Present – The Very Best of Steeleye Span
Steeleye Span · 2002
105 min · 18 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of traditional British folk melodies interwoven with electric instrumentation and intricate harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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All Around My Hat — This track exemplifies Steeleye Span's ability to blend catchy melodies with traditional themes, becoming one of their most recognized songs and a staple in their live performances.
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John Barleycorn — An iconic reinterpretation of a classic folk tale, this version highlights the band's harmonic prowess and showcases their skill in storytelling through music.
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Gaudete — With its haunting arrangement and Latin lyrics, this song stands out as a unique entry in their catalog, demonstrating their exploration of diverse musical influences.
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Thomas the Rhymer — This track captures the mystical essence of Scottish folklore, showcasing the band's ability to evoke vivid imagery through lyrical storytelling and instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation effectively showcases Steeleye Span's contributions but lacks the cohesion of a studio album.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, often featuring call-and-response patterns between lead and backing vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- dynamic journey with peaks
- rich vocal harmonies throughout
- engaging storytelling in lyrics
- ideal for group sing-alongs
- wave-like pacing and flow
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A career-spanning selection offers new listeners an accessible overview of the band's folk-rock sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2002, this compilation celebrates Steeleye Span’s enduring legacy after more than three decades since their debut album, 'Hark! The Village Wait' in 1970. By this time, the band had established themselves as pioneers in the folk rock genre, blending traditional tunes with contemporary sounds while navigating various lineup changes and musical directions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fairport Convention· Pentangle· The Albion Band
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Blackleg Miner
The narrative shifts from an individual perspective to a collective voice among miners facing exploitation, emphasizing unity against oppression.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Sir James the Rose 6:06
- 2 Hard Times of Old England 6:35
- 3 Cam Ye O'er Frae France 3:50
- 4 Thomas the Rhymer 6:36
- 5 Lyke Wake Dirge 2:48
- 6 Black Jack Davey 4:14
- 7 Two Magicians 4:32
- 8 Blackleg Miner 2:57
- 9 All Around My Hat 4:03
Disc 2
- 1 When I Was on Horseback 4:51
- 2 John Barleycorn 4:42
- 3 Long Lankin 8:52
- 4 Mist Moisty Morning 6:31
- 5 Go Down 3:46
- 6 Gaudete 2:23
- 7 The Weaver and the Factory Maid 5:42
- 8 Drink Down the Moon 6:32
- 9 King Henry / [untitled] 20:39
What to play next
Below the Salt
1972
A focused classic-era album that lets you hear the traditional melodies and electric folk interplay in depth.
Bedlam Born
2000
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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