Dazzling Stranger: The Bert Jansch Anthology
Bert Jansch · 2000
151 min · 42 tracks · folk rock
Intricate fingerpicking weaves through melancholic ballads, blending traditional folk with a modern sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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Needle of Death — This track is emblematic of Jansch's ability to blend personal storytelling with haunting melodies, addressing themes of loss and regret.
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Angie — A poignant reflection on love and longing, this song showcases Jansch's emotive vocal delivery paired with intricate guitar work.
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Blackwaterslide — With its rhythmic complexity and evocative lyrics, this track exemplifies Jansch's unique fusion of traditional folk elements with contemporary sensibilities.
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Blues Run the Game — Often covered by other artists, this song highlights Jansch's lyrical prowess and ability to convey deep emotion within a simple structure.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This anthology captures Bert Jansch's intricate guitar work and folk influences, making it a significant retrospective.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk melodies while blending in modern arrangements, creating a sense of continuity throughout his career.
- The running time exceeds two hours, with many tracks transitioning smoothly into one another, maintaining a reflective mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 moods for quiet nights
- gentle melodies for reflective moments
- storytelling that invites contemplation
- warm acoustic textures for solitude
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2000, this anthology marks a retrospective look at Bert Jansch's influential career spanning over three decades. By this time, he had solidified his status as a pioneer in the British folk scene, known for his innovative guitar techniques and profound songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Needle of Death
The narrative shifts from reflective sorrow to urgent despair as it contemplates the toll of addiction.
This progression emphasizes the depth of emotional conflict, illustrating not just the pain but also the struggle inherent in the subject matter.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Strolling Down the Highway 3:04
- 2 Angie 3:12
- 3 Running From Home 2:22
- 4 Needle of Death 3:20
- 5 It Don't Bother Me 4:28
- 6 Lucky Thirteen 3:36
- 7 Blackwaterslide 3:46
- 8 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 1:41
- 9 Soho 2:59
- 10 Rabbit Run 2:41
- 11 Woe is Love My Dear 2:19
- 12 Bells 4:00
- 13 Wishing Well 2:15
- 14 Poison 3:15
- 15 I Am Lonely 2:29
- 16 Train Song 4:45
- 17 Nobody's Bar 3:01
- 18 The January Man 3:32
- 19 Reynardine 5:21
- 20 Rosemary Lane 4:03
- 21 When I Get Home 5:00
- 22 Oh My Father 4:10
Disc 2
- 1 Yarrow 5:08
- 2 Rambleway 4:34
- 3 Blackbird in the Morning 3:38
- 4 Frozen Beauty 4:46
- 5 The Rainbow Man 5:00
- 6 I Sure Wanna Know 3:30
- 7 From the Inside 1:45
- 8 Playing the Game 4:06
- 9 Is Is Real? 3:30
- 10 Ladyfair 2:14
- 11 Three Dreamers 3:44
- 12 The Ornament Tree (Bonny Potmore) 3:49
- 13 The Mountain Streams 3:48
- 14 Looking for Love 4:25
- 15 The River Bank 2:52
- 16 Toy Balloon 3:59
- 17 My Donal 2:58
- 18 Blues Run the Game 3:07
- 19 Downunder 5:00
- 20 October Song 3:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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