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REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk
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STEELEYE SPAN Winter Park Records PRKCD74 | ||||
I, like many other
Steeleye Span fans have been waiting with great anticipation for this
seasonal offering from the band. Starting with a hugely enjoyable 'First
Nowell' there is the swooping, riff laden violin of Peter Knight crossing
swords with Ken Nicol's crashing guitar chords which coupled with Liam
Genockey's drums, Rick Kemp's bass and Maddy Prior's glorious vocals you
have the band at their rocking best. The second track 'Down In Yon Forest'
will have the traditionalists coughing into their porridge, as the melody
is a waltz re-working of an already established tune (I may be wrong but
I think it's The King Of The Fairies). Now this is something that has
become something of a trademark for the band - creating stunning settings
utilising familiar traditional tunes to accompany lyrics that sound as
if they shouldn't be there. Of course, this could alienate those of a
delicate disposition but for the more adventurous it is classic Steeleye.
The title track 'Winter' is a beautiful, almost solemn composition by
Mr Knight and by clever use of multi-tracking shows that he has lost none
of his edge when it comes to producing audio pleasurable delights that
may seem quirkily at odds within the setting of the band. Talking of genuine
oddities, the style police might have a thing or two to say about the
Pogues/Status Quo style treatment given to that hoary old chestnut 'Good
King Wenceslas'. It's bold and brash and (if you treat it in the jokey
way it's intended) would give even Slade a run for their money! But donıt
worry it's only on the one track and if you really want to be stunned
by an arrangement listen to 'In The Bleak Midwinter'. Peter excels himself
with a performance that proves an emotive tour de force crowned by Maddyıs
wonderful voice. What a great start to Christmas! |
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