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Product Description
Review
John Spiers and Jon Boden are the workaholic celebrities of the contemporary British folk scene, best-known as founders of the rousing folk big-band Bellowhead (Boden also works as a soloist and as leader of The Remnant Kings). But the pair began performing and recording as a duo, and this set is a predictably unexpected celebration of their 10th anniversary.
They first met in a pub on the outskirts of Oxford, and since then have played around 1,000 shows together (by their own estimation), recorded five albums as a duo, and won a batch of Radio 2 Folk Awards. Spiers is a one-time genetics student and an exponent of the melodeon and concertina, while Boden is a singer and fiddler (and now a multi-instrumentalist), greatly influenced by that fine performer from the 1960s folk revival, the late Peter Bellamy. They succeeded because of Boden's distinctive and bravely theatrical vocal style, and the energy, enthusiasm and invention in their often no-nonsense treatment of English folk songs and dance tunes. All of these traits are on display here.
The obvious way to celebrate their anniversary would have been to release a straightforward best-of compilation, taking tracks from their earlier albums. But that's not their style. Instead, they've re-recorded favourite songs from their catalogue alongside friends from right across the British folk scene. The guest list is impressive, from those veterans Martin Carthy and Steeleye Span's Maddy Prior, who both started out in the folk revival of the 60s, through to guitar hero Martin Simpson, squeezebox star Andy Cutting, and the wildly versatile Eliza Carthy - who was once backed by Spiers & Boden when they were members of her band, The Ratcatchers.
But the famous guests are never allowed to dominate - this is very much a Spiers & Boden set, their singing and playing as classy, enthusiastic and varied as ever. The songs include a cheerfully dramatic new treatment of Prickle-Eye Bush, a firm favourite at Bellowhead shows; here it's driven on by Martin Carthy's guitar and a vocal trio that includes Boden's partner Fay Hield (the three are also heard on the rousing shanty Old Maui). Then there are narrative ballads, with Eliza Carthy adding subtle vocal backing to Boden's impressive singing on The Birth of Robin Hood; and a spirited and entertaining Bold Sir Rylas, featuring Boden on guitar, Eliza Carthy on fiddle and vocals, and Spiers and Cutting adding sturdy squeezebox backing. Amongst these collaborative affairs is one example of how the duo sounds playing by themselves: the full-bloodied, stomping revival of Rochdale Coconut Dance, a perfect reminder of why Spiers & Boden are so special.
--Robin Denselow
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Product Description
New 2011 album from Bellowhead founders John Spiers & Jon Boden with help from Martin Carthy, Maddy Prior, Eliza Carthy, Martin Simpson & others!
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I fully concur with the previous reviewer, along with a number of other glowing press write-ups I have read in the last few days (fRoots, The Observer, BBC website). These new versions of the dynamic duo's 'Greatest Hits' sound fresh, dynamic and sumptuous....and almost as good as having them play live in your lounge!
I'm still amazed at where they find the time and energy to keep their duo incarnation, the ever-growing behemoth that is Bellowhead and their own individual projects going, but when you are creating such vibrant music and so obviously love what you do (as evidenced at their recent London Shepherd's Bush Empire date), then maybe it isn't so difficult after all. Can't wait to catch them again at Cambridge Folk Festival!
I'm still amazed at where they find the time and energy to keep their duo incarnation, the ever-growing behemoth that is Bellowhead and their own individual projects going, but when you are creating such vibrant music and so obviously love what you do (as evidenced at their recent London Shepherd's Bush Empire date), then maybe it isn't so difficult after all. Can't wait to catch them again at Cambridge Folk Festival!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Those of us who have had the pleasure of seeing Jon and John live over the past few months will have already had the opportunity of purchasing this Cd at their concerts. Brought out to celebrate their Tenth Anniversary, its a celebration of all that is best in their music.
At first glance it may seem that the regurgitating of old material is an easy option. However, I can assure you that this is not the case. It has long been a truism that Spiers and Boden work much better live than on CD. This outing has all the vibrancy of their concerts allied to a crisp production and the inclusion of some noted guests to embelish the sound. It is still essentially the pair as you would know them, but this record really nails it.
Some lovely playing throughout, as you would expect, and the addition of Jon Bodens 'stomps' helps to drive the music along, bringing a vibrancy and new life to the music.
Even if you possess these tracks in their original form, dont be put off from buying 'The Works'. You wont regret it.
At first glance it may seem that the regurgitating of old material is an easy option. However, I can assure you that this is not the case. It has long been a truism that Spiers and Boden work much better live than on CD. This outing has all the vibrancy of their concerts allied to a crisp production and the inclusion of some noted guests to embelish the sound. It is still essentially the pair as you would know them, but this record really nails it.
Some lovely playing throughout, as you would expect, and the addition of Jon Bodens 'stomps' helps to drive the music along, bringing a vibrancy and new life to the music.
Even if you possess these tracks in their original form, dont be put off from buying 'The Works'. You wont regret it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Works. Very simply, if you like Bellowhead, then given that Spiers and Boden are the driving force behind that ensemble, it's pretty certain that this is bang in line with what you'll appreciate. Great rhythm, energy, vigour, musical virtuosity highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Spiers & Boden - The Works
We saw Spiers and Boden perform in Sheffield Cathedral. They were fantastic - brilliant music and singing and entertaining as well. Read more
Published 15 days ago by Mrs. T. M. Hart
All Singing All Dancing Does What It Says On The Label
Their very best tracks re-recorded for their 10 year anniversary complete with guest artists. Sharp as a knife and twice as entertaining. Read more
Published 3 months ago by JoyG
Works in progress
Spiers's and Boden's 'The Works' needs a Government health warning. Be very, very careful if you play this CD in your car unless it is fitted with cruise control. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Oldfolk
Great CD particularly for folkies
Excellent CD - delivered as promised in appropriate packaging. Good selection of music. I recommend this CD to people who enjoy a good tune and poignant words in the songs.
Published 7 months ago by Irene Frfod
The Works, works
A great collection from two outstanding performers.If you want to hear them at their best then see them live, but this is the next best thing.The Works
Published 8 months ago by BobbyW
The Works
I have the CD on my memory stick in the car and has been on repeat since it arrived. I have not played anything else. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. N. Mcneill
Another fab one!
What do I know about folk music? Nothing much! But John and Jon are, without question, brilliant - both here and in their other recordings - notably BELLOW and VAGABONDS. Read more
Published 10 months ago by richteafinger
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