This is a brilliant album, a new recording of their original English Rebel Songs album from 1988. The vocals are tighter now, they are in fact impressively and beautifully tight, a rich cascade of harmony that forms an inspiring and evocative masterpiece touring you through the ages of folk music and social justice struggles in England. Primarily acapella, the songs range from the plaintive and hauntingly beautiful "The Bad Squire" or "Coal Not Dole" to the upbeat "Smashing of the Van" which will have you singing along with the chorus and your feet tapping. This is an album of traditional music across the centuries, emphasizing the continuity inherent in the traditions of both folk music and political struggle. And a plug for buying the physical album here, the liner notes are fantastic with background, information and lyrics for each song...the packaging itself is beautiful and has great graphics, buy the album and not the downloads, this is definitely one you'll want to hang on to!
As far as Chumbawamba goes, they're a great band, known to most as the one hit wonder who produced Tubthumping. But they were a great anarcho-punk band before making their bid for fame, and have continued to be a great anarcho-punk folk band now that fame has been achieved and a great deal of the money given to a large number of important causes. This album and their last live album "Get on With It" are both incredible, and I hear an album of all new music is soon on its way...
Chumbawamba are a group who have gone through many style changes over the years - from anarcho-punks to international dance hit sensations to folk artists. This CD finds them in full folk mode. Originally recorded in 1988 the group decided to rearrange and re-record this album to give it a proper release. I must say, they have succeeded. This collection of rebel songs remembering all the poor and oppressed throughout England's history is a powerful but pleasurable listening experience. Many of the songs are performed a cappella with a bright and pristine production. The harmonies are tight and the voice-blending nearly flawless. "Song on the Times" and "Poverty Knock" are absolute gems. For those who are not necessarily fans of "folk" music you should check this disc out and see if it doesn't change your mind. Highly recommended.
