Lark in the Morning [Extra tracks, Import]

Steeleye Span | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Castle Music UK
• ASIN: B0000A55U9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,303 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #19 in Music > Imports > Folk
  • #22 in Music > Folk > British & Celtic Folk > British Folk

Editorial Reviews

2003 compilation combines the UK folk band's first three albums, 'Hark! The Village Wait' (1970), 'Please To See The King' (1971), & 'Ten Man Mop Or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again' (1971). Includes 12-page booklet with liner notes by the band members, photos & credits. 33 tracks. Castle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hark!........ I hear a new and beautiful sound being born!, June 9, 2005

By 

t'amant (WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Lark in the Morning (Audio CD)

You might want to get "Lark in the Morning" if you don't have the 1st 3 Steeleye albums - all 3 remastered on 2 cd's for about $11.00 is a nicely packaged steal (other great bands from the era should consider this quality/helpful/convenient format - how about the next three Steeleye's for vol. 2?)!

Steeleye's first album (which I originally wrote this review for) truly is something special! Every song on here is great...too bad that this line-up didn't get a more thorough work-out since the magic is flying everywhere on this recording, and having BOTH female singers makes this one SOAR (though the male vocals are spot-on as well)!

The Blacksmith version on here may be one of my favorite songs I've ever heard in this genre. Other beautiful songs like Fisherman's Wife, Dark-Eyed Sailor, Lowlands of Holland, All Things Are Quite Silent, and One Night as I Lay on my Bed have such great harmonies, melodies and energy (some rock! I'd love to see Tull record a couple of these) that they stick with you long after the cd shuts off. Black-leg Miner is such an energetic and trippy string-whacking and cool vision of a new musical style, I am amazed...even that heavy accent really adds to the song (Bluegrass musicians should check this out). Is there a better way to start a new band and album than the Calling On Song? I could go on and on with other songs on HARK!

This album is just wonderful from beginning to end, do yourself a favor and let this soak into your soul, you won't regret it. Cross-over appeal is broad with this band. I should further explore Terry and Gay Wood's music to see if this magic was created on other recordings of theirs. I know it was on the (also great) later Steeleye albums (this album has drumming which gives it a familiar feel, although they tried it without drums after this album for awhile).

Now for this review, the next two great albums need at least some comment to reassure the unconvinced that it was no fluke - THE MAGIC CONTINUES! Please To See The King starts the "new" sound with the cranked up strings and dulcimer minus Terry & Gay Woods but adding Martin Carthy and Peter Knight (two incredibly talented musicians and singers). So many excellent songs here that getting into them all would be daunting, let's just say that they are ALL great and this package is a blast to listen to all-through.

I imagine this band sometimes as hairy-feet Hobbits smoking long-bottom leaf cranking their wired, crazy little electric instruments to the Shire's delight at the great harvest festival - Mordor quakes at the power of these Middle-Earth minstrels, Orcs and Goblins run for their lives...fun thought anyway! Thanks for the gift of your music Steeleye members past and present. The world would feel more empty without it. Enjoy!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much improved sound quality, January 13, 2005

By 

Ed Dinty (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lark in the Morning (Audio CD)

Most Steeleye Span fans will already have these albums from the original CD releases. The question may be, should I spend the money to get this package. My answer is a resounding yes!
The improvement in sound clarity is phenomenol. Its like hearing these albums for the first time again (especially the first two.)
As a bonus, the set includes the track "General Taylor" previously only available on the compilation "Individually And Collectively"

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Much improved sound quality but., June 17, 2005

By 

ZZ (Ct. USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lark in the Morning (Audio CD)

Yes the sound quality is much improved, but the vocals were recorded with a little over driven crunch when the vocals are loud. The older more flat mastering of the songs hides this a little better. But with this being said I still think it is a good buy. You can always turn down your treble a little to cover this if you find it annoying.

I already have these albums from the original CD releases and The improvement in sound clarity is for the most part great for a recording made over 30 years ago.
As a bonus, the set includes a great track "General Taylor".