Ravenchild

Maddy Prior is a well-known folk singer who has in the past sung with Steeleye Span. In this album all the songs focus in one way or another on ravens and the concepts associated with them, such as war. Although in places the raven-theme goes out the window, this album is particularly moving and thought-provoking.

Prior expertly gives her rendition of a traditional song about whiskey, Twanky Dillo, which fast becomes addictive the more you listen to it. 'The Masts of the Morrigan' is another favourite of mine on this album, as is 'Rigs of the Time' both of which are awe-inspiring but at the same time quite mournful.

You would think that with the concepts that this album deals with, it would be a somber affair, but it's far from it. Instead, Prior has managed to mingle the mournful and horror-struck feeling people have in response to war and death with what at first appears to be an unhealthy fascination with ravens, and the feeling of sweet joy and love that can be found amongst even the darkest places.

Prior's voice is one of the best in folk music today: a deep, haunting voice that is clear at the same time (no wacky trilling here!) Accompanied by drums, pipes, and all the other instruments commonly associated with folk music, she creates perfectly executed songs.

A very nice album, great for background music aswell as for proper listening. Some of the songs lend very well to sing-along, and many will stick in your head (in a pleasant, non-annoying way!) and have you humming them over the washing up.