Steeleye Span
Steeleye Span
The traditional music band Steeleye Span has a long history of recording old ballads and songs with modern accompanyment and musical sensibility. They Called Her Babylon, released in 2004, continues that practice: songs about exile (“Van Diemen’s Land”), long lost love (“Mantel of Green”), foolishness cured (“Heir of Linne”), or the anger of a woman scorned (“Child Owlet”), all tell us more about human nature. The album’s title track, “They Called Her Babylon” celebrates a woman’s effective leardership in one of the clashes of the English Civil War. (And you though feminism was a late 20th Century stance?)
Now, when it comes to traditional music, I’m an easy touch for Steeleye Span. I love their work. The harmonies of the band here are, as always, excellent. And they shine with the luster of Maddy Prior’s incomparable voice.
It’s a pleasure to listen to. Give it a try.
