Mike Harding once described Spiers & Boden as the Burke and Hare of the folk world. This collection of songs definitely chimes with that view in places. It is a fantastic collection of songs, thoughtful in places, horrific in others, with tales of maidens, whalers, love, deceit, green woods, spotted pigs, and, erm, cross-dressing.

The variety of subject matter is matched by well-worked accompaniment, including a number of songs featuring the less usual guitar/concertina guise of the duo. Stand out tracks change on every listen, with the rollicking good stories of Bold Sir Rylas and Child Morris beautifully counterposed by the eerie yet whimsical concertina on Horn Fair, and the pared down a capella of On Christmas Day, with John Spiers taking lead vocals.

Each song is a joy to listen to, and eminently sing-along-able. As the sleeve notes say: "These songs work best when sung in the pub. Fill yer boots."

This album contains a wonderful mix of songs. Old Maui is a personal favourite, but I have some friends who grow quite excitable when championing others. The varying pace of the tracks keeps the album fresh, from the jaunty Bold Sir Rylas to the haunting On Christmas Day.