What makes Home Is Where the Van Is by Battlefield Band notable?

This album is significant for cementing Battlefield Band's reputation in the folk revival movement of the late 20th century. It showcases their ability to reinterpret traditional tunes, leading to increased recognition and performance opportunities, which helped pave the way for future folk artists exploring similar paths. Home Is Where the Van Is marks Battlefield Band's third studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1969 and its 1976 successor, Second Flight. By this point, the band had established themselves within the folk music scene, blending contemporary elements with traditional Scottish melodies while gaining a loyal following across Europe.

Who is Home Is Where the Van Is for?

Home Is Where the Van Is works well if you're into playful tunes for gatherings, short bursts of lively energy and heartfelt storytelling in melodies.

How many songs are on Home Is Where the Van Is?

Home Is Where the Van Is has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Home Is Where the Van Is

Battlefield Band · 1980

43 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Scottish folk woven with lively instrumentation and heartfelt melodies that resonate with timelessness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Look Across the Water / Mrs. Garden of Troup / The Keelman Ower Land — This medley stands out for its intricate arrangement that highlights the band's virtuosic musicianship while simultaneously capturing the essence of Scottish folk storytelling.
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Braw Lads of Galla Water — The track's rich harmonies and lively tempo exemplify the band's skill in blending narrative with engaging melodies, making it a staple in live performances.
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The Cowal Gathering / The Iron Man / Dancing Feet / Dick Gossip's Reel — The energetic interplay between instruments here showcases the band's tight cohesion and commitment to celebrating dance traditions within Scottish culture.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful tunes for gatherings
short bursts of lively energy
heartfelt storytelling in melodies
invigorating rhythms for dancing
nostalgic vibes of tradition

Maybe skip if you

seekers of slow, sounds
prefer modern production styles

Where this album fits

Career context: Home Is Where the Van Is marks Battlefield Band's third studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1969 and its 1976 successor, Second Flight. By this point, the band had established themselves within the folk music scene, blending contemporary elements with traditional Scottish melodies while gaining a loyal following across Europe.
Stylistic neighbors: Altan· Lúnasa· The Chieftains

Tracklist

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

1 Major Malley's March & Reel / Malcolm Currie 2:27
2 Bonny Barbry-O 3:18
3 Look Across the Water / Mrs. Garden of Troup / The Keelman Ower Land 4:30
4 Braw Lads of Galla Water 3:35
5 Up & Waur Them A', Willie 3:25
6 Joseph McDonald's Jig / The Snuff Wife / Thief of Lochaber 3:56
7 Cocle Geordie / Miss Graham / Miss Thompson 4:01
8 The Boar & the Fox 4:10
9 Blackhall Rocks 2:53
10 Lads o' the Fair 4:05
11 The Cowal Gathering / The Iron Man / Dancing Feet / Dick Gossip's Reel 4:34
12 Mary Cassidy 2:30

What to play next

Listen next

There’s a Buzz

1982

Go back to

Stand Easy

1979

Full Battlefield Band discography Artists like Battlefield Band

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata