This is part of Topic's The Voice Of The People series.
The 14th entry in Topic Records' ambitious Voice of the People series, a 20-volume survey of traditional music from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales during the 20th century, Troubles They Are But Few lightens things up a bit and features dance tunes, humorous pieces and other delightful scraps of nonsense. Compiled and annotated by Reg Hall, each of the individual volumes works as a thematic unit, and this one is no exception. Highlights include Ramblin' Jack Elliott's take on "Old Johnny Booger," recorded during Elliott '60s stay in the U.K., Austin Flanagan's version of "John Barleycorn" (called here "The Barley Grain"), and some wonderful melodeon work by Percy Brown on "Old Joe, The Boat Is Going Over." Taken as a whole, the Voice of the People project is a monumental and impressive achievement. ~ Steve Leggett
