Original Masters [Import, Original recording remastered]

Steeleye Span | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Bgo - Beat Goes on
• ASIN: B0000011P0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,685 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Calling on Song

2. Thomas the Rhymer

3. Sir James the Rose

4. Black Jack Davey

5. King

6. All Around My Hat

7. Fighting for Strangers

8. Seven Hundred Elves

9. Little Sir Hugh

10. Demon Lover

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Cam Ye O'Er Frae France

2. Bonny Moorhen

3. Alison Gross

4. Dark Eyed Sailor

5. Hart Times of Old England

6. Blackleg Miner

7. Skewball

8. Lovely on the Water

9. One Misty Moisty Morning

10. Gaudete

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British Folk-Rock At Its Best, August 4, 2003

By 

cameron-vale "cameron-vale" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Original Masters (Audio CD)

Steeleye Span was easily the most rock-oriented of the small handful of British traditionalist bands that first appeared in the late '60s. They were also the most popular, attaining unexpected chart successes at home. Span simultaneously managed to develop a surprisingly huge U.S.-based cult following thanks to a fortuitous and enthusiastically received appearance as the opening band to labelmates Jethro Tull during one of Tull's most extensive early 70's North American concert tours. For a few years, their wonderfully catchy songs were regularly played on more adventurous FM radio stations. Although the band broke up in 1977, they soon reformed and to date still sporadically tour to the delight of progressively smaller audiences throughout the world.

If you are going to buy only one album from Steeleye Span, make it ORIGINAL MASTERS, a great collection of songs from the band's most productive and exciting period (1970 -1976). Nearly all of the band's finest tunes from their first 10 albums are on hand, including their two UK Top Ten hits, "All Around My Hat" and "Gaudete". The regrettable inclusion of a live track and two forgettable jigs does nothing to mar the brilliance of the remaining 19 tracks. A few of the songs are somewhat dated by clunky 70-ish rock arrangements, but overall most of them have a real timeless feel.

If you have any interest whatsoever in traditional folk music (British or otherwise) and/or eccentric rock music from any era, you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of ORIGINAL MASTERS.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great compilation of early Steeleye Span, October 26, 2000

By 

B. Nachison - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Original Masters (Audio CD)

This double album was my introduction to Steeleye Span, some 20 years ago, and the songs it contains are still among my favorites. It's a good and representative sampling of cuts from their early albums, great tunes with good instrumentation and strong vocals. It also includes a song, The Bonny Moorhen, that wasn't released on any of the separate albums, and is well worth a listen.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful compilation., March 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Original Masters (Audio CD)

With the exception of the two instrumental jigs and the live version of The Wife of Ushers Well, each of the songs here are terrific. True none of the musicians are virtuosos but they deliver the material with such energy and enthusiasm that one can't help but be swept up by the joy of their collective efforts. Each tune is a traditional English folk song re-modeled in a contemporary rock sound. Masterful. Maddy Prior's vocals in particular standout. A wonderful introduction to a unique and exceptional band. Highly recommended...Simon