What makes Sweet Wivelsfield by Martin Carthy notable?

The album is notable for its blend of traditional folk tunes and contemporary arrangements, showcasing Carthy's influence on the genre during a time when folk music was experiencing a revival in the UK. Its reception solidified Carthy's status as a key figure in British folk music, inspiring future generations of musicians. Released in 1974, Sweet Wivelsfield was Martin Carthy's fifth studio album, following the acclaimed album, Byker Hill. At this point in his career, Carthy had established himself as a prominent figure in the British folk scene, known for his innovative guitar techniques and deep understanding of traditional songs.

How many songs are on Sweet Wivelsfield?

Sweet Wivelsfield has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Sweet Wivelsfield

Martin Carthy · 1974

41 min · 10 tracks

Traditional English folk melodies intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and musicality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shepherd O Shepherd — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and lyrical depth, establishing Carthy’s signature storytelling style.
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King Henry — A powerful rendition of a classic ballad, this track showcases Carthy's ability to reinterpret traditional narratives through his unique vocal delivery and guitar accompaniment.
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John Barleycorn — This song highlights Carthy’s skill in merging historical themes with contemporary relevance, featuring a lively arrangement that invites listeners into the folklore tradition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and skilled guitar work, contributing to its standing in the folk genre.

What we noticed

Each track features intricate fingerstyle guitar arrangements that complement the traditional melodies, often alternating between solo guitar and vocal sections.
Several tracks incorporate variations in tempo and mood, with some songs maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create reflective moments.

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

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 Shepherd O Shepherd 3:23
2 Billy Boy 2:51
3 Three Jolly Sneaksmen 4:14
4 Trimdon Grange 6:25
5 All of a Row 2:38
6 Skewbald 3:38
7 Mary Neal 3:58
8 King Henry 6:20
9 John Barleycorn 2:20
10 The Cottage in the Wood 6:12

What to play next

Listen next

Crown of Horn

1976

Go back to

Shearwater

1972

Full Martin Carthy discography Artists like Martin Carthy

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata