Shelagh Mcdonald - Let No Man Steal Your Thyme: Anthology
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Free Music Notes for Let No Man Steal Your Thyme: Anthology
Free Music Review: Undeserving obscurity for a fantastic singer
Hit: 5 Stars
For years I've been gathering folk(rock) records, and I just can't believe I missed Shelagh McDonald's work completely. Quite rightly singers like Sandy Denny have worn the folk crown, but Shelagh McDonald surely belongs to that select group of folk royalty.
This anthology consists of the 2 official albums Shelagh McDonald has released plus some demo's, live performances and tracks that were left off the albums.
The 2 songs that start the anthology are early live tracks, and show a clear American folk influence. Then "Mirage", the first track of "The Shelagh McDonald Album" follows and on hearing that I was hooked. In fact, I love the whole of that album and especially Shelagh's own songs, although Robert Kirby's arrangements (famous for working with Nick Drake) are a bit on the sumptuous side. Shelagh knows how to rock as well as is evidenced by "Jesus is just alright" which was left off the album as it was deemed too different from the rest.
The second cd of this collection is even better, as almost all songs are by Shelagh, with the notable exception of the trad song "Dowie Dens of Yarrow", which is truly glorious - I've never heard a better version. "Baby go slow", with backing vocals by Mac and Katie Kissoon might have entered the pop charts without compromise, and all remaining songs are very strong, most particularly "Stargazer" and "Odyssey".
As has been written elsewhere, miss McDonald has been "missing" since the release of her second album, returning to Scotland and never heard of again. Funnily enough, one could almost hear her departure coming in some of her lyrics ("Liz's song", "City's cry"), be they autobiographical or no. She may have led a happy life since, but it is a sad loss for folk music lovers! I certainly have joined that wondering crowd that has been touched by the magic of her voice and music.
Free Music Review: Anne Briggs, Jacqui, Sandy ... and Shelagh McDonald
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, I hate to introduce a personal element, but halfway through track three I was fighting back tears, to hear this lovely, lost voice from 35 years ago.
She seemed to have all the gifts: a dark-haired Scottish beauty with the voice of an angel, and real skill on acoustic guitar and piano. Like her contemporaries Duncan Browne and Nick Drake, Shelagh's songs are at once innocent and knowing; they beguile the listener, disarm the cynic.
The story of her brief, sad sojourn in music does not bear repeating here, but with hindsight there is a tremendous poignancy in these tales of young women adrift in London.
True, a debt to Joni Mitchell looms large behind some of the songs, but that's no disgrace; Mitchell influenced numerous artists of the time, including Fairport Convention.
A large contingent of the British folk brigade can be heard herein, but their contributions enhance rather than overwhelm. There are some seriously heavy players, yet McDonald is equal to the challenge. Listen to the way her piano locks in with Richard Thompson's ringing guitar at the end of Odyssey.
Likewise, on The Dowie Dens Of Yarrow, Fotheringay bassist Pat Donaldson, Mighty Baby's Ian Whiteman on organ and Fairport drummer Dave Mattacks lay down a mesmerising groove, but it is Shelagh's voice that tears the heart in two. If nothing else, you should at least hear this awesome piece of music.
Thank God for this collection, because it lifts Shelagh McDonald to the place where she belongs: in the pantheon of great British female folk singers.
Free Music Review: A Revelation!
Hit: 5 Stars
I was introduced to Shelagh McDonald via Fairport Convention's 'Fairport Companion' CD, which is a compilation of various artists the various Fairporters have played with over the years. When her song 'Odyssey' came on I had a revelation that I'd heard it 30 years ago. I recalled being struck by it then, but not catching the name of the woman singing it. Of course I was sure I'd make the connection next time, but I never did. It was just a terrific song at two a.m., that seemed to get lost forever. Anyway, one of the great tragedies in the music world is that Shelagh made only these two albums. A great songwriter, with a voice to rival Sandy Denny. If I had to take just 5 CDs to the proverbial desert island, this would be one of them.Free Music Review: Don't miss it. You need to hear this.
Hit: 5 Stars
If you're a fan of Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, and most of the British folk-rock scene of the late 60's and early 70's, you need to hear this. It's actually much, much better than I expected after I read about her. The voice is terrific, but the real surprise here is the songs, many of which are stunning. Even the demos are excellent. It's tragic to think that she just disappeared one day and never recorded again; it's pretty clear there would have been a lot more great material from her. Let's be glad we have this much.Free Music Review: Lost gem
Hit: 5 Stars
Shelagh McDonald's music is more than just a piece of British folk rock history -- it is the kind of songwriting that is capable of transforming new generations of musicians, if only they finally get a chance to discover her. She is still very under the radar, as it were -- sort of like the way Nick Drake was mostly unheard of until the mid-90s. Her music is gorgeous, intimate, sly, and sometimes haunted. Get this collection!