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‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed’ demands attention (November 11, 2009) There is an album of earthy power and striking presence. Now you can’t say that of every new album – but then again this is from two highly skilled purveyors of English folk music. Featuring eight piercingly precise Steve Knightley songs combined with Phil Beer’s commanding musicianship, the 20th album from Show of Hands is a powerhouse of English folk. ‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed’ demands attention and if some people find its content vaguely disturbing that’s good because they should be disturbed.
The album mixes personal reflections, traditional songs, intense observations and ‘better-than-the-original’ covers. The individual views look at the world through experienced and wearied eyes, yet sometimes speak of hope and promise. “The Man I Was’ is a frank confession on becoming someone different as the years roll by but hoping for the future. ‘The Vale’ adds Jackie Oates’ effortless, silky tones to Steve’s mournful vocals to create an experience of unadulterated beauty. ‘Drift’ is one of those songs that reach out to touch people. That includes anyone who has ever spent time in a hospital waiting while the system cares for a loved one and experienced the numbing ennui brought about by the ‘limbo-from-life’ atmosphere that pervades such places. Representing the English tradition are ‘Lowlands’ a sad lament for a dead love – a great version that opens the album. And there's that celebration of true love for love's sake ‘The Keys of Canterbury’ – a vigorous arrangement with an insistent edge. Along with the pithy power of the title track, ‘The Napoli’
gives another passionate expression on life in England. Steve asserts that just
below the thin veneer of respectable society many people wear the coat of the
thief and the pirate. Inspired by the several hundred people that took whatever
they could grab when the Napoli
beached at Branscombe off the Devon coast. And then there are the covers. Steve’s voice adds an intense edge to Dylan’s ‘Senor’ (Tales of Yankee Power) - exactly how that song should sound. While Phil’s voice delivers a unique take on Peter Gabriel’s ‘Secret World’. Joining Steve and Phil on the album is their regular double bass player Miranda Sykes plus on various tracks: Jackie Oates (vocals) Andy Tween (cajon, percussion, drums) Stu Hanna (guitar) Jim Causley (vocals) Dave Delarre (vocals, guitar) James Delarre (vocals, fiddle) Debbie Hanna (vocals) and Matt Clifford (piano). To sum up ‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed’ - incisive lyrics, insistent vocals and inspired musicianship. Show of Hands remain the most popular duo in English folk – this album proves why they hold that position. Click here to return to the Album Reviews page
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That’s the point of the eponymous ‘Arrogance, Ignorance and
Greed’ and it’s a sharp point. Unfortunately, I doubt that too many of its
subjects know that folk music exists, much less take any notice. Nonetheless,
Steve has written a biting, accurate condemnation of the financial and
political robbers that satiate themselves at the expense of the common man.