Lost Classics

The Watersons

When the Watersons recorded For Pence and Spicy Ale, they hadn't been in the studio for several years, and in between they'd changed members, with Martin Carthy replacing John Harrison in the quartet. The result showed plenty of energy, and this CD reissue of the original LP adds tracks from other albums by Lala and Norma Waterson, and Mike Watersons's solo debut. Perhaps surprisingly, everything fits together well, although there are definitely standouts, like the sheer joy of the opener, "Country Life," the lovely "Welcome Sailor," the dark mystery of "Tamlyn" and the splendid old hymn "The Good Old Way." Whether together or alone, the voices are majestic (only one track, "Grace Darling," has any instrumental accompaniment). The harmonies work utterly naturally, and the selection of songs is never less than inspired, with several seasonal wassail gems in there, as well as an unusual variation on "Raggle Taggle Gypsy." It's worth remembering how far ahead of their time the Watersons were, exploring this music and its history long before roots music came into any kind of fashion - back in the days when it was folk music, in fact. And few have ever done it better. To listen to this record is to hear the full glory of British folk music, as powerful as the Copper Family, and every bit as lasting.

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