Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Governor of English folk music., 6 Oct 2005
Carthy has long been considered the governor of English folk music and this 1982 recording is as good a place to find out why his reputation is so high. The rhythmic drone of his guitar playing and the plaintive, plainspoken style of his singing, create an uncompromising and heartfelt commitment to the traditional songs he performs. This is a million miles away from the singalong-stereotypes of the Spinners-Dubliners-Corries etc. Carthy sings and plays with passion and depth that would not disgrace a 30s Delta blues artist, such as Charley Patton. Whether harrowing (Old Horse) or humorous (Friar in the Well), there is a stark beauty in Carthy's performance that gives full justice to the songs he sings and the lives of the people and culture he celebrates. A wonderful album. The governor of English folk, indeed.The rest of the musicians are not credited, but John Kirkpatrick appears on accordion, and, unsurprisingly, is excellent. There is also a trumpet player, whose name I don't know, but he is excellent as well. Good stuff, all round.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful album!, 11 April 2008
As I gradually explore Martin Carthy's back catalogue, I am constantly amazed by the sheer quality of his music and the evident research he puts into the songs - not to mention the inventiveness at fitting songs fragments together and matching tunes to lyrics.
This CD is no different. He is joined on some of the tracks by John Kirkpatrick, Richard Thompson and the late Howard Evans (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Standout tracks? Well, 'Reynard the Fox' is a bit unusual - a lovely novelty to me, there is an early version of his updating of 'The Rigs of Time' and a fine version of 'Old Horse' - slightly spritelier than the later Brass Monkey rendition. None of the tracks are dull. Recommended!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Indiginous Soul Man, 5 Aug 2009
A friend of mine gave me a tape of this album some years ago, since lost, and it was good to hear it again. Martin Carthy, like most Folk, is not to everyone's taste, and I don't claim to be an 'expert', but I really did enjoy this. The sound quality is good and there - to me - is a really good feel to me about these songs, a kind of earthy deja vu (don't snort). Reminds me of some of the folk tales we were told early on in school. Sadly, most folk won't even give this a listen. Their loss. Any other recommendations?
Baby Cromwell
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~ Martin Carthy
~ Martin Carthy
~ Martin Carthy
~ Martin Carthy
~ Martin Carthy
