Early Classics

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Album Information

Total Tracks: 14   Total Length: 63:33

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A Good Place to Start

SteveFord

Pentangle were one three English folk groups to achieve some sort of pop star status in the early 70's, the others being Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. Pentangle's jazz leanings endeared them to some listeners, while others passed them buy for the same reason. By coincidence, all three groups had outstanding female vocalists - Pentangle's Jaqui McShee, Span's Maddy Prior, and Fairport's Sandy Denny. This fine collection is a good place to start. Like all compilations it has its shortcomings and it won't satisfy diehard fans , but it certainly represents Pentangle at their peak.

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They Say All Music Guide

A 14-song, 63-minute collection (originally a double LP) comprising many of the highlights (but no “Light Flight”) of the original group’s history from 1968 through 1972. The notes are minimal, and there are no original release dates or any identification of the albums (The Pentangle, Sweet Child, Basket of Light, Cruel Sister, etc.) whence this material originated. The latter are the only flaws in what is otherwise a fine if not completely comprehensive cross-section of the group’s work, showcasing their many and varied sides — Bert Jansch’s, Danny Thompson’s, and Terry Cox’s jazz leanings in “Train Song,” John Renbourn’s more traditional approach in “Let No Man Steal Your Thyme,” their forays into medieval music (“Lyke-Wake Dirge”) and progressive folk (“House Carpenter,” “Bruton Town”), etc., much of it projected by Jacqui McShee’s clear, soaring vocals. The CD also highlights their early records’ effective use of stereo as a format for their contrasting technique, especially among the guitars and the rhythm section. – Bruce Eder

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