13 September 2009

Show of Hands

"Show of Hands" is an English folk-rock band whose songs express what might be called "cultural patriotism". Band leaders Steve Knightley and Phil Beer hail from Devon and Cornwall in south-western England, the least-urban part of the country. Their songs repay careful listening -- the lyrics are the heart of the music.

Their best song among those I've heard is, I think, Country Life, which -- well, it speaks for itself. It will resonate with you, even if you aren't English.

Their most popular song is Roots, inspired by a Christian minister who said that his "vision of Hell" was three Somerset folk singers in a pub. You'll see what I mean about "cultural patriotism".

Finally, there's Flood -- again, their songs repay careful listening. It's not just about water.

The band's own website is here.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a great group, I've not heard of them before. Thanks for that, Infidel.

13 September, 2009 22:31  
Blogger Ranch Chimp said...

Never heard of the musician's myself. But they have a very fresh and tight sound to them for this time.No wonder they do well,I think they would do well in the USA, especially in Texas even.Nice content to the lyric.

Thanx........

14 September, 2009 04:11  

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