I’m giving nothing away here by saying this will be on Hedonism and acts as a nice trailer for that October 4th release. Jon says of this, “Can’t remember when I first heard this song but I know it best from the brilliant Magpie Lane CD Six For Gold. Magpie lane are something of a super-group in Oxfordshire, but relatively unknown elsewhere. Well worth checking out.” Martin Carthy recorded this as well on his debut, eponymous album with Dave Swarbrick and Mainly Norfolk has their tasty re-write as well as Martin’s sleeve notes, which allude to the age as around 1640. Mudact has more here including an additional first verse that’s not often used. There also seems to be a Scottish variant of Tae (or To) The begging I Will Go, which generally has different verses with much the same sentiment and the words certainly fit the same tune.
To keep up with titbits on the Bellowhead release by the way, follow the Properganda Online link (here for you as well), to the left, we’ve posted an interview with John Leckie this week. We’ll probably have a little celebration here come release date, but I just thought you should know that there’ll doubtless be more going on over there, so to speak.
You can buy the September digital album now from all good download stores:
I suspect I’m not the only one on this blog who’s getting just a little bit excited as we get closer to October 4th. I shall be awaiting the postperson’s knock with more than usual anticipation.
Aww, I wish I could play a violin! I do like the accompaniment to this song.
I am going to wait to obtain my copy of Hedonism until I see you on 13th November, Jon, so I get the surprise of the live performance of some tracks first. Also, I like to support an artist on tour when I can.
Jane, that’s an interesting one, do you want to know the songs beforehand at a gig or be surprised by them? There’s something to be said for both – I’m going to see Eliza Carthy and Norma Waterson in November and decided that I’d not buy the CD 1st for the same reason as you – but with Bellowhead I can’t wait.
Really enjoyed this track – voice and violin blend well – mentioning up and coming concerts, a plug for Boden and Spiers at Hitchin Folk Club this Sunday, looking forward to it.
Enjoyed this track, loving the fiddle playing too.
Wish I could play like that rather than sounding like a cat with its tail caught in a mangle.
LadyD, I’d settle for sounding like a cat caught in a mangle! You wouldn’t notice in my house as I have 12 rescue cats. (Actually, you would, as they are surprisingly quiet!)
Simon, to use an old expression, I like to be ‘blown away’ by the surprise newness!
John, thanks for encouragement re: The English Year, which I bought precisely because it was in encyclopaedic, but chronological order. Thought it would be easier to read than some and had great reviews. I used to an alphabetical encyclopaedia, but that is really only most accessible if you know what you are looking for!
The above should read ‘used to own,’ of course! Lapsus linguae…. *sigh* *shakes head* *screeches on mangle*
Jane/Simon, I am in the privilege position to say that which ever way round you do it you won’t be dissapointed. I’m putting a video link on the Properganda Online site this afternoon once i stop fannying about all the tweakage that is proposed for that venture.
As for the cats, having two rescued moggs chez nous and a member of the CPL in the office I can only say good work Jane.
Changing the subject slightly, it was nineteen years ago today that Peter Bellamy ended his life. There are some appreciations on this Mudcat thread from people who knew him, and others who (like me) discovered him much too late.
And howso great man’s strength be reckoned
Yet there are two things that he cannot flee
Love is first and Death is second
And Love in England has taken me.
I didn’t know anything about Peter Bellamy until I came on here, but it is quite something to receive the kinds of tributes he has on Mudcat 19 years after his passing. So I am going to feed the rescue mogs – thank you, Simon, for your kind words – and I will raise a glass of the red stuff to a personality and treat I obviously missed out on. It’s a little early, but so what…
I first heard it on a Ewan MacColl CD. Great song! One of my favourites. I was delighted when I read that it would appear on Hedonism.
And having just listened to Jon’s solo version, I’m very impressed. Love the fiddle accompaniment.
A great bit of fiddling………………Jon could consider a career in politics it is so good.
I also had never heard of Peter Bellamy before I found AFSAD…….
I actually didn’t like his singing style………….but it is addictive……..and I am grateful for his massive contribution to the folk scene.
Does anybody else’s heart drop when we go a few days without a 2011 comment to a song………even the “Pink sombrero” has been a bit quiet…….what is the latest cat count Jane?
Just like a spoilt kid that can’t keep his hands off his birthday/Christmas pressys….
I couldn’t resist the Archive for 4th October 2010 after reading all the chat above……..
Aha…..it’s 3am….Now how the heck am I going to get to sleep after a sneaky look!
I know you guys and gals are made of sterner stuff and you wouldn’t dream of looking.
@ Muzza: It is a cardinal’s hat actually, so bright red!
You are right, I have been busy on the cat front. Since the demise of the 2 eldest earlier this year, I have just the 8 indoors & 2 outdoors, plus their feral relation, Perdida. However, I currently have a rescue cat (Bertie, came in with a trainer lace tied round his neck! What’s that all about?!) He is now fully vetted-up and ready for his new home.
Since I obviously do not have enough to do and more social guilt than sense – or money, now! – I have had 3 other toms off the streets ‘orchestrated’ & released this month – one this morning! That is practically the only recent music to my ears, aside from the 2 Square Chapel gigs. I will have to play catch-up later today. But I see I did not need to worry, as you have taken my 3am slot!
PS But thanks to your polar bear impersonation, I am going to see the man himself, Les Barker, in Otley on 2 November. Another grand birthday present from a friend! Yeh!
Lucky Jane…………you are in for a treat with Les Barker. I saw him at Chepstow a couple of years back and the place was packed with his followers who knew all his poems to the last detail and who were laughing way before the punch line.
Ref the cats…………that rang a bell……..I was orchestrated in 1975 and put back on the streets!…………never mastered licking my back paws though.
Like this one -just as good by Jon solo as the Bellowhead version. The fiddle playing certainly adds to the overall effect.
Yes; Ewan MacColl recorded it in the 1960s; I heard it on an LP of his called “Manchester Angel.” Possibly collected from one of his Travellers?
Very interesting and informative post. Thanks.