I recently got hold of a copy of Steeleye Span's great album "Commoner's Crown" and up to this point knew little of their music,prefering Pentangle,or so I thought.The album is fantastic,and I love the traditional material ie. Long Lankin and Weary Cutters,as well as the more pop folk numbers such as Bach Goes To Limerick and of course New York Girls.The latter features Peter Sellars on ukelele,and that odd quip right at the end ;"I say,are you a matelot ? Careful what you say sir,We're on board ship here"
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A great album.

Now for the point. Is "All Around My Hat" a decent Steeleye Span album ?
To be sure it's written up to be their most commercial,produced by Mike Batt and I think even entered the UK album charts in 1975.Critics reckon the guitars are far too amped up,which drown out the subleties in the band's signature style like the fiddle playing.Others see it as a high point introducing English folk "to the masses",and enjoyable in its attempt at pop crossover.

Particular thoughts on this Steeleye Span fans please.

(One last point.This band should not be confused with "Steely Dan")

I like All Around My Hat. It definitely has more of a "rock" feel but it still sounds like Steeleye Span.

I might be hearing this album with nostalgic ears though. Hard Times in Old England was all over WNEW when the album was released, can't count the number of times I either fell asleep or woke up to that song.

Mister Hare,

While "All Around My Hat" is certainly a more "rocking"record than "Commoner's Crown", I don't find that to be detrimental. I think most of the criticisim of 'Hat came from the folk purists(God bless 'em) who felt that the traditional tunes were delivered with perhaps a bit more force than was necessary. I think you'll enjoy the album and the one that followed, "Rocket Cottage", which contained similar elements. While they are different from the early Steelye Span, they're still Steeleye, which means great musicianship, beautiful harmonies, and the wonderful Maddy Prior.

Thanks to both of you for the advice.As a relative novice to Steeleye Span I think we've established from both of the comments that "All Around My Hat" is has a more rock influenced edge to it.I have read similar things elsewhere but it's always good to consult others on these boards who have a keen interest in English folk /rock.I've decided to try the "Hat" album but decided to plump for "Parcel Of Rogues" too as the early 70s appears to be a very fruitful period for the band when they are credited to have made some of their best albums.
Just going on that one album Commoner's Crown, which I own which I think you Anthony recommended on another thread, the band's musicianship is amazing.They can really play those instruments with aplomb and the interplay on the "traditional" and "rockier" numbers is up there with the best of them.Maddy Prior also has a voice to behold.