Back in Line

Artist: Steeleye Span
Label: Shanachie
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 016351796325
EAN: 0016351796325
ASIN: B000000E7P

Release Date: 1990-10-25

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Listmania:

The Wonderful World of Steeleye Span
A Steeleye Halloween

Tracks:

Edward
Isabel
Lady Diamond
Cannon By Telemann
Peace On The Border
Blackleg Miner
White Man
Lanercost
Scarecrow
Take My Heart

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Customer Reviews:

could/should have been a lot better.......2003-02-21

The musicianship and talent of the band is still very much in evidence on this offering, despite the horribly slick production values. I can see how it might appeal to some people, though, as it`s very commercial, mainstream, and pop-orientated, at least by Steeleye Span standards. They hadn`t put out an album for six long years and, I suppose, anything new from the band was better than nothing, but the way the album was produced just does not come anywhere near to doing justice to how good Steeleye Span could sound, especially `live`.
However, on a positive note, Back in Line contains some of the best violin playing of any Steeleye album, and Maddy Prior`s singing is as pleasing as ever. I don`t care much for Bob Johnson`s pop-rock approach, though. Tim Hart, for the first time since Steeleye Span formed in late 1969, is sadly absent from this recording.
The live recording of the old classic Blackleg Miner included on the album is more representative of the real Steeleye sound. All in all, Back in Line, alongside Bedlam Born, is right down the bottom of my list of favourite Steeleye Span albums.

Don't sell this one short!.......2002-12-14

I agree with dagwyn. This Span effort deserves at least a solid 4 stars overall. So my 5 should bump the average up. Virtually every track is memorable and the production effects didn't bother me in the least. I come back to this album frequently for its unique, somber mood, creative arrangements and emotional music and lyrics. It's become a part of my life. Yes, it IS different than all other Span's. That's partly what makes it special. Definitely get this one!

even typical Steeleye Span beats others' best.......2002-06-25

I recall being thrilled to discover that there was yet one more
release from Steeleye Span, a group with an astounding sound
that one of my friends credits with getting him though the
Disco Era. The tunes are memorable; I find myself playing them
back in my head quite often, even though it has been quite a
while since I have listened to this album, which surely deserves
a higher absolute rating than it was getting here.

Transitional.......1999-07-13

After reforming in late 1980 for the superb "Sails of Silver," Steeleye took another six years before recording and releasing this album, which became their first without cofounder and long time member Tim Hart who left the band when he quit the music business altogether. The resulting lineup change shows in this album which is a good one, but not up to the band's usual lofty standards.

Several songs qualify as highlights. "Edward," "Isabel" and "Lady Diamond" among them, and a new version of "Blackleg Miner" (which originally appeared on their still amazing first album, "Hark! The Village Wait") which is every bit as spooky as the original. Meanwhile the song "White Man" intrigues with its production that, oddly enough, manages to simultaneously compelling and off-putting. (A better version of the song appeared a few years later on the "Tonight's The Night - Live!" album).

So "Back In Line" proves to be a transitional album for Steeleye. A good one, but one more than overshadowed by the band's more compelling legacy.

Good.......1999-03-24

I consider "Hark, the Village Wait" and "Below the Salt" worthy of a 5 star, "Classic" rating, and "Commoner's Crown", among others, worthy of 4, or "Very Good". "Back in Line", their 1980's comeback album, is, in my opinion, a "Good" Steeleye album, worth 3 stars. Bob's guitar playing and Maddy's voice are in great form on this album. Check out the band exploring some interesting new sonic territory on "White Man' and "Lanercost". Definitely worth owning.

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