Previous Guest Book Entries (17)
Anne: December 26th 2005Merry Christmas to Peter, Steeleye and everyone. And here's
to a peaceful 2006 for all.
PAUL BAXTER, OLDHAM, LANCS.: December 25th 2005
HI PETER
JUST TO WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, ROLL ON THE NEW STEELEYE ALBUM AND TOUR
ALL THE BEST
PAUL
David In Little Rock Arkansas: December 23rd 2005
Happy Christmas, Peter and the Eternal Steeleye Span! Joy, health, peace and love be
all here in this place!
Lasse: December 22nd 2005
A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to Peter, Steeleye and everyone else.
Geoff Robertson: December 20th 2005
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Hastings` finest.
Rock on Steeleye Span!!!
Chris Fyfe - Anglo International: December 19th 2005
Peter
It's just Chris here to wish you and Deborah all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
The best CD I have heard this year was 'Anglo International' and features many different musicians (one who you
know extremely well).
It also features one of my favourite all-time tunes, 'Dr Gilbert', who I heard from the fiddle playing of Tom Hickland
from 5 Hand Reel many years ago.
Chris
General Taylor: December 18th 2005
Steeleye Span at Cropredy. About time, too. 1989 was the last time they featured, was
it not. I hope Steeleye do their version of Tam Lin, which, incidentally, I prefer to Fairport`s.
Chris Allen: December 18th 2005
The end of another year is nigh and it`s great to have all the Peter Knight gigs to
look forward to in 2006. Especially Steeleye Span.
A Happy Xmas and a musical 2006 to Peter and his fellow musicians, and many many thanks for never giving up on
Steeleye Span!
music fan: December 16th 2005
Hear Hear! I second Jim McCann`s sentiments.
The Steeleye people are not ones to rest on their laurels.
Long Lankin: December 16th 2005
Peter, I see there`s a Steeleye gig scheduled for Friday the 13th of January. Hope you
do my song.
"..there was blood all in the kitchen, there was blood all in the hall, there was blood all in the parlour...."
Barry Jackson: December 14th 2005
Hi, Lifetime fans of Steeleye and now in NZ with daughters who live here, one of which
is a singer/pianist guitarist etc. etc. Weaned on it all. Sung and worked worldwide in jazz and Soul and amazingly
still includes Woman in the Wings, Go Down and Blackjack Davey in her sets.We used to live opposite your cousin
Margaret in Essex until a few years ago. Please send her our regards and e-mail address if you are in touch with
her.
Barry and Jean Jackson. ours is barryjackson@xtra.co.nz
Leo Tard: December 14th 2005
There`s an album called "Folk Aerobics with Malcolm Rowe" /Folk Your Way To
Fitness with Malcolm Rowe -to the music of Ashley Hutchings" that I discovered online quite by accident. Bizarre!
I tell`ee...
I later found a page for it at Reinhard`s site http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke.de/guvnor/records/folkyourwaytofitness.html
(Mister Z. doesn`t miss much!)
ellen lee noonan - jax.beach, fl.,usa: December 13th 2005
just crawled out of a hole, and was forced to get connected to the internet last month.
o.k.,i admit it;it has been fun! But coming across this site really made my day. the music and lyrics of steeleye
span has been an important part of my life for 30 years! Just last night, listening to some celtic music, my husband
sez,"isn't that violin player great!" i sez in return,"yah, she's ok, but can't compare to mr. knight."
Tam Lin: December 11th 2005
Speaking of Fairport and Steeleye; I`ve been told that Steeleye are to headline on Thursday
10th. August next year at The Fairport Cropredy Convention(10th->12th August).
Ian Walsh: December 11th 2005
Fair dues to the Steeleye Spanners.
The world would be a poorer place without all those brill Steeleye classics.
More power to your elbow, Peter Knight!!
James Connolly: December 11th 2005
Can`t wait to see Steeleye Span in January at the Glasgow festival!
Great band.
Thanks for all the wonderful music.
pog mo thoin: December 10th 2005
I love all of the folk bands regardless of the degree of, or even lack of, innovativeness
involved, and I can`t understand anyone who`d try and find fault with a band, for whatever reason.
Steeleye Span are to be congratulated for being there for their fans for all these years, and, more recently, for
making such an awesome comeback since 2001 when it looked like the band was finished.
Kate McNeill: December 10th 2005
Hi Peter! Many thanks to you and the others for nearly four decades of class folk-rock.
Like somebody said earlier, it`s the one hundred per cent dedication to the music that`s kept Mr. Span in the business
of making music for so long, unlike others I won`t name who packed it in years ago, only to return decades later
out of nostalgia and to make a few euros into the bargain.
In answer to Michael`s questionable question - I think you`ll find that it allows for any sort of approach the
bands in question choose! You silly person. It`s music, not politics. If you don`t like it, no one`s forcing you
to listen to it.
extracting the Michael: December 10th 2005
I can`t figure out the nature of this chap`s neurosis. I wonder does he visit the websites
of other trad-orientated bands/musicians to take the p---, or has he just got a thing about Steeleye Span.
Has he got a grudge- and, if so, why?
Or is he just a bitter and twisted and bigoted old git...
Alan Ryan: December 10th 2005
Michael, or whatever your name is - get a life!
Joe: December 10th 2005
Hello Peter.
And well done Steeleye Span for keeping it going all these years.
Little Sir Hugh: December 10th 2005
As a young spotty erbert back in 1975 I had just left school,got a job & had a few
quid in me pocket,I used to buy singles (45rpm),I was a big fan of TOTP,s.at the time.
A certain thursday evening this band was on,"Steeleye Span" singing "All Around My Hat" which
I thought was canny good,& the female singer was a bit of alright as well,and what a voice! so I bought the
single,the flip side had "Black Jack Davy" on it,which was brilliant..so back to Woolworths, I went,
bought the album "All Around My Hat",then another ,then another,
Now I,ve got every album the band has produced,they have always been a great bunch of musicians (whatever the line
up) & I love to see them live because that,s when they are at their best.
Now I,am and old fart I still think Maddy is a bit of alright,and still the voice of Steeleye.
Their music has been a great part of my life & I always have a couple of Steeleye C.D,s in the car as I travel
up & down the country.
Peter, Maddy, Rick, Liam,& Ken hope you have a great Christmas & A Happy 2006.
Looking forward to the tour.
Donal: December 9th 2005
Being a broadminded music lover with an eclectic taste in music certainly allows for
the appreciation of BOTH approaches to traditional music alluded to earlier. Only a fool would waste his time making
churlish comparisons and arguing which is "the best", instead of getting on with the business of enjoying
ALL types of trad-related music, regardless of the differing degrees of innovation or modernization utilised by
each of the bands concerned.
Steeleye fan: December 9th 2005
Question to "Michael" : If you`re so unimpressed and underwhelmed by Steeleye
Span`s take on traditional music, then why not just leave it at that. Or have you got something personal against
Peter Knight? Or what`s your problem?
There are bands and musicians that I don`t like, but I feel absolutely no urge whatsoever to go to their websites
and tell them as much. That would just be childishly antagonistic, not to mention pointless.
Surely you can find better ways of passing the time next time you find yourself at a loose end.
Edwin: December 8th 2005
This 24-7 internet radio station is playing tons of English Folk. I hear Steeleye and
Fairport on here all the time. I've even heard Horslips, Strawbs, Gryphon, The Albion Band, Amazing Blondel, and
Trees being played. Very cool site and great stereo sound.
www.folkalley.com
Fran Webster: December 8th 2005
The only departure Michael needs to be informed about is his own, from this guestbook.
Five hand reel? - five fingered shuffle, more like.
fan of The Span: December 8th 2005
At least Steeleye Span still write, and adapt traditional material, for themselves.
The 1970`s trad-related Fairport albums are for the most part great, but I don`t care much for their post-70s studio
albums. Insipid, with too much reliance on songs written by people not even in the band. I`m biased in favour of
Steeleye Span, but that`s allowed as this is the guestbook of music maestro Peter Knight, and not a Fairport guestbook.
Mr Reservoir Butler: December 7th 2005
So what`s your fave Steeleye Span album, Michael?
And don`t say (Pentangle`s)Basket Of Light, as some basket case once claimed. I kid you not.
Paul Russell: December 7th 2005
Michael, you give the distinct impression that you prefer Fairport Convention to Steeleye
Span. In fact, nothing in your message suggests that you even like Steeleye Span. This is hardly the appropriate
forum for pointing out the limitations of Steeleye Span`s approach to traditional music, now is it.
Genuine Steeleye fans here have alluded to different bands that they like, including Fairport Convention, but not
by way of knocking Steeleye`s music. If you see what I mean.
You`re welcome of course to prove me wrong, by telling us all about your favourite Steeleye Span albums, making
sure to go into detail as to why you like them so much.
If not, then maybe you`re on the wrong guestbook?
I like some of Fairport`s stuff, myself, but then I do also like Steeleye Span.
IF you see what I mean.
Staring Robin: December 7th 2005
Why doesn`t yer man take himself and his `interesting question` over to a Fairport forum.
Jim McCann: December 7th 2005
Michael - if that`s your real name - if you don`t like Steeleye Span, why mention it
here of all places.
Huh, some people never learn.
Monsignor Marco Compstoni: December 7th 2005
For the benefit of everyone else, I`d like to point out that myself and Nick have reconciled
our differences and agreed to drop the subject of those bloody compilations for good!
Philip Wylton: December 7th 2005
So, what`s "Michael" doing here anyway!
I`m reminded of a certain interloper we had on the guestbook a few months ago.
Maurice Walker: December 4th 2005
I agree with Mr B about Liege and Lief. I prefer Full House, too. And what about the
following year`s Angel Delight, another gem of an album. I just hope the Bonny Bunch Of Roses and Tipplers Tales
albums get reissued on CD soon, along with the other recent 70`s Fairport re-releases.
Jim McCann: December 4th 2005
Peter. Can`t wait to see you guys on your forthcoming tour. My! but haven`t you lot
been especially busy and productive of late! What with the tours, studio recordings, live DVD, bootleg CD, and
now another tour and a live CD in the offing. And that`s not to mention the solo work, and collaborations with
other artists, outside of Steeleye Span.
Yours and the other musicians` 100%dedication to the music never ceases to impress.
Michael: December 4th 2005
Yes, I agree with the below. I have always felt that the first Fairport album was and
still is, overrated. They improved enormously as they became influenced by other bands such as Steeleye, Spud,
Hedgehog Pie, Five Hand Reel, Horslips and, in more recent years, Jethro Tull and even Soft Machine( God help us!).
Fairport were and, to a degree still are, a band that pushes at the boundaries-traditional or otherwise, and the
song writing of the band certainly reflects that at several points in their career. I particularly love some of
the work done later by Richard Thompson with Linda on the first two of their albums too. Fine songs with room for
modern extemporisation and the incorporation of international and contemporary musical influences. I agree also
with the other posting below, that cites Steeleye as the electric band that has always sought to reflect the traditional
side of the genre in what they do. An interesting question though, might be whether intentionally writing contemporary
songs in a traditional style and deliberately singing them in that way too, is quite the best approach. Not sure
of the answer to that( if indeed there is an answer) but its that which separates Fairport and Steeleye in my view.
The former does not tend to do this where as the latter does. The same debate has raged for years in respect of
building design-does paying respect to the traditional mean having to copy its style, or, alternatively, does it
allow for modern, creative and informed departures?
georg: December 4th 2005
your site is really fantastic -
i like your stuff...
i wish you and your guests a wonderful
christmas time -
musical greetz from vienna !!
www.race.at
Nick Clark: December 2nd 2005
I, Nick Clark would like to formally retract all previous comments made on this guestbook
relating to my desire to have the occasional live album or compilation from the last 25 years of Steeleye's material
instead of the incessant re-releases from the 1969-76 period.Obviously, when I raised this whimsical notion I had
no idea I was resurrecting the Spanish Inquisition. I shall now go out and buy The Early Years Volume 22 as penance.
Lasse: December 1st 2005
I mentioned the Winter album in my previous posting. Just found a very positive review
of that album on www.greenmanreview.com
>From what I gather it seems to be written by a landsman of mine. Lovely to know there are more Steeleye fans
in Sweden. There is still hope we may bring them back here one day.
Donal; Cork, Ireland: December 1st 2005
Hello Peter.
Great news about next year`s tour.
I`ve been a fan of Steeleye Span since the nineteen seventies. I`ve got all of the albums to date, and yours is
without doubt the best folk-rock band ever.
Never mind the begrudgers, here`s to 2006!
Mr. Reservoir Butler: November 28th 2005
The term `Most Influential` is unfortunate, I think, because it leads to an inevitable
bias for the `seminal` Liege And Lief, just because it was the first(of the British trad-rock albums). But Steeleye
Span was hot on its heels, and the Fairport album, Full House, released the year after Liege And Lief, is the better
album of the two, surely.
Stephen: November 28th 2005
How does dearth of material from the T&T stuff drive the release of early material??
Hello Peter. It`s been a while since I posted on your website. Great news about the touring and recording planned
for 2006!
Fran Webster: November 28th 2005
In response to Nick Clark`s complaint that the unnecessary rehashes of the early material
is at the expense of later catalogue, what does he mean? - what does he want? An equal number of compilations from
later catalogue, just to balance things out? Or what?
Or, is it about his wish for more live recordings from the Tempted and Tried era? In which case, what`s that got
to do with the compilations!
The subject of the Seventies compilations is separate to that of the so far unreleased material from ANY era, including
the Seventies.
Anyone can see that.
Mr Reservoir Butler: November 27th 2005
Also, read the second part of Peter`s reply to Chris Haines: April 2 2003 on the q&a
pages.
Assuming Peter doesn`t mind my quoting him, I think that words such as "sometimes it interferes with the plans
of a current Steeleye" and "a question of timing", in reference to record releases, might just be
in relation to Park Records and its policy on the availability, or lack thereof, of previously unreleased Steeleye
recordings?
Mr. Reservoir Butler: November 27th 2005
For whom it may concern,
I`ve had a look back at some of the archived Question and Answer pages, and there`s one interesting posting in
relation to Park Records and the lack of archive releases, from a Mark O` Shaughnessy: November 27 2003. I couldn`t
find the "earlier message" the contributor referred to, though.
There`s also a message from a Martin Appleby : October 23 2002, concerning the recordings of the BBC television
series. They`re still out there(or at least they were in October 2002!).
Paul Russell: November 27th 2005
Can Paddy Kniveton please explain what he means with that sentence of his concerning
the two versions of Sails of Silver, the early stuff, and the band`s having had its nemesis in the seventies and
eighties. You`ve lost me there, Paddy.
On the subject of Park Records, and their supposed responsibility for the lack of releases of archive material,
perhaps Peter could clear this one up for us up once and for all.
If archive material exists, but is not being released, then it must be down to something, and I DON`T think it`s
got anything to do with the flippin` compilations of Seventies material!
Philip Wylton: November 27th 2005
Hi Paddy. My own reservations about bonus tracks is not so much that they might dilute
the feel of the original album, but that they don`t, in a lot of instances, necessarily ADD anything to the overall
flavour of the thing. In light of this, I feel that the improved packaging, liner notes etc. can often, rather
unfortunately perhaps, end up being as important as the bonus tracks.
An example of this, for me, is the reissue of Fairport`s Babbacombe Lee I recently bought, which at last includes
the original liner notes concerning the John Lee case, and the original lyrics, a considerable improvement on the
old Island CD version. The bonus tracks are alright, but the sound quality isn`t great, and they were recorded
by a different line-up, and several years after the original album was released, so they`re not even contemporaneous.
But don`t get me wrong, I`m not moaning about it, just being honest. After all, I don`t have to buy these reissues.
James: November 27th 2005
The band split up in 78 after the "farewell" live album, sure enough, but
they bowed out at a time when they were still on top form, both in recording terms(Storm Force Ten) and as a live
band, as the quality of the material on the Live At Last album confirms. I think the term nemesis is a bit inappropriate.
As for the 80s, there was certainly a dearth of Steeleye albums, but they were still then, as they`ve always been,
a great live band.
James: November 27th 2005
At risk of this discussion becoming even more protracted and muddled, I can`t resist
taking issue with Paddy`s assertion that the band had its `nemesis`(?!) in the 70s, and again in the 80s!!!
WHAT?!!
Mark Compston: November 27th 2005
Nick, your "first three" comment was made in response to my mention of the
forthcoming, legitimate(yes, legitimate, seeing as the earlier British CD versions have been deleted) re-releases
of the first three albums(and not about a compilation), was it not -- either that or, as I rather suspect, we are
in fact inhabiting parallel universes - greetings! Anyway, my initial message was unequivocally in reference to
those album reissues, and only that. As for the compilations; as much as I would agree with anyone about the decided
overabundance of these, I don`t agree with your view that these rehashes of the early material, whether from 1970-71
OR from the later albums of the seventies, are "at the expense of" material from the later catalogue.
That`s my central point of contention. As other contributors to this discussion have pointed out, the licensees
who release those compilations, and those with the clout to make available previously unreleased material, from
whatever period in the band`s career, are not one and the same.
As for "everyone else", reading back over the postings, it`s evident that a fair proportion of the views
expressed coincide with my own. I`ve never been vague or unsure about what I was trying to get across on this subject,
and if the logic of my argument is lost on some of you, well, too bad.
Little Sir Hugh: November 27th 2005
Just read on R2 folk & acoustic that part of the R2 Folk Awards will be a public
vote for the "Most Influential Folk Album of All Time",Spans early stuff certainly influenced a loads
of people including myself.Looking forward to 2006 to see this GREAT band back on the road again. Rock on Steeleye.
Paddy Kniveton: November 26th 2005
Hey there Pete, I got that Too late for Shadows album it’s super. I’ll buy a few as
Xmas gifts. I dug some old Steeleye albums out and was looking the recent CDs you have. It got me thinking! I was
wondering how valid that comment was about Park Records, after all Back in Line isn’t exactly that. If you take
the two versions of Sails Of Silver AND include the very early stuff then you’ll be left in no doubt that the band
not only had it’s nemesis in the 70s but also in the 80s. People naturally find their own bias in time. The thing
is a lot of people agonise over whether bonus track dilute the true flavour of what an original album is. I firmly
believe that an original will stand whatever, and that bonus tracks are exactly that – bonus tracks. It’s got nothing
to do with licenses!! Mind you there is NO substitute for live music even if it is recorded. The title, the price
and the packing and the liners are less important than the content. It’s the music that really matters after all.
Anthologies have a place of course. The hardened fans won’t need these packs, but the completeists will purchase
them none the less. It’s much the same regarding bootlegs. But you find people who complain about production values.
I think they’re missing the point. It’s never about favouritism, the point is they are part of the archive, like
it or not! And if people are unable to appreciate and understand what they are getting than that is their loss.
They are linked in the same way that dearth of material from the T&T stuff drives the release of early material.
People seem to overly dwell on the significance of the first 3 albums but again they are missing the point. It’s
all about the music. It’s about what we hear with our ears. Not about the boxes. As to touring? Well, that’s what
takes the music forward, keeps the wave rolling , and the good thing is that each retrospect can be measured against
a new baseline. That’s what I call positive thinking! It’s by far better than the same guy looking at the same
thing as if he were 13 different guys. What I say is there is something different in each album and the latest
one proves that.
Most of all I’m looking forward to the 'Too Late For Shadows' live radio sessions. Any news on that Pete?
Pat.
Nick Clark: November 26th 2005
Mark, I think the 'first three' comment I made was in response to the news of ANOTHER
compilation of early stuff that came specifically from those records and our subsequent discussion has, I presume,
centred on the un-necessary rehashes of of that material at the expense of later (and in my opinion, superior)
catalogue.I don't restrict this early period to just three albums (I wouldn't be able to say chronologically what
they were for one thing)but I think it could be said to consist of material in the early seventies covering their
most commercial period. I am sure you can see that - judging by the other responses, everyone else can.
Spoons: November 25th 2005
I agree with Rex in Las Vegas, Peter. Come to LA. The weather is warm, and the people
are lovely. 
Mark Compston: November 25th 2005
Nick, I`ve had a quick look at those 23 compilations, and there are quite a few of them,
more than a third in fact, that don`t have a preponderance of -if any - tracks from the 1970-71 albums. That is
specifically the period we were discussing, after all, and not some vague "early period" or "the
early few years". Let`s not prevaricate.
RexinLasVegas: November 25th 2005
You know Peter, if you and your mates are coming to the States in the dead of winter
(February 2006), then the sunny Southwest should definitely be on your itinerary!!!
Vicky Elliot: November 25th 2005
Gosh, this latest discussion amongst guestbookers seems to have gotten a bit convoluted.
I agree that there`s been an awful lot of anthologies from that one short period, but I regard it as inconsequential.
Who cares ; never mind all that. - No, it`s up to the bigger labels involved with Steeleye Span releases to address
the issue of giving us what we want, i.e. any or all of the at-present unavailable recordings made by the band
over the past 35 years, whether in the recording studio, in concert, or on film.
Paul Russell: November 25th 2005
So what! about those budget compilations.
It`s not as if they`re being reissued in lieu of previously unreleased material.
The proliferation of cheap compilations from Steeleye Span`s earliest period - and the lack of more releases of
archive material - are mutually exclusive.
John O`Connor: November 23rd 2005
No relation to Joe, by the way, as far as I know. Greetings Joe.
John O` Connor: November 23rd 2005
Can I come in here just to add my two cents` worth. From what I`ve read of the comments,
the fundamental point being made, and which I happen to agree with, is that the glut of budget compilations is
not because of any bias or favouritism on the part of the licensees for those particular recordings, but comes
down to the fact of the licensees concerned simply taking advantage of the comparative ease of accessibility re
tracks from that period, and thus making the most of the limited material available to them. I doubt that they
believe they`ve struck gold by being able to release yet another of those dubious pick `n` mix compilations of
the earliest Steeleye recordings, with maybe a few tracks from the Prior/Hart albums thrown in too, and perhaps
even a photo of the wrong line-up on the cover. Nah. They probably find it as tiresome as the rest of us.
James: November 23rd 2005
I remember reading on the Q&A page some time ago a question from someone to Peter
concerning the possibility of more archive material, including the television series, being released in the foreseeable
future. Peter agreed that Park Records would have reservations about the advisability of such material being released
while Steeleye is still an ongoing project ---- as if they deem it a threat to the band`s recent and current work,
I suppose. If so, they are of course wrong on this. Anyway, Peter said that he`d personally like to see all of
the band`s body of work over the years made available to the fans. I seem to recall too having read somewhere of
Park`s displeasure at the CD releases of rare Steeleye recordings on the Australian Raven label. I think it`s the
protectionist policy of Park Records that we ought to be taking issue with here, and not the poor sods of licensees
who only have the first three albums to play around with. As for those compilations, well, no one`s forcing us
to buy them.
Back in 2002, Park gave fans the opportunity to vote for the tracks they`d most like the band to re-record in the
studio for the "Present" album, so perhaps they might consider giving the fans the chance to vote on
whether or not they`d like (pre-Park) archive material made available to purchase, and also to express their assurances
that this would not affect sales of recent, current and future work by the band. Just a thought.
Fran Webster: November 22nd 2005
Sorry, slight correction. I should have said the Castle reissues will be the only British
CD versions of the first three albums.
Fran Webster: November 22nd 2005
King Henry, in your message you ask the question why the same material is repeatedly
reissued, but you answered this question even before asking it, when you said that it`s probably just easier to
license. Got it in one. Your point that the reissues are probably not coming from the Steeleye camp is another
valid one, and it goes along with the view that the release of the numerous compilations of material from the period
1970-71 is not because of the licensees having a bias towards that material. I think that they`d be only too happy
to release live material from the early seventies, mid-seventies, late eighties, or whatever, that we`d all so
like to hear, IF THEY WERE ALLOWED TO!(I`m not "shouting", just that there doesn`t appear to be a facility
for the use of italics on this page).
You exaggerate somewhat, though, about the multiple reissues of the albums. Multiple reissues of compilations,
sure, but the Castle reissues of the albums will be the third(including the US Shanachie version) reissue of the
individual albums on CD. It`s not exactly outrageously excessive considering that a lot of Steeleye`s back catalogue
has been reissued twice, anyway, the two reissues existing at the same time, whereas the Castle reissues will still
be the only CD versions of those three albums.
Yes, there are lots more compilations of the stuff than of material from other periods of the band`s history, but
I wouldn`t use the term `bias`(sorry, Nick). It`s just there for the taking, as it were. It`s curious, too, isn`t
it, how some of those budget compilations have pictures of the Knight/Hart/Prior/Johnson/Kemp/Pegrum line-up. Accidental?
I wonder. Perhaps it`s a pictorial Freudian slip on the part of the licensees and their actual bias is for the
later material by the band...maybe even live and previously unreleased recordings...oooh if only!
Mark Compston: November 22nd 2005
Lasse - I referred to the Below the Salt, Rogues, Hat etc. era as `commercial`, inasmuch
as that was the period when Steeleye Span was signed up to Chrysalis Records, a mainstream(i.e. not predominantly
folk or trad/rock-oriented), major record label, and it was also the period during which the band had two singles
in the pop charts, and even appeared on Top Of The Pops. Then there`s the fact that the BBC gave Steeleye Span
its own television series during that period. Therefore, I don`t think that the description `commercial`, at least
by folk-rock standards, is inappropriate, considering.
Philip Wylton: November 22nd 2005
On the subject of bonus tracks. - They can be overrated. In an ideal world bonus tracks
would be unique outtakes from the recording sessions of the album(s) in question, as with General Taylor from the
Ten Man Mop line-up, or Bonny Moorhen(released at a later date, but unfortunately on a compilation album and not
as a bonus track on the appropriate album reissue) from the Parcel of Rogues recording sessions. Tracks that stand
up on their own, and not just because of the "bonus" factor. However, bonus tracks tend to be just alternate(although
not significantly different-sounding)versions, live versions, or even poorly recorded demo versions, of tracks
already on an album.
An example of less than ideal bonus tracks that comes to mind is the inclusion of live tracks from the 1990`s line-up
with Gay Woods, Liam Genockey and Tim Harries, on 1980`s Sails of Silver, a studio album, and with a different
line-up;the live tracks are good, but what are they doing on Sails of Silver -- or even the two bonus live tracks(One
Misty Moisty Morning, Spotted Cow) on Park`s Back In Line CD that are just excerpts from Park`s In Concert CD.
Maurice Walker: November 22nd 2005
Are we still on this topic!
My view is that the issues of the multitudinous compilations of the early material, and that of the lack of live
material from the Tempted and Tried era, are completely unrelated.
Steeleye`s current record company is Park Records, and it`s down to them to release those live performances alluded
to by Nick Clark.
The reissue of the first three albums on the Castle label is also unrelated to the compilations. Castle recently
released a definitive anthology of the first three albums, with improved sound quality, bonus tracks, and some
nice old photos and interesting liner notes and comments from the musicians concerned; and they are now reissuing
those albums individually due to the fact that the Mooncrest CDs are no longer available. Sounds reasonable enough
to me.
I don`t like "taking sides", but I don`t understand why Mark`s initial mention of the reissues should
have led to a discussion of the cheap compilations which, to reiterate, are not related to the forthcoming, legitimate
reissues.
Philip Wylton: November 22nd 2005
Mr Reservoir Butler has the right attitude. Positive thinking. It`s even put me in an
anticipatory mood for the reissues. I hope they include some of the original photos, especially for Ten Man Mop,
the original LP version of which I`ve never seen.
I agree with King Henry about bonus tracks, but, for example, the recent reissue of Shirley Collins`s No Roses
album by Castle has no bonus tracks, but yet the addition of extra liner notes and photos - the overall improved
packaging of the CD - still, in my opinion, makes it worthwhile buying again. Also, I would defend Castle`s re-release
of those early Steeleye albums because, as Mr Reservoir Butler so rightly pointed out, the Castle versions will
be the only British CD versions available.
So, what`s the problem...
Mark Compston: November 22nd 2005
Ah, Nick.
I should have just ignored that initial comment of yours (re the late 70s and early 80s) that didn`t make(and still
doesn`t make)any sense. And then after going on to mention Sails Of Silver, you eventually decided it was the Tempted
and Tried period you were referring to, after all. Hmmm. Anyway, I think that the argument that the numerous compilations
of the first three albums is not about the licensees` expectations as to what the punters want has already been
put forward convincingly, and logically, by myself and others. I mean, if it`s about favouritism, how come BGO
and Park aren`t churning out compilations from those three albums. It`s only the licensees who can`t get their
hands on the other material who bother with those cheap compilations. If it`s live recordings from the late 80s/early
90s you`re after, why not inform Steeleye`s record company, Park Records, and stop whingeing about the licensees
who are stuck with budget compilations from the first three albums. The forthcoming reissues of the albums has
nothing to do with those cheap compilations, anyway, and it`s only coming about because the Mooncrest versions
have been deleted. So, the Castle reissues will be the ONLY British CD versions of the albums. Just because you
and I may already have these albums on CD, shouldn`t mean that new fans of Steeleye should be deprived of the opportunity
to buy them.
Joe O` Connor: November 22nd 2005
Hi Peter, and hello to fellow fans of the greatest, most resilient, most long-standing
and most consistently trad-oriented (unlike Fairport Convention, and others) folk-rock group ever.
fan of The Span: November 22nd 2005
YO! The Steeleye Spanners!!
>From 1970 to the present day.... and still going strong! And there`s another tour, and a live CD, planned for
next year! YESSSS!!!
Now there`s a band that never would have thrown in the towel and *&%$£"ed-off and left its fans
in the lurch for years on end. Oh no, not the Span!
True and dedicated musicians one and all - no time or need for day-jobs there, mate.
Others came and went....and one(not a million miles from here)even came back again - yeeeeeears later. But Steeleye
Span just kept and still keeps going.
Kudos to the Span. Yes indeed...
King Henry: November 21st 2005
The first three albums have had multiple re-issues--and multiple re-issues as compilation
albums. I highly bet they're just easier to license. But when you look at it, you're right, this early time period
has gotten way too many re-releases. If you aren't going to digitally remaster them with extra bonus tracks, than
why bother keep releasing these? I'm also sure these re-issues are not coming from the Steeleye camp as I bet they
don't even own the recordings themselves. Re-issues are great, but when the same exact stuff keeps getting released,
it certainly begs the question, "Why?" Go ahead and re-issue them I say, but re-master the music and
add bonus tracks.
Johan Vanhecke, Antwerp: November 20th 2005
Johan Vanhecke, Antwerp
visitor comments: I would define the Tempted & Tried period as the Liam-Tim period before Gay Woods came back
in. Tempted& Tried was the album for the 20th anniversary. They needed a bass-player, so Tim Harries came in,
and between the recording of the album and the tour Nigel left and was replace by Liam Genocky. This new rhythm
section also added a new sound and brought new vibes. When live in Nottingham was recorded Liam was only a few
weeks in the group. Tonight's the night, with 6 new songs, is a good proof of the new vibes.
About The Collection in concert, I agree that the first five songs are from the mid eighties, with a rather funky
Steeleye, but the rest of the record, which was released in 1994, was probably recorded before that year, I assume
around 1990-1991. Maybe Peter can shed a light on this problem. But I completely agree with Nick that we also should
get some good live recordings of that Tempted&Tried period.
Maybe we should make a wish-list with all the things we would like to see (or hear) in a live box. I have BBC-recordings
of an early Steeleye with Maddy reciting poems while Martin is tuning his guitar. And from the famous seventies
line-up I heard songs like Staines Morris, Summer is a-coming in, Jolly Boys, Lyke Wake Dirge, to mention a few.
I would like to hear them in cleaned-up-versions.
The rest of the Steeleye Catalogue is readily available. I don't know why we would need another version of those
early records.
Lasse: November 20th 2005
I am not sure I see "Below the Salt" and "Parcel of Rouges" as part
of anyone's commercial era, just as two very good records, that have stood the test of time very well.
But I am also surprised by the number of re-issues and compilations of the tracks from the first three albums.
Can it be down to the willingness of those holding the rights to those recordings?
Compare with Fairport where tracks from their Woodworm-era appears more often on compilations than tracks recorded
for Island and Phonogram.
And since Christmas is coming up, it is time to dust off the not so old Winter-album.
Nick Clark: November 20th 2005
"but you`re still hanging on to this idea that there`s some sort of bias towards
the first three albums. Hardly..."
- Thanks for that Mark. I just did a quick check to see if there was any bias towards the early few years. I looked
at the 23 compilations given a detailed listing on Richard Hollis's excellent site. Of those, how many do you think
featured work of that early period ? Answer, all 23.Perhaps you are the one that's made the mistake in denying
such bias.
Steeve: November 19th 2005
What music prefer?
Mr Reservoir Butler: November 19th 2005
If we put aside the numerous compilations, this will in fact be only the second British
reissue of those albums on CD. It`s good that Castle are reissuing them, which means that there should be more
liner notes and some photos, too. I know it`s the music that counts and there may or(as I suspect)may not be bonus
tracks, but it`s always pleasing to have a reissue with extra info and pics. I have to confess I`m rather looking
forward to these reissues.
Mark Compston: November 19th 2005
To Nick - do you really believe that those record companies think that 1970-71 is the
only period of Steeleye`s history that people are interested in?! I was willing to give you the benefit of the
doubt and put your initial comment down to your having made a mistake, but you`re still hanging on to this idea
that there`s some sort of bias towards the first three albums. Hardly...
To Ravenchild - They`re being re-released because the old Mooncrest versions were deleted a couple of years back.
But don`t knock it. They`re going to be released by the Castle label, which always does a good job of the CD packaging,
and their CDs are usually reasonably priced, too. So, they just might be an improvement on the earlier CD versions,
at least in terms of presentation and price.
Incidentally, according to amazon, the release date is now January 2006, and not November 2005. I know - you`re
just going to have to be patient...
Incidentally, I`m interested in all periods of the band`s career myself.
nick clark: November 19th 2005
'Tonight's the Night' was presumably a way of getting new material on record without
the expense of the studio. The 'Live in Nottingham' (which of course should have been 'Live in Middlesex' as it
was recorded nowhere near Nottingham)is quite a good gig but as the band hit its stride with this range of material,
there were better versions broadcast by the Beeb when the band was in favour with 'Folk on 2'. I have two, maybe
three hours or half hour shows from that period. I would particularly mention out 'Weaver and the Factory Maid'
for which they created an off-beat accompaniment that sounded very much like a loom moving backwards and forwards.They
played this for a while on tour. The band seemed quite guitar driven then - playing a lot of Bob's stuff and it
was an exciting time to see them live.Re the licensing, yes, I agree with the point about it being easier.I suspect
also the record companies that do these continuous stream of compilations think this is the only period of the
bands history people are interested in. This was my initial (and obviously not very well put) comment.
Fran Webster: November 19th 2005
I`ve been holding back up to now, but I just don`t see the "point" Nick Clark
was making about "the endless reissues of the popular early seventies stuff (that) seems to mark it out for
favouritism with potential licensees all going for the same old section of catalogue"; regarding the re-releases
of the first three albums.
I would argue that some of the subsequent albums, when Bob Johnson and Rick Kemp[and later, Nigel Pegrum] joined
the band, are more popular, and therefore commercially viable, than the first three albums.
It`s not about favouritism.
Mark Compston: November 19th 2005
Just wondering. How does one actually define the "Tempted And Tried period".
Would that be the period between the release of Back In Line and Time. The Collection:In Concert CD has tracks
recorded in 1986(three years before the release of T&T), and 1994. If that`s the case, then Johan left out
the "25 Live" video.
Philip Wylton: November 19th 2005
I`m with Johan regarding the 1973-1976 period. I`m familiar with only one bootleg from
the period, 1974`s "Live At Richard`s", and it`s absolutely entrancing, in spite of the dodgy sound quality.
Three cracking tracks on it too that have never been released on `official` recordings. Some well recorded/produced
live performances from that time in Steeleye`s history would be fantastic.
Johan made a good point, too, regarding the already available live recordings from the Tempted and Tried era.
As for the repeated reissues of the first three albums, I`m inclined to agree with Maurice`s and Mark`s observations.
Ravenchild: November 18th 2005
why? why are they being re-released?
Mark Compston: November 14th 2005
Oh, I see. So it`s not about the late seventies and early eighties, after all.
I`m intrigued about these performances from the Tempted And Tried period, though. Can you elaborate on them. When
you say these performances "exist" , I assume you mean they`ve been recorded? If so, then yes, it`d be
good if they were made available to purchase.
I still don`t know where you`re coming from on the subject of the re-release of the first three albums. As far
as popularity goes, I`d have thought that some of the albums that came AFTER those three are arguably MORE popular,
but yet they haven`t received as much "attention" from licensees, as far as re-releases and anthologies
go.
There`ve been more CD reissues(including anthologies)of Hark The Village Wait, Please To See The King, and Ten
Man Mop, than for the likes of Below The Salt, Parcel Of Rogues, Now We Are Six, and All Around My Hat(all from
the band`s more "commercial" period).
I mean, for example, there are currently two CD versions of, say, Below The Salt, available, from different licencees(BGO,
Shanachie) - but then there are also two CD versions of Sails Of Silver(Park, BGO) and Tempted And Tried(Shanachie,
BGO).
But how did we ever get on to this topic anyway!
I only mentioned the fact of the imminent re-release of the first three albums for the benefit of those who may
not be aware of, or may not have looked at, the Musikfolk website where I happened upon the information.
Maurice Walker: November 13th 2005
Ah, so it`s the LATE eighties you`re on about now is it!?
Nah, I`m only pulling your leg, Nick. I agree with you that a complete live album from a given era is always preferable
to dribs and drabs of bonus tracks included here and there.
But, again, I think the reason why the first three albums are reissued so much is because the licence for those
three is just easier to acquire(?). Please, someone, correct me if I`m wrong.
STEVE M HARDY: November 13th 2005
HI THERE MICHAEL WENDY AND CALUM DOWNEY!!HOW MANY STEELEYE SPAN FANS CAN THERE BE IN
LENNOXTOWN ???!!! YOU GUYS AND MY WIFE ANTHEA (OF BETTERWARE FAME) AND MYSELF MAKES F-I-V-E !!! I HAVE BEEN A FAN
OF STEELEYE SPAN SINCE I FIRST SAW THEM AT WARWICK UNIVERSITY IN 1970/1971??AMAZING BLONDEL WERE THE SUPPORT BAND.WE
ALL SAT ON THE FLOOR AND HAD A FANTASTIC EVENING.( IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO WAS ALSO AT THAT GIG??!!) I ALREADY
HAVE MY TICKETS FOR THE GARAGE AND OF COURSE WILL BE FIRST IN THE QUEUE FOR WHEN THE DOORS OPEN !! ianhardy19@btopenworld.com
Johan Vanhecke, Antwerp: November 13th 2005
Hi Nick, there are two live albums from the tempted & tried period: Tonights the
Night, and The Collection: Steeleye Span in Concert. And there is a live DVD from that period (Classic Rock Legends/20the
Anniversary/Live in Nottingham). That's not bad for that period. I see your point for the first three albums. But
I have bootlegs of the years 1973, 1974 en 1975, and I can assure you: although the sound is of very poor quality,
it's a joy listening to them. The enthousiasm, the vitality, the humor, the power... We really need a good anthology
of live recordings from the 1973-1976 period. The BBC (and other radio stations) must have a lot of them.
Joe Mack: November 12th 2005
Hello there, Peter.
Just found your website via a link from Reinhard Zierke`s excellent Steeleye Span pages. I`m greatly looking forward
to hearing the band again on next year`s tour. Wow! - so much has happened since the doldrums of 2001 when it seemed
the band was history. Steeleye Span has always been my favourite folk-rock band, and you people can never be accused
of resting on your laurels or being a mere nostalgia-band cashing in on the past. Fair play to ye, and best of
luck with all future music projects. JOE
Michael Downey, Lennoxtown, Scotland: November 11th 2005
Hi Peter I hope that you are well.It has been a while since I submitted anything. I
have been watching the various debates with interest!!!
Just to let the Scottish fans and everyone else of course, know that Steeleye are playing Celtic Connections festival
in Glasgow.The details are
Friday 13th January 2006, Venue the Garage, Sauchiehall Street,Glasgow.7.30 p.m.
>From memory this will be your first visit to Glasgow since Castlemilk Folk Festival in 1999 and before that
1996 at SECC with Status Quo.
We are looking forward to welcoming you back. I also remember the great nights at the old Apollo in Glasgow in
the 70's. Roll on January.
Best Wishes.
Michael, wendy and Calum Downey.
ron@songbud.com: November 11th 2005
Hey there's a lot of fine pop music on this site. Keep going on. Roni
Nick Clark: November 11th 2005
I am biased towards the 80's material because that's where I came in. I suppose the
point I am making is that, yes the endless reissues of the popular early seventies stuff seems to mark it our for
favouritism with potential licensees all going for the same old section of catalogue. A lot of performances of
the band during the Tempted and Tried period exist when they were on sparkling form. It would be nice to have an
album of that for example, perhaps a whole concerts worth instead of occasional bonus tracks here and there.
graham barnett grahambarnett2@btinternet.com: November 10th 2005
hello peter
just want to say thanks to you all for all the wonderful music over the years and keep it going
Maurice Walker: November 9th 2005
Just to add to my earlier comments; I hope that Steeleye`s BBC television series(which
I`ve never seen), and whatever other footage that exists, including the TOTP appearances, will be released on DVD
sometime soon!!
Maurice Walker: November 9th 2005
Re the suggestion that the lesser-known material of the late seventies and early eighties
get as much attention as the first three albums. -- In what way? Surely that particular hole is already filled,
as it were. I`ve got two CD versions of Sails Of Silver myself.
I don`t think that the relatively frequent anthologising and re-releasing of the first three albums indicates any
sort of favouritism on the part of the record companies involved, and I bet that if they could get the licence
to release some of the other(*more* well known as well as less well known) material as readily as they can for
the first three albums, they`d jump at the chance.
Mark Compston: November 4th 2005
Yes, I knew you what posting you were referring to. But the Sails of Silver album is
already available on CD on two different labels, one of which has bonus tracks. The Australian concert recordings
from the period have also been reissued on CD - and there ARE no other albums from the early 80s, unless you count
1986`s(not quite the early 80s)Back In Line which, again, is available, with bonus tracks, from Park Records. It
is remarkable that the first three albums have been re-released so much (including the numerous anthologies), but
I don`t see where the other albums come into the equation. Unless you`re suggesting that they reissue the other
material - again.
Paddy Kniveton: October 30th 2005
Hi Everyone, It's been a long time since I was here last. I was surprised (delightfully)
to hear some tracks played on local radio from the album, was it called "Too Late for Shadows"? Wonderful
sound and feel. I'll look out for it in the shops. Best wishes with the album. Paddy
Lasse: October 27th 2005
There are rumours Steeleye will tour in April/May 2006. Any chance of any Swedish gigs?
As far as I can tell we have not seen them hear since Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick was in the band.
Nick Clark: October 27th 2005
I was referring to an earlier post re the re-release of the first three albums and suggesting
that as much attention was given to the lesser-known material of the late seventies, early eighties - I like the
'Sails of Silver' album myself.
Mark Compston: October 25th 2005
Not sure I know what you`re getting at there, Nick, regarding the late 70s and early
80s. When you say there`s "some good stuff on those", what exactly are you referring to?
Barrie and Megan: October 25th 2005
Many years ago, my nephew Mark Taylor, who was a folk fan used to rave about "this
new group". They used to do gigs in the Lea Valley area in a folk orientated pub.
"You ought to come along" !
"Yeah, yeah". Never did.
Mark became good friends with Rick and still is with his brother.
Mark sometimes used to get on stage with the group and accompany them on Comb and paper and also the Kazoo!
Eventually I heard this group on the radio and bought the single, my girlfriend,since 31 years my wife, also bought
it and we both showed each other the same disc!!
The group-Steeleye, the disc-Gaudete. We,needless to say,have been fans ever since and have been to many gigs.
We have met most of the group in whatever form but are still trying to fill up the 25th anniversary poster with
signatures. We are still kicking ourselves for missing the major Steeleye get-together when the mailshot arrived
many weeks too late.
Keep going folks !!
Peter Knight: October 24th 2005
I thought that visitors to this guest book may like to know that I personally receive
all guest book entries via my email. I rarely censor submissions, and prefer to give the benefit of the doubt even
though some entries appear strange and don't make any sense even to me.
Rest assured that should I receive anything that I deem to be obviously offensive, it won't be seen on this page.
Fran Webster: October 24th 2005
Funny how the only spark of enthusiasm evident in Michelle`s message was the plug for
the Horslips DVD.
Nick Clark: October 24th 2005
Never mind the first three, its the late 70's to early 80's that would fill a nice hole.There's
some good stuff on those.
`ello, `ello, `ello.......: October 24th 2005
Michelle, I am tempted to arrest you on suspicion of knowingly and feloniously plugging
that Forthcoming DVD by yer favourite oh so f---ing Celtic-rock band, and for impersonating, rather unconvincingly
I might add, a fan of Steeleye Span.
Maurice Walker: October 24th 2005
I can`t help occasionally feeling just a tad sceptical these days when I read something
here pertaining to "that band"`s forthcoming DVD and the terms "Irish" and "Celtic".
Shame, really, as I`m technically "celtic" myself(although I don`t personally care for such labelling
and pigeonholing of people). But unfortunately, in light of that gratuitous diatribe visited upon the gb last summer,
it`s become evident that some people deem the discussion of music on forums like this one as a legitimate vehicle
for the expression of their general bitterness and spite against "others" that they see as their natural
born enemies on ethnic or nationalistic grounds - and all under the guise of rivalry between fans of different
bands. What would have once seemed perfectly upfront and innocent now has a whiff of the ulterior motive about
it. No offence to Michelle, but it does look a bit iffy that a first-time visitor should just happen to plug that
DVD.
Steely Eye Span: October 24th 2005
Oh hi! Michelle! And welcome!!
Someone just suggested to me that you might in fact be one of those loony horslips nutjobs going undercover to
sneak in a little plug for that friggin` dvd! Yes, can you believe it. But no, says I, don`t be so negative and
give people the benefit of the doubt. Then I says, now if we suddenly get a wave of new-found Steeleye "fans"
visiting our little guestbook who just happen to be so looking forward to that friggin` dvd thingy, and want to
share the fact with us(oh and yeah they really like Steeleye Span too, no really they do!),THEN get suspicious,
says I. But you`re alright Michelle!
Now how did that blather from the "africans" make it through to the guestbook?!
Mark Compston: October 23rd 2005
I see the first three Steeleye albums are due for yet another CD re-issue next month.
Michelle: October 23rd 2005
Interesting reading down the Guestbook. I happen to love most electric folk/rock stuff
and am really looking forward to the release of the new Span live CD. Its nice to revisit one's youth and the recently
released live album from that excellent English electric folk band, Hedgehog Pie, from the 70s, is well worth a
listen. I am also excited about the forthcoming release of the double DVD from Horslips too. A two hour documentary
by Maurice Linnane on the band's role in the development of Irish popular culture and Celtic rock sounds good to
me
(I loved his DVD on Garth Brookes too incidentally), and the bonus DVD of 19 live recordings of the band from various
events in the 70s should be fun. I was lucky enough to catch Steeleye a couple of years back on the winter tour
and you guys still pack a punch and long may you continue to.
Maurice Walker: October 22nd 2005
You could also have, The Lag With The Money, Old Maid and the Garrotte, Bridewell`s
Favourite, or maybe even Old Girly, Windy Nightwatchman! ha-ha-ha bit of a stretch(if you`ll excuse the pun).
Mr.Aba Onisha: October 21st 2005
it's very interesting visiting ur site indeed i which to come again.
ngbada owerri: October 21st 2005
very cool site indeed.. tha,kx and bye
James: October 21st 2005
Oops, did it again. It`s KEN Nicol, not Simon. Just exchange Ken Canker for Simon Septic.
James: October 21st 2005
I think you`re on to something there, Mr Rez. They`d have to adopt appropriately punkish
stage monikers.
Something along the lines of Mental Maddy, Rick Rancid, Simon Septic, Pete Putrid, Liam Livid.
More titles - Black Jack "The Hat" Davey; Police To Seize The Speed King; Willie Clancy`s Poncy; Skag
Doll; Now We Are Nicked; The Parting Glassing; Crime Lord Randall; Thomas The Ram-raider; Ten Man Scrap; Waite!
The Village Nark; The Wife Of Usher`s Well `ard.
Lasse: October 21st 2005
And just found out both Steeleye and Feast of Fiddlers are playing at next year's Cropredy.
First time ever I will visit Cropredy on a Thursday.
Maurice Walker: October 20th 2005
Ah yes, The Hat Album. Dismissed by some Steeleye fans as a pop-crossover-sell-out,
but I love it. Is it just me, or is anyone else reminded of The Wombles when listening to the fiddle soloing on
Dance With Me? Wonderful stuff. Mike Batt did produce the album, after all, so maybe it was deliberate. A refreshing
change indeed.
Mr. Reservoir(Razorwire)Butler: October 20th 2005
-In response to any accusations that Steeleye Span were lacking in ballsiness and a
sense of irreverence towards traditionalism -- you know, it`s never too late for them to experiment a bit with
some punk/metal/folk fusion. Here`s some alternative song/album titles to get them in the mood for scaring the
bejeezis out of the naysayers.
In no particular chronological order :
Who Grassed the Butcher.
Bovver Boys of Bedlam.
Ruckus Cottage.
Black Eyed Sailor.
New York Churls.
Ewes Will Burn.
My Johnny Was A Spewmaker.
Dogs and Crumpet.
Yobs In A Station.
Riled Forester.
Entrails of Silver.
I See His Blood Upon His Nose.
Squall Around My Hi-hat.
The Slutty Wren(the Naval, not the ornithological variety).
Stuart`s a Proper Charlie!
Low-lifers of Holland.
All Things Are Quite Violent.
I Love Not Where I Live!
One True Love(Is For Suckers!).
Sham Lynn.
Rozzers So Blue.
Sarky Sailor.
Screwball.
Beery Cutters.
Trouncing At Whitsun.
Ten Man Moped(well, Mods were delinquent too).
Four Weeks Drunk.
Spotty Cow.
John Harley-borne(a Hell`s Angel, proper psycho).
Bachelors Pub Crawl.(folkies behaving badly....very badly).
Sir James the Rozzer.("get `im lads!"..).
Lasse: October 20th 2005
I must say I think Steeleye Span are back as a major force in folk rock with the two
last albums, Babylon and Winter. And the 35th Anniversary concert DVD is super.
John of Ditchford: October 20th 2005
There`s one track that Tim Harries inarguably shines on.
Lemmy: October 19th 2005
Must have been a Floydian slip...
Lemmy: October 19th 2005
I meant to type "early adulthood", of course. Never been near a building site.
Nick Clark: October 19th 2005
Yes, guilty as charged m'lud.However, to keep things balanced, I have also done interviews
with Tim, Rick and Bob in my time (a couple of which are still on the Richard Hollis site)so I'm not as one-sided
as you may think !
Derek McEh: October 19th 2005
Hi Peter – I think that Mark, Maurice and Lemmy have all hit the nail on the head. I
left a big question regarding the saxophonists open and nobody jumped on me for it.
I would (or rather should) have considered instead that true talent is a massive agreement of subjective responses
from people with self-critical tastes. Well, what about all those people who don`t have self-critical tastes? They
don`t matter. They matter to each other and the market and much else, but they don`t matter to the production of
great music, (or art or even works of poem or prose). And people with sort of self-critical tastes? They matter
more. So, yes, some tastes are more valuable than others.
Now then - here`s the big question, who decides who has good taste? Here it is - No-one and everyone! How do you
decide who is a good person? You have to get the facts right and decide for yourself. How do you know you`re a
good person? That`s between you and your conscience. It`s a similar problem.
But even within that, self-critical taste is rightfully open to everyone, regardless of age or makeup. So it may
not be all that elitist in the end.
Bottom line - I`ll give the time of day to anything, but no idea is sacred, and many of them need to be put quietly
to sleep. I agree that the music world is in trouble – what with all of this internet downloading stuff, but much
of that trouble was, I feel, self-inflicted through a series of failed priorities. I feel that I do my part to
make it better if I make a call about something to the best of my ability and state it, even if that means turning
some sacred cows into cat food.
Mr. Reservoir Butler: October 19th 2005
On the subject of rockers and folkies, I remember reading an amusing anecdote concerning
the Dave Pegg(Fairport, Tull) fan who went up to Dave and his pal Robert Plant at a music festival and asked Robert
Plant to take a photo of him(the fan)and Dave Pegg. Robert Plant was somewhat taken aback but he did take the photo.
Interesting little bit of music trivia that Tony Iommi was briefly a member of Jethro Tull back in 1969, the year
before he and the lads released the first Black Sabbath album. Apparently, he can be seen with Tull on the Rolling
Stones Rock `n` Roll Circus DVD.
Maurice Walker: October 19th 2005
Nick, I`ve just had a peek at the Gay Woods website for the first time, and I think
I`m right in assuming that the Nick Clark who is the designer of the site is your good self. So Gay`s a mate of
yours! No wonder you were taking her side... (I`m going to resist the temptation to post yet another of those winking
smiley faces(we`ll be turning into smileys people!) to indicate that I`m not having a go at you - just teasing)
Nick Clark: October 18th 2005
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I love the band and I consider that we are lucky to have
had them around in so many different guises for so long.I love all their music but, perhaps unusually, I like the
eighties and nineties best. Maybe its because that's when I first started to see them live.This means I inevitably
end up on the wrong side of the argument when discussing personal preferences with traditionalists. However, thats
no bad thing because it gets the debate going and at the end of the day, there's no right or wrong answers.I just
like to talk about Steeleye with others who like and know the material.
Lemmy Atom: October 18th 2005
For years I`d always thought that Steeleye Span was one of those one-hit-novelty-single-wonders
that disappeared without a trace after TOTP. I went through my teen years and early adulthod with nothing but a
vague memory of this quirky band on the telly with a female lead singer wearing a hat(she was wearing a hat, wasn`t
she, for the Hat song on TOTP? ). That was it, until a few years ago I happened to wander away from the ground
floor Rock and Pop section of my local music megastore and took the escalator up to the Folk and World Music section
hidden away on the top floor, just out of idle curiosity - and how amazed I was to behold so many Steeleye Span
albums from all the way back in 1970 to the present day! Anyway, I somewhat cautiously decided to get a copy of
the All Around My Hat album, thinking that I`d at least be familiar, albeit rather vaguely, with one of the tracks.
It blew me away(although, ironically, the title track is still my least favourite of the album). I`d grown up with
the likes of Horslips - who I thought were good at the rock side of things, but their albums mostly fell short
of giving me that trad.-`fix` I was searching for - and Clannad, who were at the other extreme, and I found their
early acoustic albums to be esoteric(I don`t speak Gaelic) and unengaging for the most part, and their later albums,
although more accessible, tended towards a wishy-washy new-age feel with hardly any traditional music at all. But
with that first Steeleye Span album, I`d finally found something with just the right balance between traditional
songs/tunes and electric instrumentation. I`ve since bought most of the Steeleye albums.
However, I still love all sorts of rock music, and anyone who thinks that Steeleye fans are a bunch of limp-wristed
sissies with no gonads has got another think coming. GRRRRRR!!!!
Maurice Walker: October 18th 2005
I was also a rock fan before I discovered Steeleye Span. It was the very lack of conventional
hard-rock arrangements and guitar solos that impressed me; it was a refeshing change to what I was used to listening
to. I`ve nothing against bands that go for the more hard-rock approach to folk-rock, but I`m glad that bands like
Steeleye and Fairport didn`t go down that route. I like variety and it`d be boring if all folk-rock bands were
on the rockier end of the scale.
Mark Compston: October 17th 2005
Nick, that little episode a few months ago was rather unfortunate, but the Steeleye
fans responded with laudable restraint and a grown-up sense of proportion. There`s no point getting all tribalistic
and belligerent over one`s musical likes and dislikes, after all. But eventually, some of the Steeleye fans had
to spell out to one persistent and irritating chap in particular the error of his ways.
Of course, the Gay Woods/Bedlam Born/Steeleye discussion was all above board and the contributors obviously knew
what they were talking about. I suppose I was being a bit cautious earlier because of the possibility of such anti-Steeleye
interlopers we encountered in the past(who are always lurking)posing as Steeleye fans in order to get involved
in such discussions with the sole purpose of stirring things up and thereby dragging their perceived "enemies"
guestbook down to their level.
Anyway, Nick, it`s never too late to revive any discussion you like, considering you`re evidently a Steeleye fan.
James: October 17th 2005
I`m all for people talking about any subject they want on the guestbook, including musicians
and bands unrelated to Steeleye Span or even to folk music in general, as long as the individuals concerned do
actually like Peter Knight/Steeleye Span, as well. Otherwise, what`s the point in their posting here of all places.
I enjoyed those Geezer Butler song titles. Thanks Mr. Reservoir Butler!
Derek McEh: October 16th 2005
Hi Peter - I totally sympathise with both Mark & James, and for that matter the
butler and Philip on this one!
There are some of us readers who feel invisible or misunderstood when we try to name what is oppressing us within
supposedly music-based guestbooks (or for that matter any feminist or progressive websites) where there is a need
for them to realize that our language is legitimate and valid. It comes from our families, our cultures, our class
backgrounds, our experiences of different and conflicting realities. And we don`t need to read another book to
justify it. If I want to say I`m a Steeleye Span Fan, I should be able to shout it out from the rooftops and say
I`m a Steeleye Span Fan without having to read or quote Marx, Wilde or Clarkston for that matter.
However, I have discovered a very simple test to determine whether a fan is really a fan or not, say, in a mixed
crowd, where in addition to a sprinkling of R&B types, you might find a fair number of punks, rockers and mods
(it doesn`t hurt to throw in a couple of headbangers and hippies too), lurking and making casual remarks that you
know saxophone players who make £300 an hour. It will be a conversation-stopper, believe me!
Nick Foster: October 16th 2005
Still remembering the Gigs at "The Pig"
nick.foster@widercommunication.de
Hart for Hart`s sake: October 14th 2005
Some more info on Tim Hart at Wikipedia.
He was producer for "art-punk" band The Monochrome Set`s album The Eligible Bachelors.
After he retired from music, he became a goat farmer.
He authorised the Hat song to be used in a commercial for running shoes.
Incidentally, is it true that Maddy Prior was born in Liverpool? I`d previously thought she`d been born in Blackpool.
Learn something new every day!
King Henry: October 14th 2005
I dig the Bedlam Born record. Tim Harris shines on that album. Too much Gay? Maybe...but
I never really felt that since the songs that stand out for me aren't hers. I, however, like the experimental side
of that record and "The White Cliffs of Dover" is haunting. I wouldn't have wanted Steeleye to do just
another version of this song. It's like "Danny Boy,"--give me a break. If a band today tackles something
so standard, even in Jazz, they really better put their own spin on it and make it unique. It's like Beethoven's
5th....it never really sounds any different to me. Certainly, the Cleveland Orchestra would out-shine a High School
performance, but I think you know what I mean.
Rock N' Roll and Steeleye? I'm someone who came from the rock world. Steeleye was my introduction to this thing
called folk music. I didn't know it even existed until I heard Steeleye. What a huge moment of discovery it was
when I first heard them.
Nick Clark: October 13th 2005
Yes, I think I got understood your point. You're right.Its good to talk Steeleye with
fans from all over the world and discuss things from our different perspectives.I always welcome the chance to
do that, hence my disappointment when I came on here, to find a discussion of real interest to me, just over.What
I couldn't see was the contentious posts before that from someone else that obviously annoyed the genuine fans
on here and put them on their guard.Perhaps it wasn't the right time to try and revive things !
Mr. Reservoir (Geezer) Butler: October 13th 2005
By way of light relief, here are some song titles from Mr. Geezer Butler, erstwhile
bass player and songwriter for the aforementioned Black Sabbath. (Incidentally, the first ever LP I bought was
a Black Sabbath album.)
Anyway, it seems he`s fond of his puns, is Geezer. As in "Ohmwork", "Aural Sects"(good one,
that), "Drive Boy, Shooting"(hmmm, alright then), "Seance Fiction"(yes indeed!), "Sci-Clone"(whatever),
"Pseudocide"(well...).
But what about "Dogs of Whore"?!.. Dodgy, Geezer.
Philip Wylton: October 13th 2005
No, Nick, not a "correct" line-up. But a fan`s own preferred line-up(s)? -
sure, why not. If people can decide their own favourite material, then why not also their own favourite line-up(s).
I don`t see what the bus metaphor has to do with validating Steeleye`s back catalogue; who says it needs to be
validated, anyway. People just have their own personal preferences, that`s all. I certainly wasn`t dismissing any
of the band`s material over the years as invalid just because it may not be top of my list. My own personal preference
just happens to be for a line-up that includes Maddy Prior.
Call me biased, narrow-minded, whatever!
Mark Compston: October 11th 2005
NB - By "individuals who might not see it that way", I`m not of course referring
to any of the articulate and interesting contributions of the Steeleye fans, either in this discussion or any other
to date.
Mark Compston: October 11th 2005
Nick, you can ignore that last line in my earlier posting. I was "thinking out
loud", as it were. Of course people should be able to express and exchange their views! And you hit the nail
on the head - there`s no right or wrong when it comes to personal perspectives on music. That`s what I was getting
at, i.e. some individuals might not see it that way.
nick clark: October 11th 2005
Well that's a point of view Philip but I don''t know how many would share it - some
would for sure but it assumes that there is a correct line-up for the band. If that was the case, surely it would
have to also include Tim Hart whose voice was so much a part of the successful seventies in which case the period
after he left would also be an interlude.I'd rather think, as Maddy once said, that the band is a bus where people
get on and off. That idea validates the whole catalogue and just leaves it to the individual to decide their favourite
material. I like the whole lot although, perhaps unusually, I prefer the eighties onwards to the early period but
I don't see any as more genuine than anything else, its just what I like.
James: October 10th 2005
Alan, I couldn`t agree more.
Mr Reservoir Butler: October 10th 2005
Well said, Alan Ryan, I couldn`t have put it better myself. No band deserves to be associated
with or "defended" by the likes of some of those interlopers we had on here a few months back, with their
childish Us-against-Them, "my "%*^*!s bigger than yours!" claptrap. It was as much of an affront
to the band they were "defending" as it was to Steeleye Span. Pathetic. Music should transcend all that
nonsense.
Peter & Jayne Flannery: October 9th 2005
Hi Peter. Just a line to thank you for the opportunity to hear you play at Ivychurch
yesterday. Quite lovely to hear your playing at such a small venue. I thought I would write as you might have assumed
that few there, if any, knew your music whereas I've been to Steeleye concerts for the full 35 years (including
Penshurst) and have the cds - and lots of old vinyl too! Love " Too Late for Shadows" and the website
which gives us the opportunity to know where you'll be playing. Peter F
nick clark: October 9th 2005
I'm happy to agree or disagree with anybody over anything but having only just realised
people used the guest book for debate, I'd feel a bit cheated at not being able to discuss things for fear of giving
offence.All Steeleye fans have their own views on different albums but I don't think we need to hush that up for
fear of upsetting each other.Its only opinion and there's no right or wrong answers.I respect the views of all
other fans (any non-fans can take a hike though) Having said that, can I PLEASE respond....... I think the point
is, as stated by the previous post, that Gay's voice as the singer is going to crop up more and appear more different,
especially to fans used only to hearing Maddy at the fore. I don't think that's a bad thing.I think that a lot
of what is attributed to Gay's influence is not her at all but the changing face of the group as a whole.As Bob
pulls back, so the traditional English material disappears - especially without the input from Maddy.Peter comes
to the fore with his own wide sphere of interest and desire to experiment and Tim likewise. Yes,that new music
may be more obviously manifested by the only lead singer left but you have to give the guys their due for creativity
also.If you could listen to a Gay Woods solo album you might appreciate that but actually she hasn't ever recorded
one. The nearest would be her collaborations with husband Terry and they are nothing like !
Philip Wylton: October 9th 2005
For me, Maddy Prior has been The Voice of Steeleye Span for so long that I inevitably
associate the sound of her voice with the band. Moreover, she`s even reprised some of the Steeleye songs for her
solo recordings. With all due respect to Gay Woods, I think it`s understandable that some fans might regard the
Gay Woods years of 1997(after Maddy left) to 2000 as a sort of interlude, and the Steeleye Span of the time as
having been provisional and incomplete.
Mark Compston: October 8th 2005
On the subject of Gay Woods and Bedlam Born, I would agree that Gay`s presence on the
album does "feel" very un-Steeleye at times. Particularly on tracks like I See His Blood Upon the Rose,
Arbour, Beyond the Dreaming Place, and White Cliffs of Dover, you could be listening to excerpts from a Gay Woods
solo album. If I`d heard those tracks without knowing the source, I wouldn`t have thought "hey! it`s Steeleye
Span". I would have thought more like "Hasn`t that Gay Woods got a fantastic voice!" Bless her cotton
socks.
But may I suggest that we all agree to disagree on the topic. What`s to debate? We had the unfortunate battle of
the bands, let`s not have a battle of perspectives!
Derek McEh: October 8th 2005
Hi Peter – I must reiterate Alan`s evaluations. I`ve held back for awhile but I should
comment that Adam Smith, that great liberal and famous visionary of free market economy, intimated in his now famous
'Kirkaldy' speech of 1865 to the Guild of Economics, that, notwithstanding, the prevailing powers of financial
institutionalism and federalism, the conditions for fair, equitable and ultimately profitable business agreements
in both the social and economic contexts, need not be confined by stringent or doctrinal fiscal and/or social policies.
"On the contrary, many mighty oaks have grown from acorns sown on loose and, at first sight in any case, unfertile
soil. I see Steeleye Span as being one of these mightly oaks, maybe years and years henceforth. We can all be branches
of that mighty Green Oak Tree. Today we plant the acorn, tomorrow we tend, prune and nurture the fragile and tender
sapling, and the day after we have a heated debate conducted in a frank, honest, but nevertheless civil manner,
about the respective levels of economic intervention required to harmonise the apparent conflicting fiscal requirements
of strengthening the playing squad, whilst simultaneously improving facilities within the confines of the life
that is our musical stadium".
Maurice Walker: October 7th 2005
Fair point you made there about Gay, Nick. Maybe it`s unfair to say she was *too* self-indulgent.
Her own particular brand of self-indulgence is just more obvious[on Bedlam Born], I think, and her ego comes across
more emphatically because her "instrument" is her own voice, whereas the other instruments are more "anonymous"
[however distinctive the individual musician`s playing style may be]. But I`d guess that Peter may have been just
as self-indulgent in his own way, what with his new toy and all that. He must have felt like a kid on Christmas
morning when he got that new Octave Violin!
Alan Ryan: October 5th 2005
Hello Peter. I`ve enjoyed reading back over some of the messages on your guestbook,
but I`m glad I missed that earlier battle of the bands malarkey! It was ill-advised of people to try and quantify
the value of music and musical styles. And you know, it is possible to be a rock music fan and to also like Steeleye
Span. The two are not mutually exclusive. What next? -- should we dismiss the old Rhythm and Bluesmen like Muddy
Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed etc - on the basis that Led Zeppelin were irreverent and more innovative with
their particular take on rhythm and blues music, or they made more noise, or their songs were harder to write,
or they had nicer pictures on their album covers. Do me a favour! Of course, I hasten
to add I`m not directly comparing Steeleye Span with the Rhythm and Bluesmen, or their supposed rivals with Led
Zeppelin(!), but only by way of analogy; you get my gist. The amusing irony of it all is, the very people who make
such "boastful" distinctions between "their" band and another can`t take any of the credit
for it themselves, anyway!
I know, Peter, that you`ve said in the past that you`d happily play alongside any other musician or band, so it`s
reassuring that it`s not the musicians themselves who see it as a contest, but only a small minority of nit-picking
and small-minded fans.
Bedlam Bjorn: October 5th 2005
To Johan Vanhecke.
If a Thirld World War could be instigated, and conscription reintroduced here in Britain, then Steeleye and their
unit could be sent to Belgium, Steeleye as vaudeville entertainers to boost the morale of the troops. And they
could even bring Gay Woods along with them to perform her rendition of White Cliffs of Dover.
Pam Phrond: October 5th 2005
I had to laugh at one comment in the Babylon album review. "Surely people are worth
more than leaves".
nick clark: October 5th 2005
Interesting comments Maurice.I'm glad you went on the bulletin board. I never realised
there was so much good quality chat on here ! The only point I can make in response you will therefore have read
already. I don't believe that the band would have allowed Gay to be too self-indulgent. Afterall, I think they
were all able to bring a certain number of songs to the album and then worked (in most cases) on each others collectively.
It wouldn't have suited any of them to allow too much dominance to one person.The experimental side probably did
come from Gay and Tim and I suspect, Peter collaborated quite happily.Overall, it probably would have been commercial
suicide to go beyond what they did on record but as it is, I don't think Connemara or Wealthy Merchant are beyond
the Steeleye pale. They are my faves.White Cliffs was a bridge (or a cliff) too far.Regarding the quote about being
a 'serf' this probably came out of Colin Harpers 'Record Collector' article just after she had left. We can gather
there would be a fair amount of tension around just then. That may have helped the creative processes on the last
album. It usually does !
