Released 16 years ago this October
Hedonism
Bellowhead · 2010
48 min · 11 tracks
A jubilant fusion of traditional folk melodies and contemporary arrangements, steeped in vibrant brass and infectious rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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New York Girls — This track infuses a playful energy into the album, capturing the spirit of revelry with its lively tempo and catchy chorus.
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Broomfield Hill — A standout for its rich storytelling, this song combines poignant lyrics with a lush arrangement that showcases the band's vocal harmonies beautifully.
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Amsterdam — This track highlights Bellowhead's ability to blend humor with melancholy, featuring intricate instrumentation that complements its reflective lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional folk with vibrant arrangements, showcasing strong compositions and engaging performances.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track featuring prominent brass instrumentation, setting a lively tone that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
- The arrangement of 'Cold Blows the Wind' features a stark contrast with its somber mood, followed by the upbeat 'Parson's Farewell', which shifts the energy back to jubilance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- vibrant, lively listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- inviting group sing-alongs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Hedonism was Bellowhead's third studio album, released in 2010 after their breakthrough with the critically acclaimed album, Burlesque. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation as one of the leading forces in the revival of British folk music, showcasing their unique blend of instrumentation and arrangement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Unthanks· Lau· Moriarty
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 New York Girls 4:32
- 2 A-Begging I Will Go 4:29
- 3 Cross-Eyed and Chinless 3:50
- 4 Broomfield Hill 5:28
- 5 The Hand Weaver and the Factory Maid 4:42
- 6 Captain Wedderburn 6:01
- 7 Amsterdam 4:13
- 8 Cold Blows the Wind 4:19
- 9 Parson's Farewell 4:09
- 10 Little Sally Racket 3:12
- 11 Yarmouth Town 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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