Steeleye Span - Bonny Moorhen (1984)

Steeleye Span are undoubtedly one of the best folk-rock bands that the UK has ever produced, and they are still going strong nearly 50 years after their first album came out. Over that time they've recorded the odd song that hasn't made the cut for one of their albums, although not as many as you'd think considering their longevity. There were a couple of exclusive b-sides that are quite hard to find, and a few out-takes from their early albums, but as they progressed it tended to be live tracks that were tucked away for future use. This collection gathers up all of those rare songs onto one album, including their theme tune to a long-forgotten children's TV series from the late 80's, plus the b-side of their 1972 Christmas single 'Gaudete', where they delivered a lovely take on 'The Holly And The Ivy', after regaling us with some truly cringe-making Christmas greetings which I just had to remove. We also have an extended take of the classic 'Thomas The Rhymer' which only ever appeared on the vinyl edition of 'Original Masters', and a rare three verse 'Rave On' from 1972.  

Track listing

01 General Taylor (out-take from 'Ten Man Mop' sessions 1971)
02 Bonny Moorhen (out-take from the 'Parcel Of Rogues' sessions 1973)
03 Thomas The Rhymer (long version 1974)
04 The Holly & The Ivy (b-side of 'Gaudete' 1972)
05 Rave On (long version 1972)
06 Stookey (theme to late 80's children's TV show series)
07 Lanercost (b-side of 'Somewhere In London' 1985)
08 The Boar's Head Carol (single 1977)
09 I Live Not Where I Love (previously unreleased live 1982)
10 Autumn To Spring Medley (previously unreleased live 1984)
11 Rag Doll (Four Seasons cover 1972)