AMG Review of For Pence and Spicy Ale [Bonus Tracks]

Richard Meyer
All Music Guide

This lovely album, almost entirely cappella, was first released by the Watersons in 1975. It is considered by many to be their finest recording and includes the participation of Martin Carthy in addition to family members. A reissue also included some later solo Waterson recordings which featured others helping out. For Pence and Spicy Ale sounds like the back room of an old pub in its charming immediacy; listeners really get a sense of the fun it is to sing these old songs with affection and respect.