Customer Reviews
What a discovery - By: Mrs. S. R. Wray, 16 Jul 2008 
I like to listen to Jerry Anderson on BBC Radio Ulster, he's really funny (although when my English Nephew was visiting he couldn't understand a word anyone on the show was saying) & he plays nice folk music. I heard the song 'village green appreciation society' a few times on his show, & thought it was brill (I don't remember the Kinks version.) I surfed the net to find who sang it, & came across Kate Rusby - what a discovery! I bought this album on the strength of that one track, & have played it nearly to death already. I like all the songs, as well a loving Kate's accent (I spent two yearsin Leeds when I was at college, & it brings me back to those happy times.) Buy it. Play it. Love it.
Worth it for the Kinks reworking - By: Beerdadtwy, 08 May 2008 How can anyone who has heard this album agree with the creature who gave it 1 star? Whilst it's not my favourite KR set, it shines like a diamondin the dross of contemporary music & is worth the purchase price for the kinks rework from Jam & Jerusalem.
Sure to please all folk fans. - By: Fergal Woods, 01 Mar 2008 
This is one of Kate's best albums. In the past she has tended to overload her selections with the same themes, many of them quite despondent. Despite her unfortunate personal problems she has somehow managed to come up with a greater share of "up" songs. It's a policy I hope she maintains.Her voice is as sweet as ever,her production soundsin no way inferior to John McCusker, & she has enlisted a couple of new backing musicians to add to her usual retinue. This has helped to freshen things up.Chris Thile does a lovely harmony (along with Eddi Reader)on High on a Hill, plays mandolin & is joined by the excellent John Doyle on another track. The tracks I enjoy most are her own originals, which is another encouraging sign for the future.The title track has a gorgeous lilt which makes me, at any rate, want to sing along with it every time I play it!
Was a little disappointed with Blooming Heather described here as "traditional".The song is better known as "Wild Mountain Thyme" or "Go Lassie, Go" & was written by Francie McPeake , who I believe was from Belfast.I don't like the male vocal line used either,so this does not replace Sean Tyrrell as my favourite version. The album's closer is the old Ray Davies song " The Village Green Preservation Society" which is every bit as successful as it is surprising,and is an inspired selection.You can't really go wrong buying this album !
TIME FOR A RETHINK - By: MikeyG, 08 Feb 2008 
I've been a fan of Kate's since I bought her early albums including the ones she did with Kathryn Roberts & Equation. However, this is her worst yet, which is perhaps forgivable considering the circumstances of its evolution.
She says herself on the sleeve notes that this album was tough to make and, frankly, it shows. It's a family effort with brother helping out with the production & doing the mixing - which is very patchy. The best track on the album, 'The Streams of Lovely Nancy' is ruined by the intrusion of the now seemingly obligatory brass band while 'Blooming Heather' is quite the worst rendering of this beautiful song that I have ever heard. Far from enhancing the piece, the intervention of operatic tenor, John Hudson, is seriously misplaced.
Kate should review her direction once she's over her obvious distress at the failure of her marriage. A return to her roots would be a good idea as well as getting some much needed professional helpin production & mixing techniques.
Given this, I'm sure her next album will signal a return to form from the Barnsley Nightingale.
what a sublime surprise - By: grubasura, 25 Jan 2008 I love taking risks with my music don't you? Having heard the calming Village Green Preservation Society & a brief look at all the reviews here I divedin & bought this CD. Five stars! What more can I say. It's a beautiful album & perfect for those mellow days.
