State and Ancientry cover

State and Ancientry

Hannah James and Sam Sweeney · 2012

49 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

A vibrant blend of traditional folk melodies and contemporary arrangements, steeped in the rich heritage of British storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

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    William Taylor — This track exemplifies the duo's ability to reinterpret classic ballads with an engaging arrangement that breathes new life into a well-known story.
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    The Farmer's Cursed Wife — Offering a narrative rich in character and humor, this song highlights the duo's skillful storytelling and dynamic vocal interplay.
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    How Do You Do? / Gallons of Cognac — This lively medley showcases their adeptness at merging traditional tunes with modern sensibilities, making it a standout moment on the album.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • There Was a Lady Lived in the West

    The final verse shifts focus from the lady's tragic fate to her legacy, emphasizing how stories outlive individuals.

    This structural choice underscores the theme of memory and storytelling in folk tradition, suggesting that while lives may end, their stories endure.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hole in the Wall 3:29
  • 2 Parson Upon Dorothy / Dolly 4:17
  • 3 William Taylor 3:15
  • 4 How Do You Do? / Gallons of Cognac 5:26
  • 5 On Yonder Hill There Sits a Hare 4:26
  • 6 The Battered Hake Polka / Jack's Maggot 4:07
  • 7 There Was a Lady Lived in the West 4:29
  • 8 The Farmer's Cursed Wife 3:59
  • 9 Wallaby / Harry's Flowers 4:54
  • 10 The Bonny Miller / Strike a Bell 4:55
  • 11 The Golden Glove 6:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata