HARK! THE VILLAGE WAIT

"Hark! the Village Wait!" shaped many sounds of things to come for British folk rock. It's much more traditional than the band's later rockier stuff, but was still progressive because they twisted these old songs mainly by going electric and adding drums. There are great harmonies, melodies and interesting, subtle arrangements throughout. There's a fine bit of variety as well. Favourites for me are their "Blacksmith" version and "Blackleg Miner" which is such an energetic, trippy, string-whacking, cool vision of a new musical style. His heavy accent really suits the song too. Fans of Bluegrass music should love it. I also love the romantic "All Things Are Quite Silent", the creepy macabre "Twa Corbies" and the excellent rendition of "One Night As i Lay On My Bed". These tracks are the band's most haunting pieces as well. It's worth several listens to get into this album. Highly recommended to folk lovers.