Big Eyes Family Players and Friends - Folk Songs II

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 8 / 7 / 2012

Big Eyes Family Players and Friends - Folk Songs II

Label: Static Caravan
Format: CD

intro

Evocative and haunting reworkings of traditional folk tunes by Sheffield six piece Big Eyes and friends,which will, however, perhaps be enjoyed most by those who know the original songs

The wealth of uncredited traditional music, performed by Big Eyes here, would suffice to fill a local music library. You are unlikely to hear a more heartfelt performance of some of the greatest folk songs to have come from Ireland and Britain. The Static Caravan sound only first surfaces on 'The Clyde Water' where a riff on a (Farfisa?) organ goes to carry the track along on a gentle drift. The general tone nonetheless is traditional and acoustic, but when the haunting beauty of Big Eyes' version of 'Stretched On Your Grave' came on, I was reminded of Big Star's 'Third' psychosis album, and 'Holocaust' in particular. Evoking very similar emotions throughout the 'Folk Songs II' album, the wide range of singers and musicians involved takes these traditional songs to new dimensions. Some as cruel anecdotes, some serving as hymns, this collection serves like stand-up comic torture. Or if you must, like very exquiste karaoke. Big Eyes were joined by Nancy Elizabeth, James Yorkston, the wonderful Heather Ditch and Alasdair Roberts, to name the main culprits. As to how much you may enjoy these 'Folk Songs' does rather depend on how well you know the originals. I would have to live the life of a traveller in Britain to be a better judge of these 'Folk Songs'.

Track Listing:-

1 Greenland Bound
2 A Man Indeed
3 Looly, Looly
4 The Clyde Water
5 The Coast o' Spain
6 Farewell Lovely Nancy
7 Doffing Mistress
8 Don't You Be Foolish, Pray
9 Stretched on Your Grave
10 Thousands or More
11 Bonny Boy
12 Maureen from Gippusland