Shirley and Dolly Collins – For As Many As Will (Topic 1978)

An absolutely superb album by Shirley and her sister Dolly. Here you’ll find their interpretasions of works, myths and legends that were originally told/written several centuries ago. ‘German Tune’, for instance, dates back to a German Christmas carol from a 14th century manuscript! The biggest highlight for me, in an album full of highlights, is probably ‘Lord Allenwater’. The melody is just so incredibly beautiful, and it’s sung with so much passion and restrained sadness by Shirley Collins that it gives me goosebumps every single time. Pure magic. Her voice is pure folk – one could even say the voice of the working class people throughout the centuries. Not a singer for everyone I guess, but she’s sureley one of my very favourite singers in a genre full of great (female) singers. Lyrically, ‘Lord Allenwater’ is based on the sad demise of James Ratcliffe, third Earl of Derwentwater. He was beheaded on Tower Hill, February 24th, 1716, for his part in the Jacobine uprising of 1715. This has become one of my absolute favourite songs within the whole folk/folk rock genre! You’ll also find two medleys on the album, namely ‘Beggar’s Opera Medley’ and ‘Harvest Home Medley’. All parts of these medleys are played and sung so beautifully that it can melt the hearts of even the most cynical of men. Oh by the way, all arrangements on the album were made by Dolly Collins, and she also sang, played piano and even used a synthesizer. Don’t worry about the synth – it actually enhances the already medieval feeling and sound on this album! Of course, everything you hear on ‘For As Many As Will’ sound *really* authentic. And how could it not be, with such a cast of folk musicans that truly live for this kind of music? Besides the Collins sisters, the album features several guest musicians that together make this a very colourful album, even though it’s all very low key and traditional. After this album, sadly, Shirley Collins for personal reasons left the music industry completely. She didn’t reappear until well into the 2010’s, and since then she has released two albums – both very well received by fans and critics. She is truly a legend, and for many the very definition of British folk.