What makes Shearwater by Martin Carthy notable?

Shearwater is notable for its exploration of lesser-known traditional songs, helping to revive interest in English folk music during a time when it faced competition from rock and pop. The album received positive critical acclaim and is considered a significant entry in Carthy’s discography, showcasing his role in preserving and revitalizing folk traditions. Released in 1972, Shearwater was Martin Carthy's third solo album, following his acclaimed record, Byker Hill. At this point in his career, Carthy had established himself as a pivotal figure in the British folk revival, known for his innovative guitar techniques and deep engagement with folk traditions.

How many songs are on Shearwater?

Shearwater has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Shearwater

Martin Carthy · 1972

40 min · 10 tracks

A tapestry of traditional English folk songs woven with Carthy's intricate guitar work and emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Was a Young Man — This opening track sets the tone for the album, illustrating Carthy's ability to blend narrative storytelling with haunting melodies. Its reflective nature captures the essence of youth and nostalgia.
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Outlandish Knight — This song stands out due to its dark narrative and vivid imagery, showcasing Carthy's skill in interpreting traditional tales with a contemporary sensibility. The arrangement highlights both the lyrical content and Carthy's vocal delivery.
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Famous Flower of Serving Men — With its lengthy runtime, this track allows for an immersive storytelling experience that encapsulates the themes of love and tragedy prevalent throughout the album. The rich instrumentation complements Carthy's poignant vocals beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Carthy's intricate guitar work and emotive storytelling create a compelling exploration of traditional English folk.

What we noticed

Each track features intricate fingerstyle guitar work that complements the storytelling, with melodies often derived from traditional folk sources.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 I Was a Young Man 2:46
2 Banks of Green Willow 4:31
3 Handsome Polly-O 2:32
4 Outlandish Knight 5:25
5 He Called for a Candle 2:49
6 John Blunt 3:25
7 Lord Randall 4:35
8 William Taylor 3:43
9 Famous Flower of Serving Men 9:23
10 Betsy Bell and Mary Gray 1:34

What to play next

Listen next

Sweet Wivelsfield

1974

Go back to

Landfall

1971

Full Martin Carthy discography Artists like Martin Carthy

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata