Moonshine
Bert Jansch · 1973
38 min · 9 tracks · folk rock
A tapestry of intricate guitar work and haunting vocals that evoke the essence of traditional British folk.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moonshine — The title track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality with its reflective lyrics and delicate guitar melody, highlighting Jansch's lyrical prowess.
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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face — Jansch’s rendition of this classic infuses fresh emotion into a well-known love song, showcasing his ability to interpret and transform material beautifully.
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Yarrow — This track blends traditional folk elements with Jansch's signature guitar style, creating an atmospheric piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Moonshine showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, blending original and traditional material effectively.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fingerpicked guitar pattern that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through intricate arrangements across the tracks.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies, often featuring call-and-response elements that enhance the traditional folk feel.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as 'Night Time Blues,' which contrasts a slow build with a more energetic chorus.
- 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
- haunting melodies for introspection
- gentle acoustic flow for relaxation
- evocative storytelling through song
- for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat or fast-paced
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Moonshine is Bert Jansch's seventh studio album, coming on the heels of his critically acclaimed record, LA Turnaround. At this point in his career, Jansch was solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the British folk scene, having influenced many artists with his unique fingerstyle guitar technique and introspective songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Oh My Father
The verse shifts between past memories and present reflections, illustrating a complex emotional landscape surrounding familial relationships.
This structural choice deepens the listener's connection by contrasting nostalgia with current feelings, enhancing the song's emotional depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Yarrow 5:09
- 2 Brought With the Rain 2:55
- 3 The January Man 3:31
- 4 Night Time Blues 7:14
- 5 Moonshine 4:56
- 6 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 3:00
- 7 Rambleaway 4:35
- 8 Twa Corbies 3:00
- 9 Oh My Father 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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