Crimson Moon cover

Crimson Moon

Bert Jansch · 2000

49 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A tapestry of intricate guitar work and reflective storytelling, blending traditional folk melodies with contemporary sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crimson Moon — The title track encapsulates Jansch's profound lyrical depth and intricate guitar work, representing the heart of the album's emotional landscape.
  • →
    Caledonia — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this track highlights Jansch's skill in evoking nostalgia and connection to place.
  • →
    Going Home — This song stands out for its simplicity and sincerity, capturing the essence of longing while showcasing Jansch's masterful acoustic technique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, blending traditional and contemporary elements effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that dominate the majority of tracks, creating a rich texture.
  • Several songs incorporate traditional folk melodies, while others introduce contemporary chord progressions and arrangements.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal narratives, with themes of love and loss interwoven throughout the storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective storytelling with warmth
  • serene moments for quiet reflection
  • gentle pacing for evening unwind
  • captivating guitar detail exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2000, Crimson Moon marked Bert Jansch's return to the recording scene after a hiatus since his 1995 album, Toy Balloon. This album showcased his enduring influence within the British folk revival while reconnecting with fans eager for his distinctive fingerstyle guitar and poignant lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Crimson Moon

    The imagery shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on relationships and nature.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Caledonia 4:48
  • 2 Going Home 3:12
  • 3 Crimson Moon 5:26
  • 4 Downunder 2:53
  • 5 October Song 3:41
  • 6 Looking for Love 4:25
  • 7 Fool's Mate 6:59
  • 8 The River Bank 2:52
  • 9 Omie Wise 5:01
  • 10 My Donald 4:04
  • 11 Neptune's Daughter 3:21
  • 12 Singing the Blues 2:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata