LIEGE & LIEF

I think "Liege & Lief" is this bands biggest achievement. It's absolutely fantastic! Every single track involves either strong songs, inspiring lyrics or astonishing musicianship. My favourite song "Crazy Man Michael" is put last on the album, here you get the very best of Sandy Dennys caracteristic singing. Before that track there is "Tam Lin" (no 7) , a track that is hidden away in the shade of the smashing introducing tracks. Tam Lin could definitely be the leading track on any other folk prog album, a track that every other song evolved around. But on "Liege & Lief" it's only one in the crowd. "Matty Groves" is to me the ultimate folk/folkprog track, beginning with a fashinating story, told in true folk style, followed by an instrumental second part with raving violin/guitar. I could go on about all songs, but I will try to make it short: If you have the slightest interest in folk prog, this is where to begin! I even hold this one more dear than Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick" (not that the resemblances between the two are huge).