NOW WE ARE SIX

The expansion of Steeleye Span's lineup alluded to in the album title for this one finds their sound pivoting further from the more purist folk of the preceding Parcel of Rogues and firmly in the direction of progressively-inclined folk rock. The touch of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson at the production desk might have something to do with this, of course; the album represents Steeleye Span approaching from the folk side of the border the same sort of territory which Jethro Tull would often approach from the rock side, especially on Songs From the Wood. And Steeleye's occasional yen for a 1950s cover to add levity to proceedings this time around turns up a sneaky cameo from David Bowie, who lends saxophone work to an eerily ramshackle take on Phil Spector's To Know Him Is To Love Him. It's not quite typical of their output, but it's a very well-accomplished diversion.