Written by Nick Drake’s mum Molly, this is from the album Diversions Volume Four and very sweet it is too.
The Unthanks: What Can a Song Do To You?
Square
A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
Written by Nick Drake’s mum Molly, this is from the album Diversions Volume Four and very sweet it is too.
The Unthanks made a good TV documentary a few years ago about the old traditions, customs and festivals that still exist in many English towns. Tar-barrelling, guising, mummers, that kind of thing. I loved it!
“Tar barrelling” is something they do in the North-East town of Allendale, which is Unthanks country, at New Year. I even went up there after seeing the programme, I liked the look of the place so much. (I didn’t go during the tar-barrelling mind). It’s a good place to visit. The journey there, if you go over the Hartside Pass and through Alston, is breathtaking. Who needs the Alps or the Costa Brava?
Are you a fan of Kathryn Tickell at all Alan? Northumbria’s finest. She is great in concert, although her records are mostly a bit disappointing after the live experience. (I think the same about the Unthanks too).
Also, is that Gabrielle Drake doing the spoken bits on the record?