Steeleye Span – Please to see the King (B & C Records 1971)

This is a darker album than its predecessor, and just as excellent in my opinion. That means ‘Please to see the King’ is some of the most essential folk rock that exists on this planet. Side one flows wonderfully, and could almost be seen as one continuos folk suite. It all begins with ‘The Blacksmith’, in a decidedly different version than the one on their legendary debut album. It’s faster, for one thing. Maddy Prior shines as always, she sings with passion and is utterly convincing. This music is in her blood. ‘Cold, Haily, Windy Night’ follows. It is sung by Tim Hart (check out some of the albums he and Maddy Prior made together outside of this band, too – it’s excellent stuff) and… well, it doesn’t get any more folk than this! Then you’re in for some jigs: ‘Bryan O’ Lynn’, ‘The Hag with the Money’, ‘Prince Charlie Stuart’ and ‘Boys of Bedlam’. Everything is utterly fantastic, the melodies are engaging and you really feel you’re transported several centuries back in time. Of course, myths and legends and also real time stories of times looong since gone is something these guys and gal are into with a burning passion. One could actually claim that they are historians almost just as much as musicians and songwriters, and the result is medieval folk rock that is utterly concincing. Side two is even darker, with tales about the false knight on the road (better known as The Devil) and ritualistic offerings. The album ends with ‘Lovely On The Water’, that is incredibly haunting and one of my absolute favourite songs by this wonderful band. ‘Please to see the King’ is pure escapism, and wonderful in every way.