Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Steeleye Span: Alison Gross

As we continue our Halloween theme, I’m indebted to my brother for reminding me of this song that is fitting for Traditional Tuesday. Recorded by Steeleye Span on their 1973 “Parcel of Rogues,” I first heard this song staying at his home during the Thanksgiving break in 1973. I have the song on the compilation LP “The Steeleye Span Story: Original Masters.”



Francis James Child collected this traditional song that tells the story of “Alison Gross – she must be the ugliest witch in the North Country.” Child numbered the song as #35 in his collection of traditional British folk songs. The moral of the story, be careful with whom you associate as you may turn into a worm.



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