Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy’s second album, Common Tongue — which, like the first, is recorded with their daughter Eliza — is as graceful and moving as their first collaboration. Waterson:Carthy doesn’t depart from traditional English folk, but the depth and skill of all three musicians is so rich that they don’t need to depart from the form — they make the music seem vibrant, timeless and vital. All three voices blend together effortlessly, making even murder ballads sound beautiful. Common Tongue is a remarkable record, and it affirms that all three musicians are in the forefront of British folk in the ’90s. – Thom Owens