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November 19, 2010

Anthems in Eden / Amaranth - Shirley & Dolly Collins [1969 / 1976]


Anthems in Eden is characterised by what Dolly Collins called a "natural orchestra", the songs costume-dressed in an unusual and occasionally unique guise of organ and period instruments...David Munrow was invited in as musical director, and the small ensemble drawn from the Early Music Consort dappled the record with crumhorns, sackbut, cornett, rackett, recorders, viols, harpsichord, etc. Side one [weaves] a patchwork Song-Story [and] the second side contains a selection of other folk songs [including] a version of The Incredible String Band's God Dog, delightfully accompanied by Munrow's piping treble recorder...harpsichord and Dolly's organ fanfaring a little triumphal flourish between verses. 
Rob Young - Electric Eden

For this 1976 reissue Shirley Collins recorded an additional set of songs - Amaranth. The accompanying tracks, produced by Ashley Hutchings and drawing on Albion Dance Band fellow travellers, were intended at the time to be Shirley's final recordings and were chosen to cover all aspects of the music she loves best.

Amaranth is an imaginary flower that never fades.

Oddi wrth y brawd
before the fall

5 comments:

Cthimothy said...

This is one of my favourite records; it comes from a different planet...

(How do I contact y brawd?)

Y Brawd said...

weirdbrother65@gmail.com

cheers.

melchisedek said...

thank you for sharing your music!
maybe you'd like to visit my blog:

www.greyfeltnoon.blogspot.com

you'll find some music, that might be interesting for you. see you there...


keep shining!

Y Brawd said...

Wassail Melchisedek. Your blog looks well worth investigating. I shall enjoy sifting through the treasures.

unitstructure said...

Thank you very much. Much interesting listening here.