Pentangle: The Albums 1968-1972 Vinyl Boxset – A Folk Legacy Reimagined
I am genuinely excited about this! If you’re a fan of timeless music that pushed boundaries and brought together folk, jazz, and pop with sublime musicianship, then the Pentangle: The Albums 1968-1972 vinyl box set is something you’ll want to explore. I have owned the CD Box Set Version for a while and it is a wonderful set
This stunning collection from Svart Records brings together the first six studio albums from one of folk’s greatest supergroups, Pentangle, featuring the extraordinary talents of Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson, Terry Cox, and Jacqui McShee. These albums, which redefined what folk music could be, are now available as a 14-LP deluxe box set, expanded with an abundance of bonus material, outtakes, and live tracks.
What’s Inside the Box?
- All Six Studio Albums: The Pentangle (1968), Sweet Child (1968), Basket of Light (1969), Cruel Sister (1970), Reflection (1971), and Solomon’s Seal (1972).
- Expanded Content: Each album includes bonus tracks from Bert Jansch and John Renbourn’s solo LPs, plus rare outtakes and live recordings.
- 22 Previously Unreleased Recordings: These tracks have never been available on vinyl before.
- Gorgeous Packaging: Each album is presented in gatefold sleeves with original artwork, all housed in a rigid slipcase box.
- 64-Page Book: A beautifully designed book featuring rare photos, detailed sleeve notes, interviews, and essays by respected music journalists.
The Vinyl Variants
For collectors, there are three stunning versions to choose from:
ORDER on Classic Black Vinyl
ORDER Solomon’s Seal Edition: Natural transparent with blue and white marble
ORDER Svart Exclusive Multicolour Edition: Limited to just 250 copies
Pentangle were a cultural phenomenon, blending genres with a grace and adventurous spirit rarely seen. Their debut, The Pentangle, and its follow-up, Sweet Child, set the tone for a career of experimentation and excellence. Basket of Light became their commercial high point, reaching No. 5 in the UK charts, while Cruel Sister and Reflection saw the group delve deeper into traditional and experimental sounds.
Even their album covers made waves, with Sweet Child featuring artwork by the legendary Peter Blake (famous for designing The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper).
Jacqui McShee herself reflected on the significance of this boxset:
“Each song and album hold a special place in my heart, not only for the music itself but for the incredible memories and experiences that we shared as a band. I hope this release brings listeners, both old and new, the same joy and connection that we felt while creating this music together.”
Why You Should Pre-Order This
This box set is more than just a collection; it’s a celebration of creativity and legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Pentangle for the first time, this release captures the essence of a band that redefined the boundaries of folk music.
Available on 16th April 2025
Tracklisting for Pentangle: The Albums: 1968-1972 – * previously unreleased on vinyl
THE PENTANGLE
SIDE A
1. LET NO MAN STEAL YOUR THYME
2. BELLS
3. HEAR MY CALL
4. PENTANGLING
SIDE B
1. MIRAGE
2. WAY BEHIND THE SUN
3. BRUTON TOWN
4. WALTZ
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. KOAN (Take 2)
2. THE WHEEL
3. THE CASBAH
4. BRUTON TOWN (Take 3)
5. HEAR MY CALL (Alternate Version)
6. WAY BEHIND THE SUN (Alternate Version)
7. WAY BEHIND THE SUN (Instrumental)
SIDE D – Bonus Tracks
1. BRUTON TOWN (Take 5) *
2. KOAN (Take 1)
3. TRAVELLIN’ SONG (Single Version with Strings)
4. POISON (August 1967 session)
5. I GOT A FEELING (August 1967 session) *
6. MARKET SONG (August 1967 session) *
SWEET CHILD – I (LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL HALL)
SIDE A
1. MARKET SONG
2. NO MORE MY LORD
3. TURN YOUR MONEY GREEN
4. HAITIAN FIGHT SONG
5. A WOMAN LIKE YOU
6. GOODBYE PORK-PIE HAT
SIDE B
1. THREE DANCES: BRENTZEL GAY/LA ROTTA/THE EARL OF SALISBURY
2. WATCH THE STARS
3. SO EARLY IN THE SPRING
4. NO EXIT
5. THE TIME HAS COME
6. BRUTON TOWN
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. HEAR MY CALL
2. LET NO MAN STEAL YOUR THYME
3. BELLS
4. TRAVELLING SONG
SIDE D – Bonus Tracks
1. WALTZ
2. WAY BEHIND THE SUN
3. JOHN DONNE SONG
SWEET CHILD – II (STUDIO)
SIDE A
1. SWEET CHILD
2. I LOVED A LASS
3. THREE PART THING
4. SOVAY
5. IN TIME
SIDE B
1. IN YOUR MIND
2. I’VE GOT A FEELING
3. THE TREES THEY DO GROW HIGH
4. MOON DOG
5. HOLE IN THE COAL
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. HOLE IN THE COAL (Alternative Version)
2. THE TREES THEY DO GROW HIGH (Alternative Version)
3. HAITIAN FIGHT SONG (Studio Version)
4. IN TIME (Alternative Version)
5. A WOMAN LIKE YOU (Unabridged Trio Version) *
SIDE D – Bonus Tracks
1. I’VE GOT A WOMAN (Trio Mix) *
2. I AM LONELY (Jansch Solo Mix) *
3. POISON
4. BLUES
5. SALLY GO ROUND THE ROSES (Alternative Version 2)
6. MOON DOG (Full Band Version) *
BASKET OF LIGHT
SIDE A
1. LIGHT FLIGHT (Theme from “Take Three Girls”)
2. ONCE I HAD A SWEETHEART
3. SPRINGTIME PROMISES
4. LYKE-WAKE DIRGE
5. TRAIN SONG
SIDE B
1. HUNTING SONG
2. SALLY GO ROUND THE ROSES
3. THE CUCKOO
4. HOUSE CARPENTER
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. SALLY GO ROUND THE ROSES (Alternate Version)
2. COLD MOUNTAIN (B-Side)
3. I SAW AN ANGEL (B-Side)
4. HOUSE CARPENTER (live in Aberdeen 26/3/70) *
5. LIGHT FLIGHT (live in Aberdeen 26/3/70) *
SIDE D – Bonus Track
1. PENTANGLING (live in Aberdeen 26/3/70)
CRUEL SISTER
SIDE A
1. A MAID THAT’S DEEP IN LOVE
2. WHEN I WAS IN MY PRIME
3. LORD FRANKLIN
4. CRUEL SISTER
SIDE B
1. JACK ORION
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN? (Take 1, No Harmonica/El Guitar) *
2. RAIN AND SNOW (Take 2) *
3. OMIE WISE (Take 2, Live Vox) *
4. JOHN’S SONG (alias So Clear) (Take 7) *
SIDE D – Bonus Tracks
1. REFLECTION (Olympic Studios Take 1) *
2. WHEN I GET HOME (Alternative Vocal) *
REFLECTION
SIDE A
1. WEDDING DRESS
2. OMIE WISE
3. WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?
4. WHEN I GET HOME
5. RAIN AND SNOW
SIDE B
1. HELPING HAND
2. SO CLEAR
3. REFLECTION
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. SHAKE SHAKE MAMMA
2. KOKOMO BLUES
3. FARO ANNIE
4. BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN
5. WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN (Take 3, Live Vox) *
SIDE D – Bonus Tracks
1. REFLECTION (Command Studios, Take 1, Wordless Vox) *
2. JOHN’S SONG (Take 5, Fuzz Guitar) *
3. WONDROUS LOVE *
SOLOMON’S SEAL
SIDE A
1. SALLY FREE AND EASY
2. THE CHERRY TREE CAROL
3. THE SNOWS
4. HIGH GERMANY
5. PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY
SIDE B
1. WILLY O’ WINSBURY
2. NO LOVE IS SORROW
3. JUMP BABY JUMP
4. LADY OF CARLISLE
SIDE C – Bonus Tracks
1. WHEN I GET HOME (live at Guildford Civic Hall 11/72) *
2. SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR (live at Guildford Civic Hall 11/72) *
3. TRAIN SONG (live at Guildford Civic Hall 11/72) *
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
