Steeleye Span’s Present (2002), a huge favourite of mine, stands as a majestic tribute to the band’s golden years, a celebration of their 35-year journey in the folk rock movement. Unlike a conventional greatest hits collection, Present offers a fresh take on their most iconic songs, re-recorded with the confidence and expertise that only decades of experience can bring. It’s an album that doesn’t just look back – it reinterprets, refines, and ultimately reaffirms why Steeleye Span remains one of the most enduring names in British folk music.

What makes Present so special is how it balances nostalgia with renewal. These are not mere replicas of the original recordings; instead, they showcase the evolution of the band’s sound. The production is clearer, richer, and more dynamic, highlighting the textures of their electrified folk arrangements in a way that earlier versions couldn’t always capture. Maddy Prior’s vocals, as commanding as ever, soar over Peter Knight’s violin work and the band’s tight instrumentation, proving that their chemistry has only deepened over time.

The tracklist reads like a journey through Steeleye Span’s most defining moments. From the haunting acapella of Gaudete to the rollicking energy of All Around My Hat, the band revisits the songs that shaped their legacy. Thomas the Rhymer and Cam Ye O’er Frae France showcase their ability to fuse traditional ballads with rock energy, while deeper cuts remind listeners of the band’s remarkable depth. Hearing these songs with updated recordings adds a sense of rediscovery, even for long-time fans who have played the originals countless times.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Present is how effortlessly Steeleye Span proves the timelessness of their music. Many bands attempt to revisit their classics, only to sound like faded echoes of their past. Not so here. These recordings pulse with life, as if Steeleye Span is reminding the world why their work mattered in the first place. The passion, the precision, and the unmistakable character of their sound remain as potent as ever.

In the end, Present is far more than an anniversary project – it’s a statement. It confirms Steeleye Span’s status as pioneers who have never lost their edge. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to their music, this album serves as both a retrospective and a testament to the staying power of electrified folk. It’s a love letter to their legacy, delivered with the same energy that made them legends in the first place.