BACK IN LINE

Following the release in 1980 of the creditable "Sails of silver", Steeleye Span once again went into hibernation. By the time they returned in 1986, founding member Tim Hart had left both the band and the music business. Health issues would increasingly dominate his life, and sadly he is now no longer with us.

The rest of the line up remained unchanged from "Sails of silver", although this would be Rick Kemp's last recording with the band for the time being. Maintaining the path they had chosen on more recent releases, the band remain in pop rock territories, with only occasion nods toward the folk rock for which they are best known. Peter Knight's fiddle provides welcome colours at times, but these are more in line with the synthesiser backing used by other rock bands than the overt soloing of a true folk band.

Also as with the immediate predecessors, the band assume responsibility for composition themselves, rather than adapting folk standards. That said, they do make every effort lyrically to add historical context to the songs.

The opening "Edward" is largely devoid of the distinct vocals of Maddy Prior, the song being a curious mix of light dirge and melodic chorus. The following (depending on the version you have, the track order may be different) "Lanercost" written by husband and wife team Prior and Kemp has a much more traditional Steeleye Span feel. The chanted chorus borrows its lyrics from a traditional prayer, while the verses continue the references to Edward, here reflecting Edward I residency at Lanercost during his futile fight against the Scots (who sent him homeward tae think again!).

While "Lady Diamond" is an adaptation of a traditional Scottish song (which Kemp discovered while producing an album for the Tannahill Weavers), the version here is enjoyable but lightweight. "Isabel" returns us to the Edward I story, Maddy Prior's delicate opening vocal gradually building to a fine crescendo as she describes Robert the Bruce's victory at the Battle of Bannockburn. Here, Knight is allowed the latitude he requires to add a superb fiddle solo. Once again, this song harks back to the glory days of the band, and a such is a highlight of the album. Knight continues alone on the brief "A Canon by Telemann", which has more than a passing resemblance with Fairport's "Bridge over the River Ash".

The live rendition of "Blackleg miner", a reworking of a song from "Hark, the village wait", is more significant for its historical context. The performance of the song in Nottinghamshire, UK in 1986 at the height of the notorious miner's strike caused significant controversy at the time, especially as that area was one of those directly involved the strike.

"Peace on the border" has an anthemic feel, the lyrics being rooted in the 1700's and telling a tale of deportation from England for untold transgressions. "Scarecrow" is the least distinguished song on the album, the prosaic guitar riff and pop rock feel of the song being rescued by a decent arrangement and some good production. "Take my heart" is the final song to deal with the war between Scotland and England, the arrangement once again making good of a lightweight song.

"White man" drifts into world music territories, here the ethnic themes complement the lyrics, which deal with the expanding foreign empires of the UK and other European nations.

The CD version includes three further tracks. "Somewhere in London" was released as a single A side (backed with "Lanercost") but did not originally appear on the album. The song has a convivial feel, clearly seeking the same market as "All around my hat" and "Gaudete". The most interesting thing about the song is Maddy's apparent attempt to sound like Kate Bush! The final two songs are live renditions of "Spotted Cow" (from "Below the Salt") and "One Misty Moisty Morning" (from "Parcel of Rogues").

In all, a decent addition to the Steeleye Span catalogue. The band's admirable efforts to write new traditional songs and the fine production combine to minimise the distraction of the occasional dip in the quality of the songs themselves. Those with a bent for all things Steeleye Span should not overlook this largely forgotten album.

Share this STEELEYE SPAN review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#275062)
• Buy STEELEYE SPAN music online with PA partners
• Show all STEELEYE SPAN MP3/Stream
• Go to STEELEYE SPAN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Back in Line page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for STEELEYE SPAN related discussions