Mediaeval Baebes - Salva Nos (CD 1997)

Dripping wet with pounding heart and adrenalin pumping through my veins after chasing a spectacularly violent thunderstorm over miles of open fields for several hours I sat and dried myself as I listened to the radio at two in the morning.

Perhaps I was still light in the head from the chase but I found myself transfixed by the radio. Some bloke [Mike Dicken? James Whale? Who Cares!] was talking to a group of about a dozen spectacularly attractive [or so he said] young ladies. I think it must have been the words "Miranda Sex Garden" drifting from the speakers that first caused my ears to prick up.

Some of the ladies from MSG, a group I had never heard of, sang Madrigals, Traditional Songs and the like and he played one of their songs, a "Gothic Rock" performance of a Madrigal sung "a cappella". It was a spectacular song and an even more spectacular performance.

He went on to explain the ladies had formed a new group called "Mediaeval Baebes" and he played one of their songs, "Summerisle", a song from one of my favourite films of all time. "The Wicker Man". [That's the original with Edward Woodward not the crappy remake from a few years ago.]

It was a truly magnificent performance and was, or so they said, to feature on their upcoming debut album "Salva Nos". I was totally blown away by it all and made a mental note to order the album the very next day, which I did.

Sadly when the album was finally released "Summerisle" did not appear on it for "technical reasons" whatever that means. I was gutted [but not embittered].

There are 16 songs on this album mainly traditional English folk songs, carols and hymns sung in the original Latin, Middle English, Yorkshire Dialect, French, etc. and I really do like at least a dozen of them [and actually hate none of them] which, as far as I'm concerned, makes this album a definite hit.

"Salve Virgo Virginium" is brilliant as is "Ah Si Moin Moine" and Salva Nos" has an indefinable, almost ethereal, quality.

Their rendition of "Gaudete" is second to none and beats the popular "Steeleye Span" version hands down, no competition, and that is really saying something.

A variety of traditional instruments support the singers and this adds to the authenticity and unusual sound that makes this album a sonic treat.

The cover notes are excellent, showing the lyrics in the language they are sung complete with Modern English translations which adds to the enjoyment of the songs.

Despite my disappointment at not having the track I bought it for I like this album very much and still pull it out, dust it off and listen to it ten years down the line. I truly believe I will still be doing so ten years further on.

Anyway, if you haven't heard it but are amenable to; Gothic music, Gregorian Chants, Baroque music, Traditional Folk songs et al. I highly recommend this album. Get yourself a copy, turn the lights down low, the music up high and prepare yourself for a magical experience.

Regards
tbod