Backlog 2
Show of Hands · 2011
78 min · 18 tracks · traditional folk music
A rich tapestry of traditional folk sounds interwoven with poignant storytelling and historical narratives from the British Isles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cold Frontier Start here — This track opens the album with a haunting melody and vivid imagery, setting a reflective tone that permeates throughout.
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The Bristol Slaver — A powerful narrative about Britain's dark history of slavery, this track exemplifies how the band uses music to address complex social issues.
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High Germany — This song's blend of traditional instrumentation and emotive lyrics highlights the band's ability to capture historical narratives within folk music.
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Crazy Boy — With its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, this track showcases a lighter side of the album while still delivering impactful storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for relaxed evenings
- evocative storytelling through melodies
- gradual peaks enhancing emotional depth
- rich instrumentation for immersive experience
- for reflective solo listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases their folk sound but isn't a primary entry point for new listeners.
- Themes
- British colonial legacy· Bristol's dark history· traditional folk storytelling
- Career context
- Backlog 2 is Show of Hands' sixth studio album, following their 2009 release, Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed. At this point in their career, the duo had solidified their reputation as influential figures in the UK folk scene, known for blending contemporary themes with traditional music elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bellowhead· The Unthanks· Lau
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Cold Frontier Start here 4:50
- 2 The Bristol Slaver 4:37
- 3 High Germany 5:43
- 4 Captains 4:31
- 5 The Oak 4:12
- 6 Armadas 4:30
- 7 Cold Heart of England 3:08
- 8 The Preacher 4:28
- 9 The Warlike Lads of Russia 3:57
Disc 2
- 1 Crazy Boy 5:40
- 2 Cut-throats, Crooks and Con-men 5:00
- 3 Don't It Feel Good 3:43
- 4 Man of War 4:09
- 5 Roaring Water Bay 4:04
- 6 Sit You Down 5:16
- 7 Unlock Me 3:42
- 8 The Man in Green 3:02
- 9 You're Mine 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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