Definitive Martin Carthy
S. GODFREY | Risca, South Wales | 08/30/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Already something of a legend in folk music before joining the young Steeleye Span (and adding considerable grit and integrity to their standout "Please to See the King" album), Carthy was a bona fide hero by the time he left Steeleye and returned to his roots as a solo performer. And what a performance he delivers on this album! A fine choice of material, murder ballads and humorous songs spilling forth in an irresistible mixture of gravitas and elan - and a powerful, percussive guitar technique almost overwhelming in its intensity. There are no poor tracks here. "Lord Randall" and "I was a Young Man" would be superior inclusions in any folk collection, but even they pale by comparison with this album's indispensible track: the awesome "Famous Flower of Serving Men". This song has it all - treachery, infanticide, magic, mystery and a bit of medieaval cross-dressing leading up to a grisly denoument - and that stunning guitar never lets up for a second. If you can take your folk full-blooded, then this is for you - one of the great albums by one of the great artists."
Just about perfect
S. GODFREY | 02/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is hard to relate to anyone not present and listening at the time what a revelation this recording was when it was newly released. Carthy, who had already been making waves for a number of years with his very original yet authentic interpretations of traditional folk songs, made further headway on this remarkable recording. It is at once sparse and rich; the artist tastefully double tracking himself here and there, adding mountain dulcimer, a second guitar or another vocal track. He is joined by Maddy Prior on one of many stunning selections. The singing and instrumental work are aesthetically and technically flawless.
This is about as close to perfection as one could come."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1