Below the Salt
Steeleye Span · 1972
39 min · 9 tracks · folk rock · psychedelic folk
Traditional folk melodies intertwine with vibrant instrumentation, creating a tapestry of rich sounds and narratives.
Why this album works
The album is notable for its unique blend of traditional English folk music with contemporary rock influences, contributing to the resurgence of interest in folk music during the early 1970s. 'Below the Salt' featured 'Gaudete', which became a Christmas classic, further cementing Steeleye Span's influence within both the folk and rock genres.
- Best for
- steady, consistent energy levels long, immersive listening sessions layered, dense sonic textures
- Context
- Released in September 1972, 'Below the Salt' was Steeleye Span's third studio album, solidifying their presence in the British folk rock scene. Following their successful albums 'Hark! The Village Wait' and 'Please to See the King', this record showcased their evolving sound as they began incorporating more electric instrumentation alongside traditional folk elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Donovan· Piknik· Syd Barrett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spotted Cow 3:06
- 2 Rosebud in June Standout 3:41
- 3 Jigs: The Bride's Favorite, Tansey's Fancy 3:10
- 4 Sheep-Crook and Black Dog 4:44
- 5 Royal Forester 4:34
- 6 King Henry 7:09
- 7 Gaudete Standout 2:25
- 8 John Barleycorn Standout 4:47
- 9 Saucy Sailor 5:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.