NOW WE ARE SIX

This album is the beginning of the Steeleye Span that I like. The previous couple of albums had shown promise, and there was a clear progression over a series of albums that culminated with the next one, Commoner's Crown, but it was with Now We Are Six that it all first came together. The most significant change here is the addition of a drummer which is immediately apparent on the first track, Thomas The Rhymer, that opens the album with a bang. While earlier albums had been primarily Folk music with the addition of (a rather crappy sounding) electric guitar, this album is Folk Rock for the first time. The electric guitar sound is improved and the whole production is much improved. The producer of this album is none other than Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull! In addition to drums, they sound is also expanded with some strings, woodwinds, piano and even synthesisers! All of this gives Steeleye Span a more full sound that earlier albums lacked.

The material is generally very strong and surprisingly varied. Some of the songs are a bit out of place like To Know Him Is To Love Him including a saxophone solo by a guesting David Bowie! They surely was not afraid to try out new things and this is a very eclectic album indeed. I feel that this album, though very good, is slightly uneven due to the many different directions they want to go in. But this is at the same time part of its charm! Nice cover art it has too!

While Commoner's Crown is my favourite Steeleye Span album, Now We Are Six is equally interesting and this pair of albums is the place for the Prog fan to begin with Steeleye Span. This album is a good addition to a Prog collection and is definitely recommended!

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