Search - Albion Band :: Prospect Before

Outstanding Record

chilke | Troy, MT United States | 04/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please note that a previous reviewer forgot to select a star rating. I strongly disagree with the 2 star review. I'm not a critic or an expert on English folk/rock, but I know what I like. I have 3 Fairport Convention cds and 4 Steeleye Span cds. I like The Prospect Before Us better than all of them. I ordered this cd just so that I could be exposed to the artist. Was I surprised! This is one of the most enjoyable cds I have ever heard. I play it a lot and it doesn't get stale. My friends, their kids, and even my folks like it. My father has an aversion to anything with drums, but after he heard this cd, he wanted me to find him a video of the band playing. He insists that the dance numbers are a sort of rowdy polka, and therefore, are acceptable. I particularly like the boisterous dance numbers. Merry Sherwood Rangers is amazing. The alternative bonus track version is not quite as intense, but differs enough to make it an interesting and valuable bonus. A beautiful cacophany of bizarre antique instruments. The only thing I can compare the mood to is the Mekons. A music-playing party. Prospect's dance numbers are all about powerful rhythm. As great as Fairport is, their rock oriented numbers seem mostly blues-based, and I definitely prefer the faster straightahead rhythm of the Albion Dance Band. Although the musicianship is topnotch, it is as if the band is celebrating. This cd has a joyous, reckless feel that is infectious. The more traditionally performed English folk songs are delightful. In my ignorance, I had assumed that the English had gotten most of their music from the Scots and Irish. These wonderful folk songs are convincing me that the English have as rich a folk music tradition as any. This cd is worth the money just for Rangers alone. Throw in some more dance tunes, some lovely folk songs, a Christmas song, and a couple of nifty sea shanty-sounding tunes, and it is unbeatable. The AllMusicGuide people give this record high marks and are right as usual."