Basket of Light

Very lovely folk music. I love the female vocals. Still a good dynamic between male and female vocals.

3/5

Excelente álbum. Siendo de estilo folk suena muy moderno considerando que se publicó en 1969. Los trabajos de voces son muy hermosos. Me sorprendió escuchar el primer tema y notar que fue sampleado por Satanicpornocultshop, solo algo para resaltar.

Renaissance inspired hippie folk music

Top 3 least favorite genres. There is some pretty impressive musicianship and the song writing is good as well. But the vocals and vocal melodies are unpalatable to me.

Just too precious for me. I don't think I would have enjoyed the mystical lyrics of this era.

Album was okay but not necessarily one that I would revisit.

pretty good! love a harpsichord

This was alright. The vocals were good but a little annoying after a while but overall I really like the sound of this record, it’s a 3.5 I think which I’m going to round up to a 4/5

Just when I thought this album couldn’t get worse, another song would start. Hard pass.

Similar to Simon and Garfunkel but with lots of Christian undertones and clearly influenced by church hymns. Good music but not something I would seek out on my own.

The best things I have to say about this album was what I was remined of or what I was thinking about when I heard or saw the title. Once I had a Sweetheart, I thought of Shankar when I heard the sitar. Train song = Train in Vain. Sally Go Round Them Dirty Roses. Not just once, but 3 times! If you bet the chance to see Them Dirty Roses, you won't regret it. Love them boys. As for the album, yea, kinda a tough listen. Not my thing and didn't enjoy, but it had a nice peaceful sound. 2

2.5 I like a lot of UK music, and generally speaking, I try to keep an open mind to anything I hear, but this feels very much like the kind of thing that the Brits would hail as “brilliant” while us Americans squint our eyes and try to make sense of it. I suppose it’s basically the album equivalent of Better Man in that regard. That’s not to say I thought this was bad. In many ways, it reminded a lot of Fairport Convention, but if they had more of a “psychedelic ren faire” sort of vibe to them. Appropriately, I had pretty much the same reaction to this that I did to the actual ren faire I went to about a month ago, being, I’m glad that I experienced it, but I don’t think I need to again. I have mixed feelings about the sound overall, but ultimately I would call this an inferior version of what Fairport Convention was also currently doing, with Unhalfbricking even coming out the very same year. Hell, both groups even have similarly sounding female vocalists, and while I didn’t mind Jacqui McShee, she never really captivated me like Sandy Denny does on the aforementioned FC record. (Also, she was never featured on a Led Zeppelin song to my knowledge, so she has that going against her too.) What Pentangle DOES have is Bert Jansch, a dude whose solo album I rated somewhat highly, but what I heard there didn’t seem to translate through on this album to me in any meaningful way. Ultimately, this is one of those albums I wouldn’t say that I disliked, but I found to be most of a non-presence while listening, and any good aspect that’s to be found here is something I feel like you could find a better version of elsewhere. At some point I’ve heard it mentioned that the curator of this list is British, and I can’t help but wonder if that bias is showing through here.

Good Stuff. Folksy-pop-rocky mishmash. I remember finding a single of Light Flighting in a random bunch of singles years ago, and enjoying it. The rest of teh tracks don't live up to it....but nothing to complain about.

It's not my thing, but I still appreciate this being on this list because for what it is - folk, medieval-esque folk music - it's quite decent.

Saving this for the Renn fest.

If this was all the music British people had to work with then it’s no wonder they invaded so many countries.

Okay, the first song cracked me up. Dah bah bah dooh dah! I also thought they were saying “horse carpenter” instead of house carpenter. I think I just have very little patience for hippie bullshit. Especially living in Ojai. I’ve heard worse hippie bullshit. & I’ve heard much better hippie bullshit. Basketball of shite 1 liked song

I wish I was in a tavern when I was listening to this

This album is charming, atmospheric, and occasionally a little bit dumb in that “ye olde open mic night” kind of way. There’s enough medieval mood to spark a full-blown Outlander scene in my head (Jamie Fraser preparing for battle to “Lyke Wake Dirge,” you’re welcome STARZ). It nudged my imagination in many ways — like music should. But let’s be real: for every moment of elegant enchantment, there’s another that feels like you accidentally wandered into a Renaissance Faire’s soundcheck. Not a playlist staple, but a worthy wander.

It's alright. Light Flight sounds like 1400's King Gizzard and Thee Lizard Wizard. I'll keep this in the back pocket for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign I guess

Not really sure who this is for

Uk dog shit

I was not in the mood to hear folk today. I was counting down the minutes on this album - too “ye olde music” sounding for me.

Ear massage.

Big grand versions of folk songs. Many songs have a Celtic feel. Interesting and unexpected use of sitar. Female vocals are way better than the male vocals. Good album.

Not my style of music normally but the vocals and instruments were very atmospheric

A primeira música me absorveu logo de cara. Atmosfera imersiva com uma musicalidade incrível.

Marvellohs. Better still, after it finished, Spotify curated a list of further songs for me, including Kevin Ayers, Roy Harper, Fotheringay, Sandy Denny, The Incredible String Band, Nic Jones, Steeleye Span, Fairport Covention and the amazing Anne Briggs. A whole day of absolute musical joy!

Really nice, has a timeless sound to it

Pentangle sounds like a cool shape. I just wanted to say that. Let's talk about Basket of Light now. This is a good album. It's not a masterpiece, but very few albums are. This is kind of like Fairport Convention a bit in that it sounds pretty medieval. I like that. It creates a unique vibe that I personally enjoy. I liked the Fairport Convention album more though. Still, Basket of Light is a solid collection of songs, some original and some covers. The addition of a female vocalist ensures that this isn't just a bunch of white guys again. It's interesting that this provides another example of both a band and one of its members having albums on the list, as I already got a solo album from Pentangle's own Bert Jansch. This album's about as good as that one. In fact, it might be better, but I haven't listened to that album in over a year, so I can't say for sure. All I can say is that this album has some good songs that sound nice. High 3/5.

weird but cool

I think this one is the most perplexing so far for me. I loved it, then hated it, then loved it again. I’m glad I listened though, and love always wins in the end - right?

Bit weird but I liked it

Oh boy…glad I never got tangled up in this music

A weird combo of medieval music, rock, and folk. It’s like a hobbit, a knight, and a cowboy had a baby. Liked how this was a new approach to music but got bored after a couple songs. Vocals were also just ok, instrumentals really carried it

Not my thing. Too old school minstrelly for me.

I dug it, very folksy. When the female singer got a bit TOO high, it was getting harder to understand (not really, but kinda Yoko Ono-ish). The sitars were a nice touch in some of the songs. "Hunting Song", reminded me a little of the intro to Cypress Hill's "Superstar". I'm surprised this band hasn't been sampled more. I liked the trading off of vocals in "Sally Go Down The Roses," kinda wish they did it more in other songs. I don't know if I would come back to this album often, but it was a nice change of pace for me. Top songs: "Train Song," "Hunting Song", "Sally Go Down The Roses"

This list has a thing for traditional (or medieval) folk rock and I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised with most of it. But this album was just okay. I'm not sure how many albums of this genre anyone needs to listen to to have an understanding of what it is, but I don't see this one as necessary to get there. That said, I quite liked Once I Had a Sweetheart (their second single) and Hunting Song. I also enjoyed Jacqui McShee's voice a fair bit; I much less enjoyed Bert Jansch's voice. Not the first time I wasn't overly enamored with his work.

Interesting album, with a lot of variety and excellent musicianship, but it's very dated and has a bit too much cheesy Ren Faire vibe (especially the lyrics on The Cuckoo - "She sucketh white flowers for to keep her voice clear"...ugh). I also felt Bert Jansch should let Jacqui McShee do all the singing, but there are some times when his vocals work (e.g., House Carpenter). I was originally leaning 3 and I feel like I've been giving too many 4's these days, but damn if this album didn't grow on me. Just really appreciated the interesting arrangements and outstanding musicianship. Favorite tracks: Light Flight (cool guitar pattern and vocals, particularly in the second half of the song), Once I Had a Sweetheart (I'm a sucker for sitar), Lyke-Wake Dirge (fascinating old English lyrics - knowing it's about the dead passing through purgatory makes it more powerful), Train Song (liked the frenetic nature of the song, like, um, a speeding train?), House Carpenter (I liked the driving nature of the music, with interplay between drums, sitar, and banjo - how's that for an unusual combination? I also loved the second to last verse where McShee sings a capella).

Was very apprehensive about the potential for a crap but pretentious jingle-jangle folk band. Happy to report that I loved this, the same feeling and relief I had with the Fairport Convention.

Dull, boring, boring, boring, dull, crap. 2 listens of this is going to be a struggle One listen is bad enough. Imagine sticking this on for pleasure. Imagine someone walking in when you were listening to this I think this might be my least favourite genre BAMO

Mesmerising British folk.

Thoughts before listening: This is appropriate since I just got Bert Jansch last week and learned he's a part of this band. I'd expect British folk rock with an emphasis on the British and the folk. Review: Okay so this is like Renaissance Fair minstrel music with psychedelic guitar. It's interesting I guess although I don't know that I love it. There is some really cool guitar work throughout these songs, but the vocals are a bit of an acquired taste. I can see where these guys were a big influence on a band like Fleet Foxes. 3-stars

Sheer bliss. Yes its non-electric. Yes a lot is traditional. But here you have 5 fantastic musicians at the height of their powers playing their hearts out.

если когда-то таверну захочется открыть

Sometimes I wonder “How have I never heard of this band?? They’re incredible!” This is not one of those bands. It was fine to have never heard of Pentangle. British Renn Faire folk is not my genre.

Amazing, fantasy-like feel to it, reminded me of a Witcher 3 dlc

Some really nice guitar on this album. I like the way the different vocals worked together. I felt like there was a lot of variation across the albums. I think it could maybe have done with less sitar, I’m not sure it fit so well. Probably not an album for everyday listening, it maybe sounds too strange for that, but I found it really interesting and I would listen to it again. Fav song: Train Song Least fav: House Carpenter

Я люблю такую музыку, и здесь вообще не до чего докопаться. Отличные песни, великолепные голоса. Лучшая песня - Light Flight.

i loved this one a lot

Ere-listening notions: I hath heard that this was meant to be merry but in a manner of the Renaissance faire? So I guess we shalt see when we dost harken. Aft'r/present listening notions: I dost feel a yearning to feast upon a turkey leg and to whirl in a gown of four folds whilst one doth pour me a tankard of ale. This be not aught I would oft revisit, yet 'tis verily of a league its own. This be a five and half of ten. DIDST I NEEDETH TO HEARETH THIS ERE I KICKETH THE BUCKET: nay Favored melody: Light Flight Least favored melody: Lyke Wake Dirge

Standout Songs: Springtime Promises Hunting Song The Cuckoo Cold Mountain I Saw an Angel

Cool! It feels like I've been transported somewhere in the Lord Of The Rings story or India. It has a cool vibe, but it didn't really surprise me musically. I think 3 stars is fair.

1. light - 1.5 2. had - 2 3. zpring - 1 4. lyke - 2 5. train - 1 6. hunting - 2 7. zally - 1.5 8. cuckoo - 2 9. houze - 1 10. rozez - 1 11. go - 1 12. cold - 1 13. angel - 1

This project has taught me that I don't like much folk music when it's done in a straight-through style with sparse arrangements (I find them soporific). However, I really like narrative songs, and something about the old-timey poetic ballads creates a mysterious atmosphere that I really dig; a sort of nostalgia for a time period that ended a few hundred years before I was born. When traditional songs are played with fuller instrumentation and elements that appeal a bit more to modern sensibilities, it all clicks for me. Fairport Convention pulled it off by using electric instruments and putting a little rock spin on things, and Pentangle also pull it off but via a more jazz-inflected approach. Either way, something about this really drew me in. The vocal harmonies on Lyke Wake Dirge are absolutely haunting. I don't think I'd listen to this again since it's not often I'd find myself in the right mood. But I'm very glad to have heard it once

Haven't heard of them before. The album was really pretty but sadly just not something I'm usually into 2/5

I liked Cold Mountain and I Saw an Angel because they were more bluegrassy but the first several went for a very medieval sound. The end of the album increased my overall rating.

This one is just pretty exquisite. It’s very imaginative and dynamic and sounds a bit like someone introduced psychedelics to a medieval minstrel troup. I love the inclusion of the sitar and some of the jazzy riffs. It’s very re-listenable too as I’ve found. Standout tracks are: Once I Had a Sweetheart and Sally Go Round the Roses.

Cross between a Renaissance Faire, being at the Prancing Pony and some psychedelic party in London in 1969. I enjoyed it for what is but won't be listening to it often.

stressig, geklimper, einlullender Frauengesang, ich werde kein Folk Fan in diesem Leben

Ich fands nicht so schlimm wie die anderen.

It opens with Light Flight, and as the instruments start, I'm thinking, okay, this could be cool. Then a voice. My ears screamed, "Make it STOP!" The vocals on this album are brutally bad. Are they trying to hurt my ears? I think this might have been a Cold War project where they recorded this so MI6 or the CIA could use it to torture Soviet spies and get information out of them.

Solilder Folk Rock mit up & downs. Insgesamt ganz solide und hörbar.

Aika kädenlämpöistä folkkia. Ehkä tätä on kuultu jo riittävästi listalla. 2.5/5

Weird but ok

Ren fest vibes 👸🏻

If I ever want to feel like I'm at a jousting contest in 1536, reeling from the dissolution of the monasteries and desperate to lose myself in some contemporary music, I'll put this back on. To be fair, I wouldn't sprint to turn it off even if I just wanted to feel like a normal human being, instead of like I was at an am-dram performance of As You Like It.

A couple of potentially good songs but not by these singers. 2 stars or D+.

Heck yeah. Witchy.

Please make the bad album generator man stop.

All I see are folk-playing vampires

It's a vibe.

Jazzy folk, and it somehow works.

First song did not bode well for the rest of the album, but it captured my interest eventually. A little bit church, a little bit Cranberries, a little bit Irish folk tunes.

Some fine songs, some pretty moments; largely felt like homework.

Really enjoyed this album. It's medieval psychedelic. Really worth a listen.

Ugh. So bad I couldn’t listen to it outside for fear the neighbors would hear it.

Definitely a weird one here and I didn’t quite know how I felt about it while listening, but thinking about it for a bit, I liked it. The blending of folk genres here makes for an album much different than a lot of what was going around in 69, but it works. I wouldn’t want to listen to this on the reg, but it’s an interesting curiosity.

01) Light Flight - 7,5 02) Once I Had a Sweetheart - 7,0 03) Springtime Promises - 7,5 04) Lyke-Wake Dirge - 7,0 05) Train Song - 7,5 06) Hunting Song - 7,0 07) Sally Go 'Round the Roses - 7,5 08) The Cuckoo - 7,0 09) House Carpenter - 6,5 TOTAL: 7,17 (72/100) Current ranking: 307/540

Enjoyable. Don't call it folk rock :-) I know little of this band despite having been a bit of a folkie in my time. So I have no idea where they fit into the history of things. Still a pleasant listen. 3/5.

I was skeptical of this one at first, in spite of the interesting time signatures in the lead track. But by the time it got to Lyke-Wake Dirge, it drew me in. I enjoyed the mixture of folk, medieval, and psychedelic rock, and the tight vocal harmonies. Rounded up from 3.5. Standout tracks: Once I Had a Sweetheart, Hunting Song, House Carpenter, The Cuckoo

This is the first traditional folk album that I've ver heard, and honestly, I'm quite conflicted about how I feel about it. On one hand, I really enjoyed it at first. The performance are great, specially from the female singer, and it has this rural and medieval atmosphere to it that makes the album kind of charming. One the other hand, I think it is a bit too long. Towards the last songs, it felt a bit boring, since they are very similar to the first ones. Overall, it is a good album

Hmm.

Cool album. Als middeleeuwse muziek een kind zou maken met hippie-muziek, zou dit er uit komen. 3.4

Folk rock may have been snuffed out in America but it got a major shot in the arm in the United Kingdom, and Pentangle proved to be one of the defining bands of that moment with Basket of Light. Featuring a mixture of originals, traditionals and the intoxicating blend of contributions from the members of the band that leaves an indelible impression, Basket of Light provided a light of sorts (hehe) in a tunnel that was becoming increasingly bleak in a vastly changed landscape. Favorites: Light Flight, Once I Had a Sweetheart, Springtime Promises, Train Song, Sally Go 'Round the Roses.

Pleasant surprise.

It’s strange, this hippy stuff from the late 60s, I find quite endearing for a track. Maybe two. But after that it really starts to grate. A lovely little museum piece but can it just stay there!?

The medieval feeling was very good and got me interested in the album. Overall it was really good.

good folk record, nice sounding tracks

Hmm

Struggled to listen to it all

Pants

This feels like proto prog. The female vocals are a little distracting. I like the guitars and the some of the hammered/ mallet instruments I have some John Renbourn and have listened to some Bert Jansch.

Folk rock that's also kind of prog by way of often sounding like medieval court music. I preferred the more "traditional" songs, like "Springtime Promises", "Sally Go Round the Roses", and "Train Song". The other stuff made for a deeply uncanny listening experience. The lead female vocalist sounds great, though.

Big Wicker Man vibes

Fun

Hey nonny nonny

Very chill listen.

Ok, I do love myself a bit of folk, but I just think this is a really good album anyway. Sandy Denny had a wonderful, ethereal voice and the music really complements it. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

Mental - kind of fun.

I stopped caring pretty fast. Not for me. Lost steam after track one, truthfully.

I bet this was cool in late-60s coffee houses. The beginnings of psychedelia was a renaissance throwback. There were a couple songs that pulled my attention enough to stop what I was doing an really listen. But for the most part it was just people jamming on lutes and glockenspiel…

Of all the albums that exist in the world this is certainly one of them. Yeesh.

its like tavern and video game dessert music a the same time. i kind of like it idk. what a coincidence Bert Jansch plays guitar and sings on this, I just listened to his self titled album yesterday. this way more interesting than that album, enjoyed this way more

What is this both mid and unpopular folk album doing here

1.7

Rating: 6/10 Sounds like medieval folk music, I like it.

No, thanks

This album is definitely a product of its time. It's very 60s, filled with sitars, light drumming, with light airy tracks like listening to a fairy tale in song. There's some very hippy-dippy love and nature themed songs, such as "Springtime Promises." All stuff I'd associate with that era. There were some clear medieval and religious themes throughout the album, which it sounds like the band was partial to and pulled inspiration from. I'd say it wasn't my type of thing when I started my listen but it totally grew on me and I actually enjoyed most of it by the end! I was very impressed with the guitar and other stringed instrument skill throughout the album. Same for the female vocalist, Jacqui McShee, who crushed her parts and made several of the songs hauntingly beautiful (see "House Carpenter"). Standouts: "Light Flight," "Once I Had a Sweetheart" - the sitar solo was great! - "Sally Go Round the Roses" - had a cool bluesy sound, and "House Carpenter" - the sitar parts in addition with McShees solo folky vocals were phenominal. Overall this album was very good. Had some definite highlights and I wouldn't mind hearing more. Props to the band for putting out a solid effort and the vibe of the album was pretty cool, if not something I'd actively seek out. In the end I enjoyed it a lot, and it's a very solid 4 out of 5 for me just because a few songs were kind of meh on an otherwise pretty unique album.

What da heck

Pretty solid 60's folk rock. Has some stereotypes of it's time but I enjoy it. Feels like it'd be good for a movie soundtrack.

Folky and unexpected. Made me think of the wickerman, but it's not quite that. However, it was annoying to have 3 versions of one song

Yasss my liege, slayyyyeth 💅

Might not be for everyone, but I love me some fingerpicking folksy harmonies

Was pleasant enough during a crossword. Simpsons: No

Boring!!!!

Just really bloody loved this. Tight

Before this listen, I had never heard of Pentangle, their album Basket of Light, or any of its tracks—so I went in completely blind. What followed was unexpected and, at times, fascinating but not in a good way. I definitely wasn’t anticipating psychedelic, medieval folk music—but that’s exactly what I got. To be honest, it wasn’t really for me. While the album has a few nice moments, much of it is steeped in mystical, whimsical sounds that just didn’t resonate with me. It felt like I was listening to the soundtrack of a Renaissance fair rather than an album I’d want to revisit. Favourite track: Springtime Promises really stood out—beautifully arranged and easy to connect with. I also enjoyed the remix of Sally Go Round the Roses; it had a more contemporary, accessible vibe. Least favourite: Lyke-Wake Dirge was the low point for me. It felt more like a scene-setter for a medieval film than a standalone song. I just couldn’t get into it. Album artwork: I actually loved the cover art. It has a cool, retro charm that perfectly captures the era and aesthetic of the album.

I found this fairly interesting. It reminds me of a more progressive "Peter, Paul and Mary" sort of sound. That said, I don't think it would be a regular listen for me... it's a bit too crunchy, granola, hippie.

I wasn't sure if I needed to talk a hike through the British countryside or get incredibly high. I think they did both.

Mediocre medieval tavern fare

Dikke nerd muziek en ook nog eens tergend saai. Enige niet middeleeuwse nummer Sally Go Round the Roses is nog het best.

Something strange and slightly listenable

Really liked this, was nice and light and fun.

Soooo Wes Anderson it hurts. Kind of nice sound to most of them though except the sitar one that was horrible. It wasn’t awful but I would be absolutely fine if I died without hearing it. Specific rating 3.1 Fav song - cold mountain Least fav- house carpenter

I enjoyed the weirdness:))

Sometimes I really enjoyed the weirdness, other times I found it a bit annoying and hard to listen to... Not music I would have listened to without the list which is fun- but also not music I'll be back to listen to again. Favourite: Train Song Least: House Carpenter

Not my cup of tea tbh, I can understand why some people like it but its weird in the wrong way for me… 2 stars seems a bit mean but idk about 3 so would rate a 2.8

It started off intriguing but I slowly lost interest as the album went on. The woman singer is pretty good, the male singer is not good. I liked the medieval-sounding aspects of the instrumentals, but sometimes things sounded too harsh at times. Overall not terrible, though.

Very unique blend of folk, rock and foreign influences. I enjoyed the complicated string melodies. They have some talented guitarists in their troupe. I like the last couple songs the most because they didn't sound like they're from medieval times. I appreciate this music for what it is but I don't know when I would ever have occasion to listen to it.

I dreamed I was camped beneath a tree, singing songs of peace to a symphony of harps and lutes. A bong in my right hand, a tambourine in the left. Then the album ended and my coding nightmare returned. I wouldn't go as far to say I liked it, it just wasn't really my style. Some tracks were relaxing and enjoyable enough, some were bit too strange.

Good edition to the Bri'ish list. Never heard anything like it.

Hippy!

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would

Surprised how much I enjoyed this.

Hard pass on this style of folk.

Fail to see what the rush is to hear this before you die

Some of this was a little more Rennaissance-faire-folk than I like but some of it was fun.

Standard British Folk album of the late 60s. Sounds very medieval! high 2/5

I wasn't too impressed with this one. The musicians are certainly tanlented, but none of these songs are going to stay with me.

In my uni days trying to present myself as some philosophy studying hippy, could well see myself pretending to dig this to impress girls. Did quite like it.

Interesting change from the recent albums but the female vocals sometimes can be annoying. Not exactly my jam.

'But when I awakened I found it not so.' When this record began I found it was not so. As it kept up, I found it was still not so. And as it came to its conclusion I found it was wholly not so. 'To purgatory fire thou com'st at last / And Christ receive thy saule.' Edmund Spenser was ridiculed for his employment of antiquated language in The Faerie Queene. If Spenser is old-school, Pentangle is grotesquely prehistoric. 'I have here a magic horn to deliver.' What's worse, you know exactly the influence an album like this had on subsequent groups stuck in the bullshit of Britishness: Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Queen, Uriah Heep, Gryphon.

I'm starting to come round to the fact that I actually seem to like British folk music. I wasn't one hundred percent sold on the vocals to begin with, but they grew on me by the time the album was done. The acoustic instrumentation is glorious throughout. The first track, Light Flight, sets a high standard, and the rest of the album is a magical journey through various styles.

Polished yet full of raw power. Lots of harmony singing. Would listen again 4.5/5

Weird mix of Renaissance Fair garbage and some actually solid folks jams here and there.

есть что-то в этом звучащем ситаре интересное, хоть и не моя история

Hippie, whiny shite.

Nice and happy mix of folk and jazz!

bands that classify themselves as “folk” tend to fall into one of two categories: more country adjacent or the type of music you might stereotypically hear at a renaissance festival. for the most part, this was the latter… and it was kind of a beating to get through, to be honest.

Not too bad. Kinda dug it.

And now for something completely different...

I enjoyed this late sixties frolic.

It’s going straight to Kiel

C'est dur là !

Maybe I am too square, but I could not find any good side in this basket. I was not enlightened by either the music or the peculiar vocals.

Interesting finding. Iwas suprised by he medieval etheral vocals that reminded me of the 4AD's Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins. It resnates as well with folk music we have here in Brittany and the 70's folk revival under the helm of Harpist, bombard and bagpipie player Alan Stivel. It also resonates with the classic Greensleeves or Scarbporough Fair. Above all, I found the album pleasing to my ears.

Quelques morceaux bien sympas mais l’album manque un peu de punch, ce petit manque lui fait rater la 3ème étoile de peu

no clue how to judge this. the first minute started very hopeful, but that more or less was the best part

Another British album on this list that seems to have reach success only in Great Britain. I was completely unfamiliar with them, but this is finally an interesting discovery. Once you get past the surprise of the vocals, the music sounds mostly pleasant, and the patterns are well-constructed and relatively rich. Listening with headphones, one can discern the folk-jazz mix, the medieval influence, as well as occasional Indian and Oriental touches. At first, I could hear some Cranberries, Alan Stivell, or Dead Can Dance in it, but it progressively switched to more uninteresting folky stuff. Whatever, I understand that the drummer has performed with Bowie or Aznavour, and It’s likely I’ll give The Pentangle another try.

Folk music from the 60s with a sprinkle of psychedelics - not horrible, but nothing to write home about. 2/5

Interesting folk album. I appreciated the technical guitar skills, but this has a bit too heavy of a hippie vibe for me.

Rating: 3.5

1- Stars (1/15)

It's ok

A soundtrack to walk through the heather and dance around the Maypole at the Shropston-upon-Cringlecrumpet Cabbage festival. It's the scene in Mary Poppins where they jump into the chalk drawing but with sitars and distorted electric guitars. Fab

Weird but fun - 3 stars

British folk rock just isn’t my thing. I don’t want to give it a one star review because it isn’t terrible or unlistenable. I’m sure lots of people like it, I just really don’t.

chill folky music with a touch of fantasy story soundtrack vibe to it. both the male an female singers carry their weight.

This is like Ren fair music almost, cool

Not really my thing. Reminds me of medieval woods. Low two, but I’m sure they are all wonderfully talented musicians, so sorry it’s not my bag, guys; faves: cold mountain (which I’m not even sure was on the original release?)

Terrible rock

Some of this is ok, but a lot borders on unlistenable. Not my jam.

Great mechanics here--the production values match the musicianship. Jazzy, folky, bluesy, rocky, percussive, harmonious, eastern, what's not to love? I came to Pentangle through Dead acquaintances, though I never heard this until now and am floored. (This would probably go great with mushrooms.) File under: Music Made For Me

To paraphrase a famous libretto from Jerry Springer the Opera: What the folk? What the folk? What the folkin’, folkin’ folk?

I have this on vinyl. It is not one of my favorites, but admittedly interesting. I like all the elements, but it gives me an anxiety like being harrassed by over zealous mistrels at a renaissance fair. It probably stems from Monty Python and the Holy Grail Tales of Brave Sir Robin.... as he bravely runs away. There is some classic late 60s CS&N folk vibes and harmonies that I love but I could do without the "Laa laa la la laa la la la la laa la"s. Funny, I think the "Hunting Song" is great musically sans vocals.

This album managed to thread the needle. If I'm being honest, I tend to dislike "music like this" based on its premise — too many druids jangling in the forest for my taste. But, not so! I found myself being won over — over and over again — by the performances and general aesthetic of this recording. I kept thinking... OK, here we go. This is where the album is going to fall off the rails. And it never did. So, did I love it? Hard to say. I certainly liked it more than I could have expected, and for that it gets the 4 (assuming I'm rounding up). It was swimming against the current of my curmudgeon and brought me to a little oasis in the forest. Druids and all.

Whoever recorded that bass crushed it. It's so visceral and perfect. I was familiar with the opener and Sally Go Round the Roses. Both of those are fantastic. The rest didn't grab me, even though I appreciated the excellent musicianship. 2.5, rounded up to 3 just cause.

I listened to half of one track and decided it wasn't for me. Not bad or good, just not for me.

Different but way better than I figured it would be. I enjoyed it.

Nicely dated 1960's album. Folk county nursery??

Okay, had never heard of these peeps but I dig. Could see myself turning on the "radio" for this group on spotify and jamming all afternoon.

Some weird ren faire shit. But its interesting. I'll give it that. 2.5... rounding down.

I was not expecting this to be so damn good. Those key changes and harmonies are borderline miraculous. They're a sort of unplugged Led Zep.

A bit too medieval on my ears.

Extremely folky, which was entertaining at first but got a little old.

yeah no...1 star.

Someone discovered Dorian mode and just kept going with it.

Not my cup of tea

Ugh, more weird random music that I bet no one, even in the UK, remembers.

Sounded like hari Krishna

Easy going, not bad. Not a big fan of folk music.

This is not as big a revelation for me as Fairport Convention, but it's still solid.

Quite surprised that this album has turned up on the list. I know it well but always thought it was a bit obscure. It was popular at time of release largely due to the hit Light Flight but then forgotten in the mist of time. Which is my own experience as I’d also forgotten what a corker of an album it is. I guess the reason why it is on the list is to include and highlight the mastermind behind the album Bert Jansch. He was a brilliant guitarist and his list of influences is a who’s who of great musicians. So again following this list has come up with the goods. This time not for introducing me to a new album but for reminding me of a great one I loved back in the day and lost touch with but not anymore. 5/5 14/2/25

Not for me

On the contrary to GJS, I did enjoy the voice and the 60's vibe. Some indi vibes as well that I enjoyed. Nice discovery here.

A bit of a mixed bag here. I like a bit of folk music, and really enjoyed the Fairport Convention album I got from about the same time as this. But this doesn’t work as well for me. A bit too trad in terms of arrangement maybe at times - I much preferred the bluesier stuff like Sally go round the roses. And I do like a trad arr tune. Overall a little disappointing.

Oddly whimsical. Floaty falsetto. Makes me want to gather round a campfire with friends and chant and prance around.

Cool vibe. Literally never heard this before.

Meh.

I liked the more country inspired tracks at the end, the rest of the album didn't do much for me.

Music was enjoyable. Not a fan of the vocals. Not my cup of tea.

Mercy Creek but spookier and more acid.

2.8 That wasn't bad... But it certainly wasn't good. Nice to have on in the back for a bit, wasn't helped by the guys vocals being way more weaker and unsure of himself than the lasses, and in general pretty bland folk that ran out of steam towards the end. Definitely wouldn't be recommending this to anyone, but I can't say I'm upset i know it exists.

This maypole shit is fine for a song or two, but quickly wore out it’s welcome with me.

Nicht so mein Fall aber ganz nett. 2 Sterne.

Oh, this is lovely. The vocals are so enchanting, and so is the medieval-esque instrumentation.

I get why it’s influential, I get why it’s noteworthy, I just think it sucks.

No

81% Best: Light Flight; Train Song; Sally Go Round the Roses Must-Hear? On the fence...it's better than the average score on here indicates.

If you're into Renaissance festivals and shit, this might be your jam.

What is this? Is this renaissance faire music? Hard pass. You could change it to 1000 albums to listen to before you die and kill me before I listen to this again. This sounds like the music the guy was playing in Animal House before Bluto smashes his guitar .

This is so weird it's like kinda cool but it definitely as someone else described it seems like medieval music haha this wasn't the worst folk rock album I've ever heard but man it was a other random album for the list haha

Saw the name Pentangle and I was expecting some satanic metal, instead I was surprised by a English folk jazz group with a renn-faire twist. Fun fact- they provided the theme song and music for the first BBC TV show in color?

interesting. never heard of this kind of music before

I sort of love this and sort of hate it. (ntm)

Ugh folk tunes.

On par with some of the Beatles.

Accoustic and lyric

Pleasant enough neo medieval stuff. Good for the right mood.

Groupe totalement inconnu. 23 eme album classé comme folk généré dans la liste, mais premier que je prend plaisir à écouter. J'aime beaucoup l'instrumentation (contrebasse, duo de guitare intéressant) et les voix (en particulier féminine). J'aime aussi les influences multiples de ce groupe (traditionnelles, médiévales) qui donne un mélange vraiment unique (Lyke-Wake Dirge +++). Je ne suis pas sur de l’intégrer à ma collection, mais je le ré-écouterais avec plaisir. =>3.5/5

2 stars for novelty.

This album sacrifices any sense of identity or charm to create music that no one asks for. This a renaissance fair of an album. It is a simulacra of a time that has only existed in Dungeons and Dragons. I give it 2 stars because I think it would be funny to play during DnD or while tripping. Favorite song is Hunter Song.

I didn’t realize there were so many of these British folk revival acts in the 60s and 70s. I also didn’t realize that this is supposed to be important music in some way. This one was worse than Fairport Convention and the other one we had of this genre. I couldn’t get in to any of it despite kind of enjoying that faux medieval sound. There’s a dirge in the middle of it that is just the worst choice out of every interesting traditional song there is. Points for the talent it takes to play and arrange all this stuff, but man this was not engaging.

Nope.

Not the typical folk album. A little different with some elements of world music. Kinda like when your friend goes abroad and picks up the culture and makes it their entire personality. Anyway it was alright

For some reason, I can handle the mysticism and Lord of the Rings-type songs when it comes to Led Zeppelin. That could be because they are a good band. One of the lyrics to "This Party Sucks" by the Wonder Years popped up in my head as I listened to this album: "I can't believe I ended up here again Watching this terrible band play songs I hate in the basement I can't believe that I got stuck here again While the kid with the dreads tells me he's smarter on acid" This is a "supergroup" of sorts. I have heard of only one of the members in this supergroup and that would be Bert Jansch. I listened to the deluxe edition and could not help but laugh when I saw there are three versions of Sally Go Round the Roses. I feel like it is a microcosm of this album and how this band seems very proud of themselves for doing nothing different of note. There is the regular version that is track 7, a re-recording in 2001 (most likely taking advantage of all the new technology 32 years later that will allow the band to add nothing new to the song) and a version that is a re-recording BUT...it's a longer version! "How much longer," is the question I asked myself. 2 seconds. It is 2 seconds longer than the re-recorded version. If the production engineer sneezed at the end of the song and forgot to stop recording, that could qualify a song as a longer track. The cover of the album is a picture of the band on a stage that looks like it could be lowered into lights that look a bit like the stereotypical view of what Hell would look like. It's a quality metaphor. Listening to this album makes a person wonder if simply lowering oneself into Hell would not be a less painful experience. Perhaps I'm being hard on this album but it is essentially everything I hate about the folk-rock era of the 60's. Trite band name, songs about like wizards and warlocks and shit and a feeling like I'm being forced to listen to someone's acid trip.

I thought it was great! something about folk music just scratches a particular itch in my brain....i always love the melodies and arrangements and this album was no exception. it definitely seemed to lean more in the trad folk direction rather than folk rock in my opinion, but i thought everything sounded great and it was fun to listen to...i'll definitely have to check out some of the other albums from this group as well!

What a slog to get through. Vocals are very dull, and musically nothing to look out for. *Comic book guy voice* worst renaissance fair ever!

This is dumb.

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

I liked this more than I thought I would. I preferred the female vocalist's voice to the male's - he seemed a little out of tune sometimes. But I liked the overall vibe. Solid three.

Wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe prog like pink Floyd. But was quiet pleasant British folk, not something I know a lot about very much. Not as twee as thought that music would be, enjoyed if felt attention drifted a little as it went on.

I would've been happier if this album was an instrumental one. The vocals aren't bad but I just feel like they don't fit.

I’d decorate a Christmas tree to this album.

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.

I had never heard of Pentangle before listening to this album. I guess I enjoyed it- it really kind of felt like background music to me. I liked the use of vocal harmonies and overlapping melodies, but the songs all kind of blended together. The technical skills of the musicians were nice though. Overall- decent album, just not really for me. I could see how it was influential to other musicians. Id probably give it a 2.5/5 but I think itcan be bumped up to 3.

Great bass playing, Train Song was the highlight. 3 butter churning maidens out of 5

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.

Chill, 60s. Lots of sitar :/

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

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.

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.

Folk Ungewöhnliche Instrumente: Sitar, Glockenspiel Sehr klangvolle Sängerin

kitschy folk music, mixture of both original songs and traditional songs. it's a very earthy album, with a bit of middle eastern and renaissance influence. the vocals are an acquired taste. it's definitely not the strangest voices i've heard, but something about the vaguely operatic qualities and almost sarcastic, emotionless tones makes tracks feel a little.. odd. there's no denying how elegant and dreamy how a lot of these tracks are, and i can appreciate the merit.

What in the Skyrim

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.

Very medieval. Pleasant music, interesting instruments, and very lyrical. But not very creative.

Not my thing.

6/10 Folk music that's pleasant enough. I love the choice to use some outside the box instrumentation. 12-31-2024

good folk album, reminded me of Eddie from Ohio.

Average...

The music had some interesting parts, but the vocals are just not my bag.

Part Renaissance Faire, part church service. No thanks.

Really weird and not my style. Also why is the same song on there 3 times? 3/10

It's not bad, but it is a bit snoozefest after some songs.

• 2/5 • Not a fan of folk or ancient music and this seems a blend of both • Admirable musicianship though, especially the percussion

3.5

Trochę muzyka dla ludzi w polarach. Coś pomiędzy oazą, harcerstwem a średniowiecznym festiwalem. Przyjemnie się słuchało, ale nie mam pojęcia, co ta płyta robi na tej liście. 6.5/10

A good album, I liked Lyke-Wake Dirge

Not bad but only listenable for a couple songs before it started to grate on my nerves

Not for me

yeah not a fan

2/10 Thought it would be ok but i was mistaken. Vocals sound like tinnitus Favourite Song= Least Favourite Song=

For real this is some of the best psychedelic folk you can find. Not for everyone but a worthy effort

A painfully uneventful folk album

I wanted to like this album a lot more than I did. I really didn't connect with the traditional covers or the original songs. I appreciate the performances and could certainly hear this playing in a pub somewhere, but just not for me

Δεν ειναι μουσικη πως πιστευω θα ταιριαζε στα ακουσματα μου ή σε καποια περισταση. Μαρεσουν τα vocals το ξυλοφωνο, καποιες λεπτομερειες στη παραγωγη. Παρ'ολ' αυτα it doesnt "move me". Επισης ενα σχολιο ειναι οτι σε καποια κομματια τα vocals μου θυμιζουν εκκλησιαστικη χορωδια

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

I generally struggle to find my way into folk music, so when I read the overview of this album I was kinda dreading the experience. Then add to that the fact I'd never heard of Pentangle until now. Thankfully those fears were unfounded. Yes, it's folk music, but there are layers to it that bring in other genres too, and in ways that feel natural. The variety of vocals also keeps things interesting, rather than just having one singer. My only complaint really is that the version I listened to with my daughter today (linked from here) was the deluxe edition, which has 3 versions of "Sally Go Round the Roses" for some reason. It's a decent song, but not worth repeating when there's not much difference between them (unless I missed something). Otherwise it's pretty good. I don't know that I'd put it in my regular rotation, but I wouldn't mind revisiting it periodically.

Today, this feels like a weird mix. It's mostly traditional British folk songs, but they had an interesting jazz feel occasionally on the first side. The second seems to trade that out entirely for either a straightforward interpretation, or what feels like making them "churchy," and I mean European churchy, with sustained tones, drones, and any fun beaten out of it by nuns, despite the fact that it's Protestant. I didn't hate it, but I think I only had a slight moment of interest once early on. I very much appreciate music history and preservation, but I rarely got the impression that this was adding to the work, as opposed to merely performing it. That doesn't make it bad, it just means I don't really care about it, especially in relation to this project.

Actually a pretty good medieval folk music from UK, nothing extravagant, just a solid effort.the album has similar issue to all non-popular genres - it's getting tiring to listencto after a while. So it's nice to learn about something new, but I won't come back to check rest of Pentangle's discography.

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

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.

I like folk music, but this is so folk it's almost a parody at times. The female vocalist seems to come right out of a tavern in a D&D game.

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!!! :)

Not super interesint to me. Was feeling a little tough so I am going to bput it on the 2 side of a 2.5 but it was probably close,

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.

I like more folk in my folk than this. It seems to mix folk, jazz, blues, country and the Swingle Singers. Not something I’d listen to twice.

All in all, it all smacks of over-serious look-how-wonderful-we-are folky nonsense that is good in small doses, but grates massively after a while. Also, why are there three basically identical versions of one song on here?

Meh

great witchy folk music

2.5 rounded up while i did enjoy this more than liege and lief, i’m still not fully sold on traditional folk highlights: light flight, lyke-wake dirge, train song (mar 27 2026)

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.

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.

decent

Usually not my style, but this was nice enough.

This was wonderful.

This was a weird one. Kind of felt like music that plays at the end of a Nordic murder mystery episode.

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

Best Song: Light Flight. Very hippy in a pleasant way. Worst Song: I Saw An Angel. The female vocals were the best part of this album, so their absence here was very disappointing. Overall: Pretty standard folk rock. The female vocals were really nice, but the rest was just okay. Didn't hate it, but don't know when I would return to it.

I approached this warily, but it had its good moments.

Psychedelic cult folk

Nope

Highlight: Springtime Promises In a nutshell: medieval sounding psychedelic folk. I could see this band opening for Donovan or The Mamas and The Papas in the 60’s. The band members are talented, no doubt about it. Too much falsetto, glockenspiel mixed too far forward, sitar was an odd inclusion. Overall: 2/10

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

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'

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!

Es prachtsbispel vum ne album wo a mir verbigseglet isch, wie Pirate a de Strass vo Gibraltar. Han au nüm möge namal drihlose. Darum au klar Fangbecki: 3 eierliqörs für das album