Music of the Day, 2 February 2025

clearly retro, but also nowtro

After last year’s winter holidays had passed, I realized that other than the winter solstice, it’s much more accurate to say I observe holidays than celebrate them. I’m just not tied to them any more.

Perhaps because I have a wider circle of pagan friends and acquaintances now,¹ I hear more about important days in those traditions. Being rooted in nature, they resonate with me … so perhaps eventually, I’ll start to join in some of the celebrations.

Imbolc was yesterday. I’d started hearing about it a couple of weeks ago, but my intention to observe rather than celebrate made it too easy for it to slip my mind. Or maybe my mind slipped yesterday, distracted by tasks and trivialities—either way, I didn’t remember until today. And when I did recall it, a song that’s probably best viewed as “Imbolc adjacent” came to mind.

“All Around My Hat” has its origins in a 19th-century British song; best I can recall, this version by Steeleye Span is the only one I’ve heard. Listening to it today for the first time in decades and with a broader context in mind, I see connections to Imbolc in their version, which is from a 1975 album of the same name.

Maddy Prior’s lovely voice is perfect for the song; it’s clear and rich. The luscious harmonies support her beautifully and add depth that makes the song easy to enjoy on repeat.² The music is also complex, with the low end giving the tune a driving edge. The other Steeleye Span members for this album are: Tim Hart (dulcimer, guitar, and vocals); Bob Johnson (guitar and vocals); Rick Kemp (bass and vocals); Peter Knight (mandolin, violin, and vocals); and Nigel Pegrum (drums and flute).

Checking my music library, I was stunned to see that I have 20 Steeleye Span albums, spanning 1970–2001. But I shouldn’t have been surprised: I had several friends who were really into fantasy stuff, filk and folk music, etc., and I’m sure that’s where they came from.

But rather than listen to any of those albums or related artists’ music, I’m mightily tempted to rewatch A Mighty Wind, which a professional musician and dear friend introduced me to last year. I do get tired of replaying some music,³ but I don’t think I’ll ever tire of seeing Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara together.

1. also because I’m paying more attention than I used to

2. i can’t be the only person who listens on repeat just to try to identify each line of the harmony’s movement

3. especially certain genres … and folk is one of them