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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Basket of Light

Pentangle

1969

Buy At Rough Trade
Basket of Light
Album Summary

Basket of Light is a 1969 album by the folk rock group Pentangle. It reached no. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. A single from the album, "Light Flight", the theme from BBC1's first colour drama series Take Three Girls, reached no. 43 on the UK Singles Chart. Another single from the album, "Once I Had a Sweetheart", reached no. 46 in the charts.The album's liner notes state that "Springtime Promises" was written "after a ride on a number 74 bus from Gloucester Road to Greencroft Gardens on an early spring day".

Wikipedia

Rating

2.76

Votes

12681

Genres

  • Folk
  • Rock

Reviews

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Feb 21 2022
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4

My wife: "Why are you listening to mediaeval music?" Me: "It's that 1,001 albums thing." [She rolls her eyes and walks off, shaking her head] I approached this album with trepidation. Seeing it pop up on the generator was the equivalent of walking into your local and spotting the pub bore already sat on his favourite stool, dimple glass in hand, waiting to pounce on any unsuspecting saps with a thousand tedious tales and unwelcome opinions. As a teenager in the seventies, my knowledge of English folk-pop music consisted of not really liking All Around My Hat and vaguely knowing that Sandy Denny, the female voice on Led Zeppelin 4, was in some diddly diddly band that sounded like a business meeting. Even now it's not something I often make a bee line for, despite enjoying a bit of Unhalfbricking and Liege and Leif every now and then. So yes, I wasn't excited about this selection. And yet, some of it has been quite magical. Bert Jansch's guitar playing is spectacularly nimble at times and Danny Thompson's double bass playing is a jazz-tinged joy. It's all a bit Finger In The Ear At The Malt Shovels On Tuesday Folk Night (Hotpot Available!) at times but it does break out from its traditional folky heartland on enough occasions that you don't always feel like you're harvesting turnips in the rain in a Shropshire field in the 13th century. Though sometimes you do feel like that. Strangely, though, I know I will be playing this again. I must be getting old.

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Jan 10 2021
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4

There were moments in the beginning, mostly when the glockenspiel and sitar featured prominently, when I couldn't decide whether I loved or hated this album. Ultimately, it won me over. The harmonies are tight and the guitar parts are impressive. It's a solid English folk album. Best track: Hunting Song

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May 06 2024
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1

Yesterday I gave Incubus a 1.5 rounded up. Today I’m giving this a 1.5 rounded down. Here’s the difference: if I were out and about and incubus were playing in the background, I would barely notice it. If this were playing in the background I would say “What is this. Why.”

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Jun 12 2022
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4

There was some wild shit going around in 69 man

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Apr 28 2022
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5

White British people playing the sitar will always be a little sus to me, but I'll also also always be a sucker for an album that blends genres so well. And folk, rock and jazz with some parts that just sound medieval European make for such a fun combo

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Oct 22 2024
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3

Man, this was the tune of my time. I remember hearing it first 1482 at the wine-fest of the kingdom of Baden. I swear I saw the ancle of princess Hiltrude this day.

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May 03 2024
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2

It was kind of interesting at first but it lost me over time. I ended up just not really liking it without being able to put my finger on why.

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Jul 30 2021
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5

Absolutely GORGEOUS and lush 60s baroque folk. So beautiful, one of my favorite genres ever!

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Nov 14 2021
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4

Ooh Pentangle is a bit cider and Cornish pasties isn’t it. That’s lovely.

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Sep 14 2020
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3

Very oldtimey folk album. Should relisten when in the mood for ancient rituals.

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Dec 02 2024
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5

Holy shit! This is one of the best records I have discovered on this his app so far. Listened to it twice because it’s so good.

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Dec 02 2022
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5

Wow this is super cool. Psychedelic, almost medieval sounding folk full of funky time signatures. '69 really was possibly the best year in music history.

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Feb 23 2022
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5

Great album with stellar musicianship. Not sure why there are three versions of Sally Go Round the Roses, though.

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Mar 31 2022
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4

It reminds me of the band Renaissance, except not quite as good. Nevertheless it is very pleasant and enjoyable throughout. This music ignites my deep desire to live in an isolated pagan Nordic mountain village hundreds of years in the past. I wish the industrial revolution never happened. Globalism has destroyed everything that made the world beautiful and awe-inspiring Will definitely return

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Nov 28 2024
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5

I think I got this album on the perfect day. Something about this just clicked and now I might be a little bit obsessed with it.

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Nov 22 2024
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5

I feel like I'm in heaven listening to this, 5 stars, easy peasy

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Aug 04 2024
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5

We listened to this album at the perfect time - driving through the Lake District, taking in the beauty of the scenery accompanied by this folky, jazzy, ethereal album. We both enjoy this genre and are surprised to have not discovered Pentangle before: we will definitely be listening again.

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Aug 29 2022
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4

Basket of Light is a swirling, psychedelic mixture of folk, jazz, blues, sitar and traditional music that may be one of the most surprisingly great records I’ve ever heard. Surprising in that, typically, folk and medieval sounding music are not very enjoyable to me. Pentangle’s intricate guitar arrangements and interplay were the highlight of this record to me, but each member, whether on guitars, bass, drums or vocals all execute at a virtuosic level. Most importantly, Pentangle doesn’t let their ability outshine the song: They aren’t playing only to showcase their talents, but to serve the song. Each part of every song sounds considered and well written, transitioning smoothly from one to the next; playing with an edge that I would consider to be uncommon in most folk music. A truly enjoyable album experience.

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Jan 26 2024
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1

How is this on any top list? Pentacrap, Basket of crap. Was this meant to be a comic effort? This is a great example of music that is unremarkable and forgettable. If nothing else, it has me fired up to listen to something good.

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Oct 19 2022
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1

"wow, the British folk revival of the 60s is a big deal!" -- no one who is not British alt name for this list: "fewer than 500 albums you should listen to before you die, plus a bunch of mediocre british acts from the 60s 70s and 80s"

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Jan 08 2025
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5

Super cool! I felt like I was taken to a Renaissance fair and I loved every second of it.

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Jan 06 2025
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5

Light Flight and Hunting Song are the masterpieces! All others are very nice! I never heard all them before! Vocal is perfect! Music is bright! Brilliant album! I like it.

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Nov 15 2024
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5

I really enjoyed this album. lol @ the extended version that is 2s longer. Each song is a banger.

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Nov 10 2024
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5

60's Folk just seems to scratch this itch in my brain, and this album is certainly no exception. Solid 5 Stars.

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Nov 07 2024
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5

These guys really rock. Listen to those guitar chops. Marvel at the deep knowledge of folk music. The weirder it is, the more they probably *actually* believe in what they're making. They made a believer out of me, that's for sure.

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Nov 03 2024
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5

It’s nice to finally dive into Pentangle. This album has been on my list for a while, and I’m glad I got around to it. Seeing Bert Jansch as a key member is a great bonus. It gives me a good starting point with his work too. For ‘60s psychedelic folk, this album really nails it, blending traditional British folk with jazz, blues, and rock. It has an ethereal feel with a haunting undertone that pulls you in.

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Oct 16 2024
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5

Every now and then, you hear an album that you didn't know you needed in your life. This is one of those albums. It's deeply unique, while still referencing its own time. The arrangements are thought provoking and the playing is marvellous. I am not usually a sucker for folky stuff, but this is amazing!

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Oct 04 2024
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5

Retro upon retro. Don't ask me why but this is the kind of Christian shit I can enjoy.

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Aug 09 2024
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5

Aldrig hört förut men det är ju alldeles lysande.

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Jul 12 2024
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5

This album is as old as I am, but I've never heard of Pentangle. When you hear the words "Folk Band" you might expect something else, but you're hoping for this.

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May 22 2024
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5

I know already that Alan is going to dismiss this as English folk but in all love and affection give me 20 of these over French folk. With that out of the way, that British and Irish guitarists of the 1960s were incredible. This is Beck Page Clapton Townshend, Rory, etc. But the acoustic guys were better in a sense. On this album Jaensch and Renbourn. It’s a true fusion - jazz blues folk all mixing as if they always did. This, Solid Air, Planxty and Fairport. And this stuff leads to zeppelin, Jethro Tull and other such acts.

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May 02 2024
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5

I loved this album. Had not heard of The Pentacle before, but had heard of Bert Janche. I listened to this on a 3 mile walk around Oak Park. The lilacs are blooming (along with everything else). Good smells everywhere, sweet sunshine, and this beautiful music straight to this big fat hippie's heart. This album took me down many pathways mentally. It started in the backyard of my family's house in Lombard. My thoughts were how much I would have enjoyed this if I had been a teenager in the 60's, smoking shitty weed and sneaking Seagram's 7 from my parent's liquor cabinet. Then I realized that's exactly what I was doing in the 90s, just listening to Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and Grateful Dead. The Pentacle is very much in the vein of The Mamas and the Papas, but I will go as far to say that this is better. Cleaner guitars, folkier, less pop, more elfish magic from across the sea. My favorite track here was House Carpenter, which took me straight to Applacia, then back across the ocean to the old Irish sod and my ancestors. Thank God for Alan Lomax. So much wonderful music sprung from his diligent work and passion.

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Feb 29 2024
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5

Unbelievably creative, quite suprised at how much I liked it and the risks that they took

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Feb 23 2024
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5

Great folk album. five out of five

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Jan 08 2024
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5

This was awesome! Can’t believe I hadn’t heard of these guys. It’s folk meets blues meets jazz meets Renaissance.

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Dec 07 2023
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5

This was a surprise to me. The first song already had me hooked with its alternating 5/4 and 7/4. Overall really enjoyed this one.

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Dec 01 2023
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5

10/10 I FUCKING LOVE BERT JANSCH

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Jul 20 2022
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5

My favourite Folk band. Supremely accomplished musicianship. Well produced- it's rockier and jazzier than other albums but these guys are at the top of their game. I understand most people don't like this at all but that's always the way and always will be.

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Jan 05 2025
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4

Folk Ungewöhnliche Instrumente: Sitar, Glockenspiel Sehr klangvolle Sängerin

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Dec 04 2023
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3

Harmless, pleasant fun. Listening is like hanging out in a nice field on a warm sunny day, with flowers and drinking mead. some of the chants and vocals are Medieval

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May 14 2021
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3

This is the kind of thing I was hoping for doing this. Really liked it, had never heard of them before.

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Dec 08 2024
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2

ahh this is...not attractive. Yeah pretty but dull. I love some of the baroque elements, but speaking of baroque pop, I think I have better choices, non? Thank you for reminding me that I'm not into acoustic music. Almost 2.5/3.

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Jun 12 2023
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1

I give ones when I’m actively annoyed. If it was instrumental I think I could have handled it.

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Jun 09 2023
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1

I’ll preface with…I can’t stand Joni Mitchell and her pretentious wandering around the scale bullshit. So this album lost me at track 1. But it in fact got worse. It never knew what it wanted to be. Folk, gospel, rock, Gregorian chants…like what the fuck? Garbage

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Apr 12 2023
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1

Damn, this hippie shit sucks. All that's missing is my weed/LSD and long hair. Jokes aside, this is just not very good, I don't know how anyone could find this enjoyable. 2/10.

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Dec 21 2022
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1

This is one of the albums I wonder “why is it on this list!”. I mean, if you’re going to include a hit-less unknown of this flower-power genre, I expect to see every Peter Paul & Mary album, as well as every Beatles record, Jefferson Airplane, etc. cMon, some of the choices on this list are head scratchers.

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Apr 27 2022
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1

Occasionally you can admire the musicianship, craft and artistry while finding the entire thing unlistenable to.

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Apr 20 2022
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1

I can think of 1002 albums that are better than this.Who made up this list of albums to hear before I die…think I died after hearing this

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Apr 14 2022
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1

Possibly the worst thing I've had to listen to on the list.

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Jul 30 2021
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1

lasted 3 tracks. the shrill voice *shiver* shite

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Jan 07 2025
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5

A masterpiece from the late 60s British folk rock scene - what a spellbinding album! It's a hauntingly beautiful and creative collection of folk rock songs with jazz, blues, medieval and eastern influences. Incredible musical talents (Bernt Jansch, John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee with her angelic voice) accompanied with taste and judgement. A timeless classic.

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Dec 11 2024
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5

I have a pretty expansive Steeleye Span collection. This was right up my alley

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Dec 08 2024
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5

9.5/10. The music is absolutely lovely. I love its medieval vibes very much! I love this kind of folk music!!! It’s relaxing, but not boring. I love the various things that go on in this fantastic album!!! :)

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Oct 23 2023
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5

The first song, with it’s Beatle-esque riff, folk guitar and jangly pop could only have been released in the 60s. I also loved “The Hunting Song” with its dual lead vocals and jazzy instrumentation, which includes some crazy double-bass. Also, “House Carpenter” with the banjo and sitar playing off each other. Jacqui McShee and Bert Jansch are good vocalists but when they share the vocals the contrast is amazing. And the fact that the whole band sings makes for some very untraditional harmonies. As much as I liked those tracks (and "Lyke-Wake Dirge") there were a couple of stinkers on the album and it was a no more than a 4 for me. Then I watched the 1971 live performance of “The Hunting Song” on YouTube and was blown away (as much as you can be by watching five people sitting around) so it’s +1.

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Oct 05 2023
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5

Took me back a few years to a time before crude and non-musical music took over the world. A joy to behold.

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Oct 05 2023
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5

I’m rather cheating with this one, as this is already a favourite album of mine. Imbued with dark magic, this wonderful collection of harmonic songs marrying the ancient and modern is delivered with remarkable artistry by the twinning guitars of Renbourn and Jansch and one of British Folk Music’s very finest voices

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Oct 04 2023
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5

This is delightful. This album has shades of 70s prog rock blended with the sensibilities of a medieval bard.

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Sep 30 2023
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5

I truly don't understand the low scores, that's something beautiful! Incredibly interesting fusion of genres

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Aug 12 2023
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5

Oh I do love some wonderful folk music. It was a lovely blend of voices and acoustic instruments, and a lovely blend of traditional and new songs.

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Aug 12 2023
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5

The opening bars of the first track had me super interested...then the vocals came and became quite hesitant...but then after I got my ears adjusted to what this album would be introducing me to, I REALLY dug it!

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Aug 12 2023
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5

Loved it! Indeed a basket of light. Super sunny.

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Aug 12 2023
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5

I was not aware of my need of some rock-tinged-renaissancy-baroque-folk until this fell into my lap. Fantastic! How I wish I could have seen this performed in the Royal Albert Hall.

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Apr 27 2023
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5

I thought it was rather fabulous. Normally this sort of folk ages pretty badly but this endures through pure quality. Excellent

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Apr 13 2023
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5

Before today I'd never heard of Pentangle before. The album cover provided no hints as to what I was in for, so I googled their name. The first thing that came up was the definition of Pentangle, which is "another word for pentagram". Given that definition, I figured I would be in for a heavy metal album perhaps? What I heard was the polar opposite! Pentangle are a folk group from the UK. Their music includes dual guitars (one artist who is Blues trained, and one who is folk trained), amazing bass grooves, and male and female vocalists. The singers are amazing, and the harmonies created by the two of them is beautiful. This album also prominently features sitar and glockenspiel parts, which is awesome!! These guys remind me a lot of Fairport Convention. This album combines jazz, Blues, and folk along with some psychedelica into one beautiful album. They may start a jazz number, then flawlessly switch genres half way through. Overall, an amazing album! Another one that blindsided me! I love discovering these kinds of records! I will absolutely listen again, I listened to it twice today! Favorite songs: House Carpenter, Hunting Song, The Cuckoo, Sally Go Round the Roses, Once I Had a Sweetheart, Springtime Promises, Lyke-Wake Dirge, Cold Mountain Least favorite songs: Train Song 5/5

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Mar 08 2023
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5

Love the instrumentation and vocal style. Would love to hear this stuff live.

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Feb 01 2023
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5

Say what you want about this record, but, for better or for worse, there aren’t many that sound like it. To state the obvious: it’s a jazz-folk-psychedelic trip through Renaissance England. And I am here for it. John Renbourne and Bert Jansch provide the most solid instrumental foundation for any album to succeed, but Jacqui McShee’s vocals flit weightlessly around the whole record. It conjures the same eerie juxtaposition of contemporary and profoundly folkish as the Wicker Man soundtrack (songs like Luke-Wake Dirge almost demand a Maypole to be truly appreciated). It’s a product of its time, and by no means perfect. But I love it, and that’s why I’d give it 4.5 (rounded up).

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Aug 07 2022
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5

They didn’t have to go so hard

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Mar 23 2022
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5

This is my favorite album ever I think. I love almost every song.

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Mar 28 2021
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5

Brilliant. One of the most beautiful albums ever produced

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Mar 18 2021
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5

Excellent album, avec des petites sonorités particulières et une sensation un peu religieuse, mais appréciable.

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Jan 15 2025
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4

Good. Almost like math rock in modern day. Nice to listen to for the folk songs.

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Jan 10 2025
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4

I. Am. So. Busy. But, I like this album in all its weirdness. I like whatever genre you call this. I appreciate it, I find myself laughing, thinking, “What am I listening to right now?”, but hey, I like feeling like I’m in a medieval village sometimes. Low 4 stars.

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Jan 09 2025
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4

A great record and a great exhibition of English sounds. What makes this album stand out is a Pink-Floyd-esque sound quality and clean production.

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Jan 02 2025
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4

73/100. What a beautiful record. Unfortunately, I think the first few tracks on this album are lower in quality than the ending, so it took a while before I started fully enjoying it. The tracks have a folk, primal vibe, with fantastic singing throughout.

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Dec 31 2024
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4

good folk album, reminded me of Eddie from Ohio.

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Dec 22 2024
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4

A good album, I liked Lyke-Wake Dirge

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Dec 15 2024
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4

Not too bad. Pretty interesting actually. Never would have guessed this came out in the 90s. Sounds so 60s folksy.

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Dec 06 2024
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4

It’s nice to finally dive into Pentangle. This album has been on my list for a while, and I’m glad I got around to it. Seeing Bert Jansch as a key member is a great bonus. It gives me a good starting point with his work too. For ‘60s psychedelic folk, this album really nails it, blending traditional British folk with jazz, blues, and rock. It has an ethereal feel with a haunting undertone that pulls you in.

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Nov 28 2024
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4

Usually not my style, but this was nice enough.

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Nov 27 2024
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4

Cool, not quite rock-y enough for me personally to give it a five.

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Nov 22 2024
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4

I liked this one! Folk is a genre I enjoy a lot and while I'm less familiar with traditional/older English folk, this was very enjoyable. Pentangle is not pure folk of course, more like folk-fusion, and the jazz influences where noticeable enough that it won't get 5 stars, but it's a very solid 4 stars. Favourite track: Either 'The Cuckoo' or 'Lyke-Wake Dirge'

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Nov 22 2024
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4

Das isch mal e big basket of Überraschig gsi für sone schüüche Dunnstig Morge. Bim erste ertöne vode Stimm - woni no im Bett glegge bin - bini chli überrascht gsi vo dem wo jetzt chund. Bi mim ufstahritual (bestaht us ufstah vode ligeposition) und mim duuschritual (id duuschi ine und wider use) hani denn aktiv Lied für Lied glost und bin zum Schluss cho, dass es für sone schüüche Dunnstig Morge absolut ahgnehmi Musig isch. Die psychadelische Kläng hend mich chli ines australischs Yogaresort im herze vo Bali katapultiert, woni grad ned so abgneigt bin degege. Nachem erste mal lose bini no chli unschlüssig gsi und hans mer grad es zweits mal durs Trummelfäll zoge und han mi selber überzügt, dass s Album bim zweitemal lose nomal biz besser gsi isch. S Album isch wie guete Wii: ich han kei Ahnig was es genau guet macht aber finds super! Da gibi gern vier downward facing dogs uf acid für de gspass!

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Nov 18 2024
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4

Basket of Light is kinda lit. In some cases it almost feels like peak acoustic music before it all became electric.

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Nov 13 2024
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4

Not really my cup of tea, but there's no denying the talent at work on this album, so I'm going to give it four stars.

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Nov 13 2024
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4

Surprisingly great! Made me think of the Wicker Man with Christopher Lee.

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Nov 13 2024
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4

Really nice album. Beautiful guitar playing and the vocals suit the folk sound. I can see why this isn't to everyone's taste as it does sound quite old-school folk, especially several years after the likes of Bob Dylan was going electric. So maybe it sounded a little old fashioned when it came out even, but I like it!

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Nov 10 2024
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4

I’m at a pretty high 4. I think after this and the Pogues album we got, I might just be a sucker for medieval-style music with modern instrumentation. I really did like this album; the only reason I’m at a 4 is because the choice to go mostly acoustic sort of creates a homogeneity that the album’s instrumentation never fully overcame for me. To be more specific, there’s just too many tracks that suffer from a “first minute is the whole song” syndrome for me, but those are still pretty good tracks. The ones that overcome it are great, and I think the last track in particular nails it really well. For the lyricism, I think my only real nag is that a few tracks feel sort of similar in subject matter, but otherwise, they completely nailed the feeling; some of these have to be actual old poems and songs brought into modern times. It’s a relatively breezy 40 minutes, save for Hunting Song, which did feel like the track that dragged the longest; not just in its runtime, but in how slow the pacing of the story felt. Regardless, I enjoyed this a lot – it executes the sort of “folk jazz” thing it’s going for pretty well, the vocalists are both nice, the acoustics (which eventually lose their luster) sound great, and if nothing else, it’s a super easy listen. Pretty solid 4 for me.

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