STEELEYE SPAN/TEN MAN MOP OR MR. RESERVOIR BUTLER RIDES AGAIN PEG-9 (-71) UK

The band's third LP and the last produced by Sandy Robertson. It was also the final including Ashley Hutchings, who left soon after displeased with some of the musical direction. Though the album is regarded a musical highlight by many fans I've never seen it as that special, more a worthy part of their early history. Inspiring song choices from British folklore with beautiful vocals to a heuristic backing is what they did at the time, but I miss the vocal collaboration between Maddy Prior and Gay Woods from the debute and as a I am a simple man often prefer the bass/drum arrangements common on their later albums. That said it's still a gem because of the total package. The audio is stunning and sleeve design prodigal. As the story goes the first press cover was so expensive to make the band actually lost money on each sold copy and had to pitch in to cover the cost. A sturdy fold/out with leathery structure and vintage images surrounded by thick gold print, also used on spine. It came with a large eight page quality paper booklet containing track list, song facts and member pics plus a batique style inner. First press on Pegasus, a label that only lasted about a year 1971-72. First UK vinyl reissue 1976 on Mooncrest (CREST 9). Earliest US 1976 on Chrysalis (CHR 1121), second 1984 vinyl and 1989 CD on Shanachie (79049). 2006 2-CD releases had four studio bonus cuts and a 1971 radio concert enclosed. Very first UK with labels as shown here and the cover features mentioned above. (BRYF*) (FÄV*) (SÖPX*)