Steeleye Span-Below The Salt (1972)

The fourth album from British band Steeleye Span showcases their evolution towards electric folk, while exploring traditional British folk. Changes in several members bring a renewed freshness and a new dimension to the band's sound. Peter Knight's magnificent contributions on violin, banjo, and mandolin, Maddy Prior's sublime vocals, and the powerful drumming of guitarist Bob Johnson and bassist Rick Kemp provide the necessary strength to consider this their best work. Songs like the traditional Scottish "Sheep-crook and black dog" become a poignant funeral dirge, featuring a sublime Maddy Prior. Another traditional song from the late 19th century, "King Henry", constitutes the album's high point, while the folk songs "Rose Bud In June", "Jigs: The Bride's Favorite, Tansey's Fancy", the lively "Royal Forester", the folk rock "Sheep-Crook And Blue Black Dog" or the version of the English folk tale "John Barleycorn", are part of an essential album of the best British folk rock.