No Roses

Audio Remasterer: Anders Peterson.
Recording information: Sound Techniques, Morgan & Air.
This album's significance rivals that of Dylan's plugging in at Newport. Shirley Collins joins the electrified Albion Country Band, which featured members of Fairport Convention, including Richard Thompson and Ashley Hutchings. This is a startling confluence of forms, as the full rock sound meets Shirley's enchanting balladry. Touching on love and loss, murder and rebirth, these songs are sometimes harrowing yet immensely satisfying in their delivery. "Murder of Maria Marten" illustrates that point as deep textures coalesce making for a driving, almost Celtic rock sound. "The Little Gypsy Girl" drifts about in a smoky haze. NO ROSES is another bit of proof that Collins is one of the finest interpreters of English ballad and song, and going electric does nothing but enhance her artistry.