Live from Leeds cover

Live from Leeds

Kate Rusby · 2005

22 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of traditional folk melodies and intimate storytelling, captured live with heartfelt authenticity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The White Cockade — This track exemplifies Rusby's ability to reinterpret traditional songs, breathing new life into historical narratives while showcasing her emotive vocal delivery.
  • →
    Who Will Sing Me Lullabies — This song stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, highlighting Rusby's skill in connecting personal emotion to broader themes of loss and longing.
  • →
    Underneath the Stars — A staple in Rusby’s repertoire, this track combines lush instrumentation with evocative storytelling, encapsulating the essence of her approach to folk music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album captures a vibrant live performance, showcasing Rusby's strong songwriting and engaging delivery.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent tempo with traditional folk melodies, while the second half includes more varied arrangements and storytelling elements.
  • Rusby's vocals are prominently featured, often accompanied by acoustic guitar and fiddle, creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • Several tracks transition seamlessly into one another, enhancing the live performance feel and maintaining audience engagement.
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
5/10

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

  • intimate live performance atmosphere
  • storytelling through traditional songs
  • engaging acoustic arrangements
  • reflective moments of nostalgia
  • warmth for cozy gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat dance tracks
  • prefer polished studio productions

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2005, Kate Rusby was establishing herself as a significant voice in the contemporary folk scene following her acclaimed album 'Sleepless.' 'Live from Leeds' served as her first live album, showcasing her growth as a performer and solidifying her reputation among fans and critics alike.
Stylistic neighbors
Laura Marling· Sophie Hunger· Nina Nastasia

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Fairest of All Yarrow
  • 2 Polly
  • 3 Cruel
  • 4 I Courted a Sailor
  • 5 The Yorkshire Couple
  • 6 The White Cockade
  • 7 Tunes
  • 8 The Good Man
  • 9 Who Will Sing Me Lullabies
  • 10 The Cobbler’s Daughter
  • 11 Let Me Be
  • 12 Withered and Died
  • 13 Sir Eglamore
  • 14 Canaan’s Land
  • 15 William & Davy
  • 16 Underneath the Stars
  • 17 Video Diary
  • 18 Acoustic Session
  • 19 Interviews
  • 20 Biographies
  • 21 Behind the Scenes Footage
  • 22 5.1 Surround Sound Mix

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata