PARCEL OF ROGUES

A year after the release of "Below the salt", Steeleye Span returned with an unchanged line up for "Parcel of rogues". This was the first album by the band where drums were played by a band member. No drummer was brought in though, it was bassist Rick Kemp who took on percussion duties.

This would be the band's best selling album to date, breaching the UK top 30 album chart for the first time. Its success can be attributed in no small measure to the Christmas hit "Gaudete", taken from the previous album. The album has a distinctly Scottish feel to it, with many of the songs having their roots in the auld country. The title track, "Rogues in a nation" for example is based on a poem by the national bard Robert Burns where he voices his dissent towards the union of the crowns of England and Scotland (a sort of early "Flower of Scotland").

Musically, the album develops the style adopted for "Below the salt", the 10 traditional songs present once again being given contemporary folk makeovers. Tracks such as "One misty moisty morning" challenge the vocal dexterity of Maddy Prior while offering a pleasing upbeat melody.

Among the highlights are the wonderful "Rogues in a nation". The arrangement of the song is kept sparse, a drum beat supporting a fine multi-part harmony. "Cam ye o'er frae France" requires Prior to sing in a Scots dialect, something she accomplishes with reasonable aplomb.

"Alison Gross" points the way towards the next album ("Now we are six"), as the song has a much stronger rock orientation. Even the harmonies here are far harder, backed by chiming lead guitars (but frustratingly still devoid of drums). Similarly, the atmosphere of "The bold poachers" is decidedly more morose, Tim Hart's vocals delivering the intriguing tale with a mastery of dispassion. "The weaver and the factory maid" sets out in a similar way but builds subtly, driven on by some fine violin. The jigs are kept relatively brief, with "The Bank of Ireland" being re-titled "Robbery with Violins".

"Parcel of rogues" sees Steeleye Span taking another giant step in the prog folk field. The album offered further evidence that they were intent on taking over Fairport Convention's distinction as the pioneers of Folk's blending with modern sounds and techniques. A fine album.

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