THE VERY BEST OF STEELEYE SPAN - PRESENT
A Review by Pete Fyfe
For those of us that were into riff sodden rock backing fronted by glorious
soaring vocals (instead of the 'other' famous folk-rock band at the time), we
knew where to turn. Who other than Steeleye Span and, as this latest
offering amply signifies there were none better at capturing the ultimate
'gothic chiller' in all its gory beauty? I've just been watching Ken Stott
in 'Messiah' on TV and if ever a production company were looking for evil
in murderous lyrics just check out Bob Johnson's keen eye on the odd Child
ballad. By the way for nostalgia buffs listen to the acoustic guitars on the
track 'Thomas The Rhymer' - I bet you thought it were originally
played by Tim Hart didn't you - how wrong could you be, nice one Sir
Bob! At the peak of their profession Steeleye could not be beaten and
every track featured here (which have been chosen by the fans as their favourite
songs from a vast repertoire) demonstrates that the band have never lost their
inventive edge. Peter Knight's charismatic fiddle and mandolin playing on
'Cam Ye O'er Frae France' influenced many (including a certain reviewer
and his brother) and of course there was Maddy Prior's vocals as the
crowning glory. Now a permanent feature of the band, Liam Genockey's
thoughtful and driving (when it needs to be) percussion is ably unpinned with
the welcome return to the fold of Rick Kemp on bass. Uncharacteristically
for Rick, he also contributes an outrageous vocal to 'John Barleycorn'.
Ah well, the purists will have to stick that in their pipe and smoke it.
"Hey-nonny-no to the lot of you" (as the NME once famously
said). Without doubt an auspicious opening to the New Year and I know I won't be
the only fan champing at the bit for some new material. On a final note,
although the band are retracing their steps with this recording they're not
resting on their laurels as there are some lovely re-arrangements including a
beautifully understated 'Hard Times Of Old England'. Go out and buy this
double CD and above all enjoy a true celebration, it makes you proud to be
British!
Pete Fyfe 2004
