Did a cut & paste on the story behind the song. You made a good call. "The song depicts the determined, uncompromising stance against strikebreakers adopted by unionized strikers. The term blackleg for a strikebreaker originates in coal mining, as strikebreakers would return covered in black coal dust which would give away that they had been working while others had been on strike."
Good choice. "Commoner's Crown" from 1975 is my favorite album of theirs. They perfected the sound of a rock band playing English folk. The vocals and stories they tell are as intriguing as the music. "Little Sir Hugh" and "Long Lankin" are two of their best.
Really enjoyed this song, a really busy song with lots going on, and what emotive lyrics, communities and family split with such hatred because of black legging/scabs
Steeleye re-recorded this track for their LP 'Back In Line'. I much prefer the later version which has more of a rock n' roll groove. Nevertheless, it's great to see this quintessential English band getting the attention they deserve - thank you. I've been to so many Steeleye concerts over the years (decades) and they have never disappointed. I once saw them in Birmingham supporting Status Quo and they even gave the mighty Quo a run for their money! Whilst Steeleye were in their heyday during the time of 'All Around My Hat' and their early material was so influential, they also produced super music many years later, such as 'Samain', 'You Will Burn', 'Old Maid In The Garrett', and 'Heir Of Linne'. Can I also suggest a look at Maddy Prior's (the lead singer) collaboration with The Carnival Band? They came up with some great Christmas numbers, including a fantastic Cajun version of 'Angels From The Realms Of Glory'.
Did a cut & paste on the story behind the song. You made a good call. "The song depicts the determined, uncompromising stance against strikebreakers adopted by unionized strikers. The term blackleg for a strikebreaker originates in coal mining, as strikebreakers would return covered in black coal dust which would give away that they had been working while others had been on strike."
Thanks 🙏
Good choice. "Commoner's Crown" from 1975 is my favorite album of theirs. They perfected the sound of a rock band playing English folk. The vocals and stories they tell are as intriguing as the music. "Little Sir Hugh" and "Long Lankin" are two of their best.
Hopefully get to that album at some point x
Really enjoyed this song, a really busy song with lots going on, and what emotive lyrics, communities and family split with such hatred because of black legging/scabs
Love this song!
Still love the Now we are six album. They really rocked it up. Great song especially as many still have bad memories of the miner strikes in the 80's.
Steeleye re-recorded this track for their LP 'Back In Line'. I much prefer the later version which has more of a rock n' roll groove. Nevertheless, it's great to see this quintessential English band getting the attention they deserve - thank you. I've been to so many Steeleye concerts over the years (decades) and they have never disappointed. I once saw them in Birmingham supporting Status Quo and they even gave the mighty Quo a run for their money! Whilst Steeleye were in their heyday during the time of 'All Around My Hat' and their early material was so influential, they also produced super music many years later, such as 'Samain', 'You Will Burn', 'Old Maid In The Garrett', and 'Heir Of Linne'. Can I also suggest a look at Maddy Prior's (the lead singer) collaboration with The Carnival Band? They came up with some great Christmas numbers, including a fantastic Cajun version of 'Angels From The Realms Of Glory'.
I've come to love folk based music and will certainly go on a journey with this genre x