Search - Robin Williamson :: Songs for Children of All Ages / Winter's Tuning

Light & breezy

H. Wigman | The Netherlands | 07/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first part of this cd (Songs for children of all ages) is quite different from Robin's other work in its atmosphere - much more light-hearted and carefree, which isn't really a surprise given its title. Its second part consists of "Winter's turning" which can be bought separately - I recommend you to buy this double package instead!What we find are a lot of traditional tunes combined with a few of Robin's own songs ("Witches Hat" and "The water song", both featured in a different version on "The hangman's beautiful daughter"). What is most striking about the chosen songs is the element of humour and absurdity, and it works very well. Only the "Gartan Lullaby" is more serious & mystical and it is, of course, a fitting end to a "children of all ages" record."Winter's turning" follows, and although I never was very fond of it (I'm finding a great lack of warmth and very little personality) it somehow sounds better combined with "Songs for children ... " than on its own - maybe because the two parts have a similar sound. The first part kind of prepares you for what follows, I guess.Although I'm not too fond of Robin's mid-eighties period in terms of sound & instruments used this is a very nice collection of the absurd & humorous - I'll leave you with a quote from one of the songs:"Brian O'Linn had no watch to put onSo he got him a turnip to make him a oneHe put a wee cricket in under the skin"Sure they'll think it is ticking", said Brian O'Linn"

Winter's Turning

Betsy B. Lawson | Mooresville, NC United States | 10/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sheep under Snow is just one marvelous example of this fabulous recording. Perfect for hopeless romantics, Celtic music lovers, holiday music with an echo of ancient mystique. Bravo!"