Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger‎ - Chorus From The Gallows (1960)

Ewan MacColl was one of the architects of the folksong revival. Whether as an interpreter of ancient ballads or as a writer of new songs, he influenced almost everyone involved in folk music in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. He brought the same skill and understanding to songs of Britain’s industrial cities, ballads of Scots history and lyrics from the English countryside. His own compositions, many of which have passed into the common currency of folk music, are featured both on his own albums and on The Radio-Ballads.

Chorus From The Gallows, released in 1960, opens with the tale of Craig and Derek Bentley and closes with "Go Down Ye Murderers," which relates the story of Timothy John Evans, convicted and executed for murders he did not commit, both true and awful stories from the annals of 20th century British justice.

While MacColl, in collaboration with partner Peggy Seeger, visits a number of traditional ballads of criminal misfortune, the underlying theme here is one of protest against the vagaries of the justice system in both England and America. Despite the odd attempt of levity, the unremitting darkness of the material is likely to put some listeners off. For all that, this is a vital piece of work from the British folk movement of the 1950s - 1960s.                


Tracklist:

A1	Derek Bentley
A2	The Black Velvet Band
A3	Jamie Raeburn's Farewell
A4	Johnny O' Breadiesley
A5	Hughie The Graeme
A6	Minorie
A7	The Treadmill Song
B1	Turpin Hero
B2	The Crafty Farmer
B3	McKaffery
B4	Jimmy Wilson
B5	The Lag's Song
B6	Van Dieman's Land
B7	Go Down Ye Murderers

Ewan MacColl with Peggy Seeger‎ - Chorus From The Gallows            
(ca. 250 kbps, cover art included)