that first third of their artistic lifetime. Of their later stuff, I think _Back in Line_ is my favorite album, with tracks like Isabel and Lady Diamond and a new version of Blackleg Miner. It goes without saying that neither Gaudete nor John Barleycorn is anything like typical of why the band is legendary in folk rock circles.

[@falcongal63]

Oh this music transports me to a small pub in Ireland with a pint of cider in my hand. (No beer for me either.) This music certainly fits a certain mood.

[@andreasberten764]

Hi JP! I like your open ear & open mind very much - I'm 62 and a huge fan of prog, psych, jazz, blues, world music, hard- and heavyrock, classic, folk etc. etc. ... - that's why I like you & your never ending curiosity - go on this way! :-) - b.t.w.: If you haven`t before, try the whole album "John Barleycorn must die", Traffic ;-) ...

[@JustJP]

Ty so much Andreas!

[@pauldover1403]

Is anyone familiar with the Kipper Family, a spoof traditional folk band. They did some terrific parodies of well known folk songs (they were folkies themselves). One of these was Omnibus which was a take-off of "Gaudete." It was sung to the same tune but was a collection of random Latin phrases. They were great, I miss them.

[@mervynwells6577]

Side Kipper was great!

[@bondmatty]

Maddy Prior's voice is so clear. Has almost a reed-like quality to it. Pitch perfect. Beautiful.

[@andrewclayton4181]

I've got three or four Steeleye Span Vinyls on my shelf, including this one. The band went through quite a few iterations in their long career, even on a single album you get quite a mix in songs. Whimsical, tragic, heavy, humourous. Most of it based on traditional English folk songs, but not all, I have a track of them singing Buddy Holly's Rave On a capella. They swap the lead singing role, sometimes doing call and response between the male/ female. Other times Maddy will just appear in the middle eight. They didn't have regular percussion in their earlier stuff, just bodran or tambour instruments. They introduced a regular drummer with the Now we are six album. How well it did for the band is an open Question. Other great tracks from this collection are: Spotted Cow. ( humerus! ) Sheep-crook and black dog. ( tragic but Maddy sings sweetly on it) Saucy Sailor (the closing track. A really feel good uplifting number. Maddy on vocals and a long wistful outro ) Another great collection of theirs is A Parcel of Rogues. With a couple of Scottish laments to stroke the ear. Glad you've ventured into these waters. Hope you select some more.

[@erichoar5596]

Just seeing this video. It's so cool to me that you are reviewing an album I bought fifty, yes fifty, years ago... Some of their music stood up for 200 hundred, and more, years before they interpreted it and it's nice ot know that it stands up now. Thank you.

[@gammaanteria]

My father loved Steeleye Span’s version of “Gaudete,” and bought this album, which was my intro to them. I also like “Royal Forester”-catchy tune!

[@johnbundock9059]

If you like the Steeleye Span/ Fairport Convention / Pentangle genre I suggest you listen to The Albion Band in one of it's many forms. Try 'Poor Murdered Woman' or 'I'll go and list for a sailor'

[@LazerSparks]

Great recommendation.

[@brucer2152]

Dateline: Houston. Location: The Heights beer garden. My friend produced a celtic festival and his band "The Flying Fish Sailors" who i did sound for were on the the bill. The main liners? Steeleye Span! There was rain, but the show went on. The crew rounded up everything and we went inside. And Steeleye Span played. And it was MAGIC. A tight and warm room, but the energy was amazing. I am sure the span might consider it a horror story.

[@WTFungus]

DAMMIT! I missed it! When was this? I definitely would have been there if I had known about it.

[@brucer2152]

@@WTFungus oh man. Hmm..it was in the 90's. If I remember right. I will ask my friend and get you the exact date. He remembers everything.

[@brucer2152]

@@WTFungus According to my friend. The Steeleye Span concert was June 21, 1996

[@WTFungus]

@@brucer2152 Thanks for the info. I live out in the 'burbs, so don't make to the Heights that often, even in those days, except to visit my favorite record store, Vinal Edge.

[@-davidolivares]

@@WTFungus I miss Infinite Records. :( … but not the cat piss smell.

[@amnril]

Forgot to mention my favourite Steeleye Span song is ‘All things are Quite Silent’ which used to reduce me to tears whenever I way missing someone. Maddy Priors voice is utterly beautiful in that song.

[@Scaleyback317]

Agreed - shiver up the spine and pretend it's the onion peeling that does it. There's just something in her voice and the way she complements the band.

[@MGmirkin]

"Let Her Go Down" was fairly moving, too, the first few times giving it a listen...

[@An_Cat_Dubh]

Now we're getting somewhere. ;) Nice choices. A few of my favorites: All Around My Hat, Cold Haily Windy Night, The Black Freighter, Twa Corbies, The Old Maid in the Garrett, The Gower Wassail, Lowlands of Holland, The Wife Of Ushers Well, The Holly And The Ivy, Cam Ye O'er Frae France.

[@martinparker1270]

One of my favorite bands of bands if all time! ❤ I heard them sing Gaudete as their encore at the Tower Theater just outside Philadelphia in ‘82 on a triple bill with Fairport and Renaissance at their peak. Interestingly, as other have hinted at you found two of their most traditional songs from thus album. You should check out King Henry to see how far they can go. Then explore the rest of their amazing catalog. I agree with you on beer, by the way.

[@markspooner1224]

Brilliant band, it's great to hear them again and a positive reaction too. We sang John Barleycorn at school but to a different tune. If you prefer they make whisky from barley too.

[@maruad7577]

I have never heard of a barley based whisky. Interesting. I learn something new every day. edited to add that I am gobsmacked at my lack of knowledge on this. I used to work at a marketing board that sold barley (among other thins) for export. I really should have known this.

[@markspooner1224]

@@maruad7577 Scotch whisky has to be made with barley, I know because I knew a scotsman once who never shut up about It!

[@thedarksiderebel]

Maybe it's a British thing but i heard Gaudete so much as a kid, on the radio etc. Especially over Christmas. Never heard anything else by them but what a wonderful sound they have. If you are looking for more 70s folk i strongly recommend Vashti Bunyan's Diamond Day. The album sold so poorly she basically quit music for 30 years until she had gained a cult following and released another album in 2005(?). Anyway her voice is incredible and it's amazing to think of generations missing out on her beautiful music.

[@JustJP]

Vashti sounds wonderful; I've only heard a bit of Looking After (I think that was what its called...cant remember)

[@reneelyons6836]

that was beautiful!!!!!!! thank you for the video

[@JustJP]

Happily!

[@kevinkuschel2457]

One of my favorites

[@amnril]

This is a great Album, very English and very folky. I recommend the songs ‘Lowlands of Holland’ and ‘Hills of Greenmore’ , not found on this Album. For me Steeleye Span 1970- 75 is their best. Fun fact, in the UK, there was a band called the Wombles and they were on ‘Top of The Pops’ playing, all dressed in their Wombles constumes. Well, inside those costumes were the members of Steeleye Span. Finally, these two songs don’t fully cover the range of songs and styles of Steeleye span, these two songs are very cut back. Their songs range from single singer to full on pop folk.

[@jeremyb5640]

Haha yes, I remember the Wombles cartoon show & books (aka Mike Batt) when I was a kid. The Wombles as a musical group were huge! Usually it was Batt, and hugely respected drummer Clem Cattini and guitarist Chris Spedding inside those suits on Top Of The Pops, but for one week only it was Steeleye Span!

[@bwillowb78]

Wow, I never expected to find a reaction to Steeleye Span! This album (the literal record album) was such an integral part of my childhood! It was a favourite of mine as a small child that I requested frequently in the very early 80s

[@problemchimp4231]

Loving this Folk thing...an absolute Treasure Trove to discover, explain & share.

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

Traditional canu gwerin Welsh Folk bands Ar Log Plethyn Pererin Yr Hwntws The Hennesseys And their Twenty First century counterparts Calan Pigyn Clust Gwilym Bowen Rhys And many others Are still flourishing! Quality indeed. Me? Give me Erasure’s Snow Globe anyday ( a cover version of Gaudete included) My fave organic welsh folk is a streamed rare lp By Gwilym Morus , which made me cry for months on end. If u wanna hear other accents and dialects, most of the existing ones in Wales are heard thru the medium of folk song. There’s an experimental proggy band too who’s name escapes me . Slightly embarrassing really but more of a reflection of my needfor non - conformity in culture than the band’s ability and prowess. If it’s earthy then as a rule of thumb, it’s worthwhile and substantial. Even if it’s desperately unhip...which no longer bothers me in the slightest. Nos da ffrindie! Juxtaosed with U - Super Furry Animals is their version of ever song that Elvis Costello ever wrote beginning with Everyday i write the Book. They’re a great band , Justin - the nineties wouldn’t have been half as good without them. Guerilla is a great lp to start off with. Modern Welsh Folk music that frankly Blows yer brains out and draggs a struggling language barrier onto a cliff and drops it for it to land onto the Rocks Below. ‘Slow Life’ Justin . Rocks are slow life. That one’s from ‘Phantom Menace’ or not! It’s been a while since i checked em out. U need to hear em. Do or die Northern Lites Turning Tide ! Wow Not forgetting the bonus secret track at the beginning of the album Who’s title escapes me again unforunately!! Dear dear sort it out boyo! Cof fel rhidyll! Merci jp.

[@robertjewell9727]

Both traditional Celtic songs. Jethro Tull does a great live version of John Barleycorn. The only Steeleye Span album I know well is Now We Are Six produced by Ian Anderson and with a guest performance on sax by David Bowie.

[@mgwatson26]

No need to repeat that, as it was what I was going to say - great minds think alike. Now we are six, is a great album and incorporates more of a rock feel to the (mostly) folk songs.

[@richardlawrence6619]

Been lucky enough to see them live a few times. Great reaction.

[@JustJP]

Thanks!

[@fordp69]

And remember that since their 3rd album, they were with Chrysalis Records, the house that Tull built.

[@maraboo72]

I bought their album "Rocket Cottage" because I liked "All Around my Hat" and wanted to know what else they had to offer. I liked that album very much and so I bought their debut album "Hark! The Village Wait", too. And oh miracle! I liked it even more. There was another female singer - Gay Woods - whose voice I appreciated much more because it was darker and made a very interesting contrast to Maddy Prior's voice what sounded absolutely great when they sang a duet especially a capella as to be heard on "My Johnny was a Shoemaker". But after that album Gay and her brother Terry left the band and so happened what happens very often when a band loses an essential part: They became more mainstream folk pop and after getting to know their first album I never liked their later music as much as I did before. And to "Gaudete": I am rather sure that I have an accent myself when talking in another language. But whatever the Romans have done for us I am also sure they never spoke such a heavy English accent and so "Gowdaytay" has always been too much to my ears to enjoy this song.

[@broadsword6650]

Ah good old Steeleye - the second band put together by bassist Ashley Hutchings (a founder of Fairport and, later, The Albion Band) who is rightly known as The Guv’nor of British folk-rock, and who is a fabulous fellow. Everyone who is anyone in the UK folk scene has played with Ashley at some time in the last 50+ years. This album really is the roots of a band that’s still active and creative today, and was a deliberate attempt to bring new ears to the trad folk songbook. Later they would get more electric and significantly heavier than on these songs. Lots to enjoy in their catalogue: I’d recommend All Around My Hat, Thomas The Rhymer, and the gory horror of Long Lankin (a must for a Halloween special!).

[@jeannewynne9725]

One of my favorite albums from one of my all-time favorite band, though Traffic's John Barleycorn is much better. Last time I saw Steeleye Span, around 1998, someone yelled, "Sing something in Latin," so they did. It was gorgeous. Justin, I love watching you listen to a beautiful soprano voice.

[@FireMunki63]

Love Steeleye Span, seen them live many times and Maddy Prior is wonderful not only on studio recording but a revelation live

[@FireMunki63]

Now we are Six right through to Rocket Cottage are superb and with the inclusion of a full-time drummer more Folk-Rock than earlier albums.

[@planekrazy1795]

Best Christmas Song Ever. Rejoice Rejoice

[@robertbarnett9939]

Great band, you should check out "Long Lankin", from the album Commoners Crown an almost proggy track with dark lyrics.

[@alaneasthope2357]

A great folk rock band. I saw them live in Gloucester in the late 1970's when I was a student. Maddy has the voice of an angel, and the band are great musicians who really shine when they play folk tunes on electric guitar, bass, and keyboard. We met them in the bar of the hotel where they were staying. Really nice people, and very funny.

[@Tonyblack261]

Steeleye Span did a whole album based on a book by Sir Terry Pratchett - "Wintersmith". Terry was a huge fan of the band and he was delighted to take part in the album.

[@MGmirkin]

I honestly didn't think I was going to like it, as it was often quite different from Steeleye Span's regular ouevre. But some of the songs have really grown on me. And I think I only came upon the album because I heard "To Be Human" online and loved it, and found out it came off a Steeleye Span disc, which kinda' floored me, 'cause it was so far off their usual stuff. So I bought the album, only to find out that it was a "bonus" track on the 2-disc version, and I had to buy it *again*... :P *Sigh* They shoulda' just release the 2 disc version, period.

[@stuntmankrocmcginty4896]

I know The Blacksmith by them, for some reason that was it until now. Really impressive. And others have probably mentioned this, but Traffic did this song on their John Barleycorn Must Die album a couple years earlier. Might be a nice one to react to as well.

[@avantprog6902]

Sounds like something you'd hear at a Renaissance fair. On the same bill with Gentle Giant.

[@JustJP]

That sounds like a good time :D

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

@@JustJP If you want to sample the rockier element they brought to their music, try something like Thomas The Rhymer or Little Sir Hugh. (By the way, their Now We Are Six album was produced by Ian Anderson.) For pure Maddy Prior beauty, Lovely On The Water or Bonny Moorhen will do the trick.

[@MGmirkin]

And if you want their most metal riff, the ending of Allison Gross is very ... hardcore. :P ;) Just the last guitar riff, of course...

[@rogerwitte]

John Barleycorn is older than Gaudete, it's probably 14th century. The oldest English songs are 'Summer Is Icumen In' and 'Mirie It Is While Summer Ilast' from the 13th century.

[@thereunionparty]

I've always thought of Gaudete as a Christmas song. It does showcase Maddy Prior's beautiful voice though. Talking of beautiful voices, I know you've done a couple of Fairport Convention reactions, how about reacting to some Sandy Denny solo songs? She made about four or five solo albums and also recorded with a band called Fotheringay. Getting back to Steeleye Span, check out New York Girls featuring, of all people, Peter Sellars on ukulele and spoken commentary.

[@grega8586]

I have memories of browsing through the bins at Music + back in my teens and seeing this band's slot while looking for Steely Dan :-D I would sometimes get a little excited thinking SD had put out a new album when someone would replace a Steeleye Span album on the wrong side of the divider :-p I don't think this would have appealed to the teenage me, but now I find it rather soothing... as I found Charlotte Church after 9/11.

[@jeremyb5640]

Gaudete is beautiful, although I wondered why you were playing a Christmas song during September! We've had a late summer heatwave here in the UK this week but that track is so evocative of December - it's still a staple on radio stations over the festive season.

[@michaelbedford8017]

I put my lights up yesterday :)

[@maruad7577]

@@michaelbedford8017 That isn't that surprising thing around here. It gets way too cold if you wait until winter sets in. It can be in the -30s C by Dec 25.

[@jeremyb5640]

@@maruad7577 @Michael Bedford Where do you guys live then? It's been around 31 degrees here in England this week. Minus 30 sounds chilly!

[@maruad7577]

@@jeremyb5640 I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Summer high temps in the mid to high 30s C. Winter low temps in the mid to high -30s C. It gets worse if you include humidity in summer or windchill in the winter. There have been days when it was colder here than the surface of Mars. It's home.

[@jeremyb5640]

@@maruad7577 It's home. That's all that matters. Some extreme of temperatures there though!

[@kevinhumphreys1016]

My favourite song by Maddy Prior is False Knight on the Road ( with Tim Hart )

[@brumleyhall]

Steeleye Span also is a full band (with bass/drums), which you are not hearing on these two songs. Try "All Around My Hat" to hear the full band. (I saw Steeleye Span as an opening act for Procol Harum in 1973. Great show).

[@matthewrobinson7379]

Excellent! STEELEYE SPAN! keep diving. They are sort of a folk version of Renaissance. They play mostly very old songs. Check out The Wife of Usher's Well.

[@SIRRUBADUBDUB]

Stay with Below the Salt- Spotted Cow, Sheepcrook and Black Dog and Saucy Sailor. All fantastic

[@mickcapewell6369]

Ok, don’t forget the original line-up of Span with Ashley Hutchings, Gaye & Terry Woods, and then Martin Carthy as well as Hart & Prior. The first 2 lps are probably the best they ever did (Hark the Village Wait & Please To See the King). For the later Folk-Prog line-up, try Thomas the Rhymer or Long Lankin. It’s nothing like these two tracks and i think you’ll find it easier to get into than the more traditional stuff 🤔

[@BigMacIain]

Below the Salt and Parcel of Rogues are my favourite Steeleye albums. Saw them live quite a few times and they always put on a great show, -- jigs and reels in the aisles and all that. King Henry is maybe the standout from this album. along with 'Cam Ye O'er Frae France on Parcel of Rogues.

[@br.martindallyosb1147]

Egad! someone else likes "'Cam Ye O'er Frae France"! I love this song, and I assumed I was the only one. I can now die in peace (well, maybe that's overstating it...)

[@rsm3t]

Cam Ye O'er is my favorite Steeleye Span song.

[@spoteach]

Justin, you should definitely try out A Tapestry Of Carols by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band released in 1987. Maddy singing traditional medieval Christmas carols accompanied by a folk band that plays medieval instruments that match the era the songs originated from.

[@JustJP]

Sounds like a merry time!

[@thomassharmer7127]

Congratulations on your first (I think) reaction to a song entirely in Latin! Steeleye always have wonderful harmonies. This album has great contrast between ethereal folk melodies and bouncy, rocked up dance tunes. They acquired a drummer for their next album (Now We Are Six) and went on to make a series of fantastically infectious prog/pop/folk albums. BTW Tim Hart and Maddy Prior began as an acoustic folk duo, making three albums of traditional material together. Maddy does take lead vocals on a lot of beautiful Steeleye tracks, but they are more of a collective, taking turns with lead duties.

[@michaelrogers7426]

You need to do Renaissance at Live at Carnegie Hall, Scheherazade. The crowd is hearing it for the first time and the react is amazing.

[@rsm3t]

My favorite from this album is Saucy Sailor. Another great track is Cam Ye O'er Frae France, on the Parcel of Rogues album. Tam Lin is a great traditional song that both Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention have covered (I like Fairport's version better). Have you heard Traffic's version of John Barleycorn?

[@sidecardog5244]

Good stuff. Try John Barleycorn (Must Die) by Traffic. Edit: also recommend The Dear Green Place by The Battlefield Band. Wonderful folk/Prog song about the history of a city in Scotland (?).

[@Tonyblack261]

There is a fascinating film called "Song Catcher" about a music historian who travels to the Appalachian Mountains to discover how traditional folk songs from England, Wales and Scotland, have been preserved (with some changes) in those mountains by the descendants of the early settlers. Some incredible songs in there.

[@thefoss5387]

Below the Salt was my introduction to Steeleye Span. My favorite tracks on this album are the opener, Spotted Cow, King Henry, and Saucy Sailor. Except for a little percussion by bassist Rick Kemp, there was no drummer on this album. The band supported Jethro Tull on a number of tours, and Ian Anderson produced the And Now We are Six album. My own favorite Steeleye Span album was the next one after Below the Salt, Parcel of Rogues, with Ups and Downs and The Weaver and the Factory Maid. The group added a drummer, Nigel Pegrum for the album after that, And Now We are Six. After Below the Salt, Steeleye Span added more electrified Progressive elements on each subsequent album. If you love Maddy Prior, I recommend the album Silly Sisters, a collaboration with Alto June Tabor, and is more purely a British Folk album.

[@JustMeAndThePossums]

I love that you reacted to this song. I too loved Maddy ever since hearing here on Mike Oldfield's Exposed.

[@JustJP]

Ty Just Me :)

[@EwanV]

There's a fantastic live version of Gaudete at the end of CD 2 of Now we are six again which is incredible, especially as it was recorded 40 years after the version you heard. For other songs by them you might try Thomas the Rhymer or Seven Hundred Elves.

[@craigryan3069]

If you want to hear more Maddy Prior singing the lead part of Steeleye Span songs, I suggest: Long Lankin; Drink Down The Moon; The Lark In The Morning and really everything she sings on. The voice of an angel.

[@Grib68-]

My favourite Steeleye Span track is ‘The Blacksmith’, also ‘Tam Lin’ by Fairport Convention is well worth checking out.

[@Parmigiano502]

Yes, Gaudete is a Christmas song. Yes, you got numerous requests for Gaudete...last Christmas. This years 'Christmas a-wassailing at Nat and JP's' has now been cancelled because you played it in September. Well that's Christmas ruined. Was looking well forward to bombarding you with requests for this...you've kinda spoilt the mood now. Oh well, back to being a Christmas grinch...near enough 100 days to go...*taps fingers on an antiquated wooden bench, sighing*...stick with them JP, plenty of recommendations here for you to hear more of Maddy and perhaps what you were expecting. Merry flipping Xmas!

[@JustJP]

😂🎄❄

[@kenl2091]

It's impossible to be unimpressed by Gaudete even if the style of music is completely foreign to you. It's not really representative of the Steeleye Span oeuvre, being 16th century/religious in style rather than the pastoral 19th century folk-rock that they're better known for. Everyone (almost!) has a version of John Barleycorn and they're often very different. You really need to explore Steeleye Span further to get the best of Maddy Prior though - Dark Eyed Sailor, The Hills of Greenmore, Boys of Bedlam. All good.

[@Macilmoyle]

I'd add Dodgy Bastards and Thomas The Rhymer to the list

[@BrianR.]

I'd also add All around my Hat and Rave On.

[@KevMuso]

19th century folk-rock?

[@kenl2091]

@@KevMuso You know what I mean! 19th century folk rocked up a bit though there is photographic evidence of the 1888 Morris Men of Barnstaple with a primitive electric guitar and a very early Moog, I do believe (well, somewhere in my imagination there is)

[@heliotropezzz333]

You're the first reviewer I've seen who's reviewed some English folk music (or any folk music?)

[@JustJP]

Really? I hope more do, theres much to discover and hear! :D

[@cynthianavarro4316]

Leave it to you to be the first reactor to do Steeleye Span! I first saw them as the opening act for Jethro Tull. We became fans for life and saw them twice again as headliners. The last time we went Tim Hart (the tenor) had passed away. Both he and Maddy had unmistakable voices. His death was a great loss (he also played a multitude of instruments). I still have this and several of their other albums. They also did rock arrangements of traditional music, for example: Royal Forrester, Alison Gross, Drink Down the Moon, and Cold, Haily, Windy, Night. Love the variety of your reactions!

[@JustJP]

That must've been a great show, Steeleye and Tull!

[@shemanic1]

Steeleye Span are still going & still putting out good music. I have seen them live & met them afterwards several times. Maddy Prior is a lovely person.

[@JustJP]

Thats really cool, glad you've been able to see and meet them!

[@shemanic1]

@@JustJP Maddy signed a few of the vinyl albums I have of theirs.

[@lbd-po7cl]

Regarding Maddy Prior, in addition to her work with Steeleye Span, and her earlier duo with Tim Hart, she has done a number of solo albums, but also 2 as a duet with another legend of English folk song, June Tabor. Together as the Silly Sisters they released two albums. Where Maddy’s voice is crystal clear, June has a wonderfully sultry voice, and they perfectly compliment each other with some wonderful harmonies. Strongly recommended.

[@clem1462]

I've been listening to SS since the vinyl days (which were then replaced with CDs). I swear if Maddy sang the phone book I'd listen to the whole thing.

[@philging]

Nice reaction - Maddy Prior has such a pure voice.

[@keithwright8626]

Did Latin O Grade at school. Might have had something to do with "Gaudette" (still have the single).

[@kevinmarsh8922]

You should listen to Traffic's version of "John Barleycorn Must Die", it's really different, but great.

[@-davidolivares]

Just need to get into traffic, kids don’t do this, I mean Traffic the band, Stay and JB Must Die.

[@mariosandri4010]

The whole Traffic's "John Barleycorn..." album is mesmerizing, one of the very few that is really worth delving into from start to finish.

[@kevinmarsh8922]

@@mariosandri4010 Absolutely great album.

[@fordp69]

@@kevinmarsh8922 Err, YUP!

[@kevinmarsh8922]

@Stabis Hop I would guess there are literally 100s of versions of this folk song out in one form or another, so why hate on one bands interpetation , that's just being mean spirited.

[@-davidolivares]

Church! Maybe John’s the fertilizer. Emmmeeeemmmaaa. These put me in a festive mood, I’m ready for my roast and bird of the hunt. Bring me my favorite ale, John Barleycorn. Still have to go to work, awe. My absolute favorite ale is Real Ale’s Sisyphus, a barley wine ale, harder to find nowadays but someday I will find thee! Second place is a more hoppy beer, Squatter’s Hop Rising Double IPA. Pretty much like anything double on the label… more alcohol, but also more flavor, drink less, but tastier. Good to share with a friend or enemy you wish to keep tabs on. Oh yeah, like everyone says, Traffic’s JB Must Die. Traffic’s a cool A** band! Stay Freedom Rider Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys John Barleycorn Must Die Peace and Musicorn

[@matthewrobinson7379]

These songs are atypical of this band. Try "Black Jack Davy", "Sir James the Rose". Or "Fighting for Strangers." Their big hit (with a bullet!) was the catchy "All Around my Hat" ; I like "White Man". Try the album "And Now we are Six". Very typical of their music. (The riddles are from the Hobbit with Bilbo and Gollum. The band were obviously Tolkien fans.) This is me, the Genesis guy.

[@jfergs.3302]

Biggies on the folk, electric folk/rock scene, they've been around on and off forever. Overall I like them. Their older covers, like Gaudete in particular, appeal to my love of early music. And the more electric stuff like 'All Around my Hat', are real toe tappers. That said, some of the more traditional stuff, like JB here, can be a little repetitious, and you do have to be in the mood for. A good band though, and great muso's.

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Hello, Justin. Dave from London. A couple of traditional folk songs; Just What I Needed! I like Steeleye Span best when they're proper acoustic like here, without the thumping bass. A friend of mine is the bigger fan, and in recent years we have been to see both the Span and Maddy with the more traditional Carnival Band. If you like this, you could try Bellowhead, a folk band with punk leanings! Btw, in Belgium they brew Kriek, which is beer made from cherries. Could be your flavour?!

[@JustJP]

Cherry beer; now that sounds interesting!

[@maruad7577]

@@JustJP Oh no... a friend of mine, whose motto has always been "the best beer is free beer", finally admitted he had met a beer he didn't like when he tried a Belgian cherry beer.

[@jono.pom-downunder]

Gaudete (English: GOW-day-tay) This song will always say London Christmases to me the smell of burning orange peel sitting around the coal fire and drinking mulled wine , snow coming down Here’s the original Latin lyrics, see below for English translation. Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Tempus adest gratiae, hoc quod optabamus, Carmina laetitiae devote reddamus. Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Deus homo factus est natura mirante, Mundus renovatus est a Christo regnante. Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Ezechielis porta clausa pertransitur, Unde lux est orta, salus invenitur. Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Ergo nostra contio psallat jam in lustro, Benedicat domino: “Salus regi nostro!” Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine. Gaudete! English translation; Rejoice, Rejoice! Christ is born Of the virgin Mary, Rejoice! It is now the time of grace That we have desired; Let us sing songs of joy, Let us give devotion. God was made man, And nature marvels; The world was renewed By Christ who is King. The closed gate of Ezechiel Has been passed through; From where the light rises Salvation is found. Therefore let our assembly now sing, Sing the Psalms to purify us; Let it praise the Lord: Greetings to our King. That translation is from www.users.on.net/~algernon/gaudete/translation.html and you’ll find a variant translation at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudete

[@neilberman4116]

John Barleycorn is the song of producing whiskey. One of my favorite songs.

[@craigryan3069]

Much as I love the folky Jethro Tull LPs, for me, Steeleye Span were THE British Folk Band of the 70s. Maddy Prior, Annie Haslam are my all time favourite female vocalists. More Span please!!! PS - Guadete was a top 20 hit single in the UK in 1973!

[@123agidee_2]

You should listen to traffic’s John Barleycorn must die album

[@edwardthorne9875]

With this their first (?) album, they were doing full on English folk. People had more time for the fa-la-las back in those days. Incidently, it was traditional to place a container of salt on the table. Gentry sat above the salt, but the more unrefined, commoners sat guess where. Please please investigate this group. They taught Ian Anderson a thing or two. So many song/tales they weaved... King Henry, Alison Gross, Hard Times in Old England, All Around my Hat. Off their amazing album 'Time' -- 'The Wind that Shakes the Barley'. They were the best of the short-lived English folk rock movement. Now you have to get to the rock portion.

[@maruad7577]

Accents? I have been told I sound like Microsoft Sam. Does that help? A song about the ruler of Little Gaul (or at least about his family I think) and a song about making beer. Nice start to the day. I like the instruments in John Barleycorn, especially at the end. Simple and complex at the same time. I have to think Loreena McKennit got her early inspiration from bands like this. I know Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention were very popular with folks in knew back it the day when I hung out at science fiction conventions. The funny part is I think Traffic released this song (which I think may be Trad) back in 1970 so I wonder if that is what inspired Steeleye Span to cover it.

[@stephendennis8739]

My favourite song from steeleye span is all around my hat

[@71relayer]

Long lankin leaves me breathless still,even after all these years

[@christianguerin9460]

have you not heard of the album John Barleycorn must die, from Traffic (1970). I dont know if its an old song Steve Winwood took over, but you should listen to that Traffic song. And all the album by the way. Really good.

[@tonypotts1644]

I really like the Parcel of Rogues album, quite a bit more of the folk/rock style, with the electric instruments getting a good workout, such as Alison Gross

[@stefanandersson2402]

If you would like an even rockier Steeley span listen to the album "All around my hat".

[@Pjaypt]

The first i got (well, my brother) back in the 70's! Then we he) lend it but when it came back inside the cover was The Roaring Silence by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and we kept it. Both good albums.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

A great reaction yet again, J. Please react to 'Fighting For The Strangers' from their album, 'Rocket Cottage'.

[@davidsouth9979]

Incidentally in the blacksmith song there is reference to gathering primroses which meant lashes from the cat of nine tails given to insubordinate sailors.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

Justin, this just reminded me of a song you should check out. It is called John Barleycorn Must Die by Traffic. I believe it is on the same album Low Spark of High Heeled Boys but not sure. It has been a long time.

[@craigireland5629]

You were closer than you thought. The relevant album is also called John Barleycorn Must Die.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@craigireland5629 thank you. I had the album.

[@craigireland5629]

@@stephaniethurmer5370 you are welcome. I still have the album which was/is important to me personally as it came out in 1970 and was one of the first albums I bought...must have been with saved up pocket money.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@craigireland5629 I totally understand. All of the albums my ex and I had were sold, along with many other things in our divorce to help out financially. Thanks again for your help. I can still see the album cover in my head.

[@craigireland5629]

@@stephaniethurmer5370 aww that's a shame on both fronts. I also have the Traffic Gold double CD which includes 4 tracks from the album. What a great, underrated band they were. I am so glad i have been able to hold on to those early purchases....so many happy memories associated with them.

[@steeleye2112]

I'm guessing most people who can read can predict what I think of all the brilliant stuff this band produced lol.