Search - Steeleye Span :: Sails of Silver

Spectacular reunion

07/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After disbanding upon the release of "Live At Last" Steeleye reunited about two and a half years later to record this magnificent album. Unlike a lot of "reunion" albums, "Sails of Silver" is not an embarrassment, or a painful reminder that past glories lie behind. Instead, it ranks among the very best of all of the band's albums.Although only two of the songs here (the gorgeous "My Love" and the wistful "Marigold/Harvest Home") carry the familiar Trad. Arng. by Steeleye Span credit, each of the songs here sound very much like they fit that bill.From the ocean imagery of the title track, to the rural fiddle and theme of "Barnet Fair" to the tragic consequences of "Gone To America" and "Let Her Go Down," these are originals that can easily stand alongside the centuries old songs for which Steeleye is best known. Throw in the traditional "My Love," which ranks among the finest tracks the band has ever recorded, and you have a band that returned to form after a nearly three year hiatus."Sails of Silver" is usually quite difficult to find. Order it now while you can!"

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

EnglishTeacher | EnglishSpeakingCountry | 07/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"18 years ago, I took out a vinyl record from the local library (in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA). It was Steeleye Span's "Sails of Silver". I was entranced. Hooked. In love. Too young and too poor to buy a copy.So, I borrowed that album from the library at least 6 times that year, and at least 3 times the next year. And, the name of the group and the album have stayed with me, all these years. Now, I'm SO glad to see that Amazon.com can bring this memory back to life for me (us), in such easy fashion, though that first encounter was 18 years and a world's diameter away from here and now.Well done, Steeleye Span, and well done, Amazon !Readers, you'll cry with "Let 'er go down", and soar with "Sails of Silver"."

First Rate Reunion Album

Tusslebinky | Binky Heaven | 09/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm amazed at the negative reviews this album has been getting (although the overall average has been artificially dragged down by a one star review that was posted twice). This album was the first one Steeleye made after disbanding for three years and the time away really revitalized the band. Previous studio albums, "Rocket Cottage," and "Storm Force Ten," although not without their merits, clearly lacked the excitement of previous albums and a live album called "Live at Last" was, by and large, on the lackluster side. It seemed that after 8+ years of recording and touring and zapped some of the band's energy.



Three years later Steeleye came roaring back and this album was not only an improvement of the previous two studio albums but one that could take its place along side their best work of the early and mid 70's. many reunion albums prove to be an embarrassment. Not this one.



Highlights of "Sails of Silver" included the title track, which opens the album, the festive "Barnet Fair," a pair of melancholy originals "Gone to America," and "Let Her Go Down," and a pair of traditional songs given modern arrangements -- the type of songs Steeleye was always best known for -- "My Love" (one of the most gorgeous things the band has ever recorded) and "Marigold/Harvest Home" which makes prime use of the band wonderful vocal harmony gifts.



If you are a Steeleye fan it is difficult to imagine why you would not like this, and it belongs in your collection for reasons far beyond any motivated to have a complete set of their work."