Waterson:Carthy features the music of Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy, a man thought of almost as a living god by some in the folk world, and Eliza Carthy, one of the new generation of folk artists.
The songs on the album are of a traditional nature, but tragically most are still relevant in a modern
world as they cover subjects as diverse as unemployment, illicit sex, in a way that's often more blatant than today's songwriters would risk, violence both physical and emotional, directed at both groups and individuals, something which by it's self shows how slowly and how little society changes.
Each takes their turn at performing lead vocal duties and all have their own approach to the material,
check out "The Light Dragoon" for a song performed with a curiously erotic edge.
This is an album that scant half way through the decade is more than capable of setting the standards by which much of the traditional material of the 90s will be judged in years to come and whilst vastly different from June Tabor & The Oyster Band's "Freedom & Rain" is as capable of appealing to a wide range of roots fans.
As importantly you get the feeling that Waterson:Carthy enjoyed making this album and they get hat sense of joy and belief in what they are doing across.
"Waterson:Carthy" is an album it's very easy to gush over and whilst I'm the first to admit that folk isn't everybody's cup of tea, this certainly is a healthy brew.
