Search - Steeleye Span :: Best of

Christine S. from JAMESTOWN, NY
Reviewed on 2/27/2010...

This is a compilation of three early recordings. I found the sound to be erratic- overly loud on some cuts and almost inaudible on a few cuts.

The earliest recordings had the most traditional pieces, which I prefer. Some of their later pieces are overworked and less appealing.

The group was very influential in bringing traditional English folk songs to the attention of the rock world and helped preserve interest in our musical roots.

This compilation had an eye for providing great value!

t'amant | WA | 04/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I'm not extremely well-versed in the details of the Steeleye Span catalogue, I find this to be a great 78 minute focused representation of much of their best. If you are not sure if this is your thing, give it a try (offered here for under $10)...you will find this to be some great music I predict (my hippie mother played much of this stuff when I was a kid in the 60's and 70's - it's a different take on that great psychedelic era). Anyone who is or has been into Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Jethro Tull, Celtic or bluegrass music or any of the female singer-songwriter genre artists will probably enjoy this. It often rocks, but also explores beautiful harmonies and melodies. The musicianship is excellent and much originality is shown throughout. The songs really get stuck in your head and many have excellent storylines. It has a couple of early songs and borrows heavily from "Below the Salt", "Parcel of Rogues", "Now we are six" and "All Around My Hat" giving a generous sampling to consider future purchases. It's a grower - Great buy, I love it!!"