SWADDLING SONGS

"Swaddling Songs" is cosmetically a very typical folk-rock album and does not bring any new influences or progressive elements to the genre. On the otherhand, Mellow Candle's playing is very tight and at times can be lush and/or technical. Also, upon listening one realizes the beauty of the two female vocalists harmonizing over their original songs which clearly becomes the main attraction. Very similar to the stylings of Fairport Convention, Pentangle, and any Maddy Prior project. Do not get me wrong, this is a great album that is well played/sang throughout; it is just not original. It is tough to pick the best songs on the album as they are all of the same sort of style, but "Heaven Heath," "Sheep Season," and "Silversong" stick out as my favorites as well as "Boulders On My Grave," which has vocal executions sounding a bit like Sandy Denny doing an impression of the band Comus. All in all, a great example of early 70's folk-rock, but not overly original or necessary to own.