Oh gosh, it's been so long since I heard this. What a pleasure to be reunited with an old favourite. Thoroughly relieved to find that my taste 'back in the day' was thoroughly sound!!
I grew up listening (and singing) to Steeleye, me and my sister sitting there with my dad's treasured Vinyl collection. Maddy Priors voice and the lyrics...FAB. Seven hundred elves is my favourite song
I first heard them on a Friday night in the early 70s on a public radio station. I thought at the time that they were calling them 'Steel Ice Pan.' They did an hour of their songs and it sounded so different from anything I'd listened in recent memory. The only one they played that night I can remember was Alison Gross. But I've loved Steeleye Span ever since then, and this song has always been my favorite of theirs.
yeah back then weird and new things would pop up out of no where. No internet, no good radio stations. The good stuff came up on the local college radio stations, WBRU brown university for example.
Head shop in Ames, Iowa. I hear Allison Gross for the first time, and it has lead me down what is now known as a "rabbit hole". The more I learn about historical costuming, and archaeology, the more meanings the songs have.
Cheesy the effects in this video may be, but they have their own whimsical charm. :) PS- and the song is great. I haven't listened to much Steeleye Span, but as a longtime, diehard, froth-at-the-mouth Tull fan, I am not surprised that it resonates with me. I will have to listen to more, and perhaps buy an album eventually...
Love it! The fact that in 2007 you managed to do this is amazing. Was feeling nostalgic, was looking up Steeleye Span songs and found this. Thank you for making my evening.
in the early 70's, I was in the coast guard, and a gunnersmate, turned me on to these guys, and this was the 1st song of theirs that i ever heard... it's still my favorite Steeley Span song. Hiramm ... been a long time
HAH! As this started, I was thinking, hmm, bit amateurish - but by half way through I was loving it! Yes, a charming visualisation of a great Steeleye track. =o)
Anyone of say age 47/older in Granadaland remember the cover of this track used as the theme for Granada Reports? A fantastic synth version which adorned the show from the late 70's to early 80's in the eaa of Tony Wilson, Bob Greaves, Gordon Burns etc. Done by the great Francis Monkman who did loads of Granada theme tunes, would love to hear it again.
One year on, this tune and video move me, they are perfect. That tune is deeply haunting, a real one-of-a-kind. That witch still creeps me out bigtime. Scarier than the black crow on Pinkie & Perkie, aye.
I had Steeleye Span albums when I was in high school in the 70s. Forgot how great this band was. Another cool one like them was Fairport Convention. Also Forest. Incredible String Band.
Jethro Tull and Gryphon came out of the same tradition. Only trouble with this great song is that it inescapably reminds me of my school days and all the unhappiness that flowed from them.
@@stephenspark776 I understand. There are many songs that are bitter sweet to me also, as I was bullied in junior high and high school, teachers doing nothing about it, and it turned me against formal education, so I plunged deeply into books and my own self-education, which progressed into great achievements as an advertising writer on Madison Avenue and Wall Street.
@@vaspers Funnily enough, that's roughly how I responded, resulting in a varied career in both the editorial and production sides of book and magazine publishing, plus maritime and music journalism. And now I'm starting on a first novel - about a vampire. Coincidentally, witches feature too, though the portrayal will be more positive than for Alison Gross!
musically fantastic. my uncle plays for a folk band (magpie lane, as the UK folk scene is so incestuous, you may even know them ;-) and says steeleye span was his main influence for the bass guitar. with this song in particular, not hard to see why.
I heard this band second hand through a talented Lady-Love who strummed and sang them faithfully, so well I sang them myself, as best as I could recall...But! Pity Prithee! This is a lovely and skilled work of videography (GOOD JOB NOBODY FILMS) I am learning some of this work..Try and do better,CT
I've made a new music video for this song as I feel it deserves an update given that it's 2020. I've added lyrics in the captions too, so feel free to check it out on my channel 😊 13 years on from this video I'm gonna try keep this tune going on strong 💪
An E-N-G-L-I-S-H expression "You don't say!" is relatively often being used to stress he (she, it) is totally agree with what someone has said. What I used. Sorry for poor English!
I've always felt sorry for poor Allison. Madly in love with a man who thinks she's revolting, and will say it openly, to her face, without even being tactful about it.
Yeah, no offense, but I'm not really digging the puppet show video too much, but what a great song; it introduced me to British folk rock when I first heard it in the wee hours of a Sunday morning 30 years ago. That remains the only time I've ever heard it on the radio, and I think it's cool that you made a video out of it, even if I don't personally care much for it. :)
I know there is no logic to fairy/folk tales...Why didn't she take her wand and give herself the beauty treatment? If she had enough power to turn the hero into a slimy woim the why not a magical makeover? Yeah but then there would be no ballad...
magic dosnt work like that you need to sacrifice more the you gain, it always has a higher price then reward, unlike economics it holds to the laws of thermodynamics long before they were pened, but if you use magic to make yourself beautifull... it will probably cost your life or something, making someone else into a worm so long as it isnt of much gain to you wont cost you nearly as much
ryan law Dear Ryan:Thanks for the insight Sympathy is on Allison's side in that the object of her affection is into good looks However the narrator has a certain amount scruples since he will not accept her tempting gifts As I write this I am thinking Allison moves into the category of supernatural stalker...Toss in what you said as well the world of magic has its laws as well
The fact that in 2007 some young person or persons would make a fan video of this song restores my faith in humanity. Nice job.
+King Moonracer Totally agree.
True...
There's still hope,then,phew!
Such a true and fairy video
You're ashamed for liking it? Imagine how ashamed we are for making it! Thanks for your comment :)
Oh gosh, it's been so long since I heard this. What a pleasure to be reunited with an old favourite. Thoroughly relieved to find that my taste 'back in the day' was thoroughly sound!!
I grew up listening (and singing) to Steeleye, me and my sister sitting there with my dad's treasured Vinyl collection. Maddy Priors voice and the lyrics...FAB. Seven hundred elves is my favourite song
RIP Helen Cottrell. A college friend that turned me on to this type of music. She died too young from cancer.
I first heard them on a Friday night in the early 70s on a public radio station. I thought at the time that they were calling them 'Steel Ice Pan.' They did an hour of their songs and it sounded so different from anything I'd listened in recent memory. The only one they played that night I can remember was Alison Gross. But I've loved Steeleye Span ever since then, and this song has always been my favorite of theirs.
yeah back then weird and new things would pop up out of no where. No internet, no good radio stations. The good stuff came up on the local college radio stations, WBRU brown university for example.
Head shop in Ames, Iowa. I hear Allison Gross for the first time, and it has lead me down what is now known as a "rabbit hole". The more I learn about historical costuming, and archaeology, the more meanings the songs have.
I heard this tune first in 1975 on WXRT (Chicago). I have been a huge fan since then.
A much underrated song superb video well done!
Very cool! Thats been one of my favorite tunes since 1975!
Cheesy the effects in this video may be, but they have their own whimsical charm. :)
PS- and the song is great. I haven't listened to much Steeleye Span, but as a longtime, diehard, froth-at-the-mouth Tull fan, I am not surprised that it resonates with me. I will have to listen to more, and perhaps buy an album eventually...
Love it. Thanks Steeleye. A special ''Thank you'' to Peter Knight who announced his retirement from the group this morning.
Saw these guys live in 1970's in the Central Park summer concert series.......Fantastic !
Holy cow. What a rush from the past. Gene and I used to play this on his folk show in Philly.
Crude but very effective, loved it guy's...
you've great taste in music too
Love it! The fact that in 2007 you managed to do this is amazing. Was feeling nostalgic, was looking up Steeleye Span songs and found this. Thank you for making my evening.
in the early 70's, I was in the coast guard, and a gunnersmate, turned me on to these guys, and this was the 1st song of theirs that i ever heard... it's still my favorite Steeley Span song.
Hiramm ... been a long time
That was creative, I'm sure that you enjoyed making the video. Thank you for sharing your work.
Francis J. O'Reilly
HAH! As this started, I was thinking, hmm, bit amateurish - but by half way through I was loving it! Yes, a charming visualisation of a great Steeleye track. =o)
Anyone of say age 47/older in Granadaland remember the cover of this track used as the theme for Granada Reports? A fantastic synth version which adorned the show from the late 70's to early 80's in the eaa of Tony Wilson, Bob Greaves, Gordon Burns etc. Done by the great Francis Monkman who did loads of Granada theme tunes, would love to hear it again.
im really addicted to this song and I don't know why but I like it'
Very wonderful and underrated group. Love Em!
No the dreaded underrated nonsense again for the love of GOD!
@@jamessim1858 they are underrated
Great stuff here. I enjoyed it almost as much as The Wickerman.
Very cute ..nice job.. greetings from Dallas Texas. I wish i could visit England again.
One year on, this tune and video move me, they are perfect. That tune is deeply haunting, a real one-of-a-kind.
That witch still creeps me out bigtime. Scarier than the black crow on Pinkie & Perkie, aye.
chanson style médiévale , a notre .époque ! , magnifique !
Brilliant surreal video, totally lost on some people sadly -got any more?
great video great song!
Verily did Steeleye Span stand abune the Englische folk bandes of the Seventens. Anyone who sayeth otherwyse be but a knave ent a churl.
I must acknowledge that you used real Middle English, while most people use Early Modern in such stilisations, thinking it's the real "Old English".
A friend of mine visited the UK in the summer of '72 or '73 and returned with the album, "Parcel of Rogues".
Clearly someone with taste who recognised an album that will never grow old.
2:30 - instrumental interlude ... love these in Steeleye Span.
The fact that there people still posting says it all about his band.
True...
Yep!
I had Steeleye Span albums when I was in high school in the 70s. Forgot how great this band was. Another cool one like them was Fairport Convention. Also Forest. Incredible String Band.
Jethro Tull and Gryphon came out of the same tradition. Only trouble with this great song is that it inescapably reminds me of my school days and all the unhappiness that flowed from them.
@@stephenspark776 I understand. There are many songs that are bitter sweet to me also, as I was bullied in junior high and high school, teachers doing nothing about it, and it turned me against formal education, so I plunged deeply into books and my own self-education, which progressed into great achievements as an advertising writer on Madison Avenue and Wall Street.
@@vaspers Funnily enough, that's roughly how I responded, resulting in a varied career in both the editorial and production sides of book and magazine publishing, plus maritime and music journalism. And now I'm starting on a first novel - about a vampire. Coincidentally, witches feature too, though the portrayal will be more positive than for Alison Gross!
Loved it.....
Ohhhhh! Well I loved the song already! But look! This is amazing. It made me happy. It’s the dog’s 😀
Great video. Love it.
Gadzooks, both a great song and a great video!
A used LP of Parcel of Rogues is what got me into the band in a big way. So this song brings back that memory.
Great vid and a great song!
great mix
I'd swear I thought they were singing "ugliest bitch". I only heard it 1 or 2 times on the radio when I was a kid. Good to hear I was wrong.
Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd could have done a bang-up job of this tune!
+Deb Rider Yea, that would be real good.
3:34 amazing work, must have taken ages. Very entertaining vid, thank you!
Loving this!
We listened to this , stoned rightfully so, in 1975
Fantastic tune, that with gave me nightmares
steeley span.... best music ever!!!! i love them!!!!
Brilliant !!
This video is awesome
Looks like you were enjoying yourself making this. Great video by the way.
great band, rock/folk with great authencity
This is too fun! MTV has nothing on this!
Priceless
Maddy Prior is superb on the backing vocals.
Such good memories.
musically fantastic.
my uncle plays for a folk band (magpie lane, as the UK folk scene is so incestuous, you may even know them ;-) and says steeleye span was his main influence for the bass guitar. with this song in particular, not hard to see why.
avevo un buco nella memoria non mi ricordavo il nome esatto e grazie a youtube li ho ritrovati
I went out with (an) Alison, once. Hypnotic, hysterical and horrible all at the same time. What a woman!
Thanks....... nobodyfilms Greetings from Denmark
Bestiale! : )
I can't believe this video!!! It makes a mockery of a fantastic song!!! Leave it to the imagination!!!!!
Claudia Beechman Or lack of.
Mockery? It's art! This is brilliant.
You make a mockery of the human spirit, yet no one has killed you. Odd
@EamonJgod That's exactly what I thought the very first time I hear this myself. Had to play it again to make sure I wasn't just hearing things. : )
Funniest video I've seen in a while, great job :D
@Necromortis61 well....he got better, he´s now turning slowly into a newt!
Folk at it's best.Yon song..... this and Tull...Autumnal regalia ---pass the cider!
It's happened to me quite a few times.
Another great span song
Nice hat, sir.
I heard this band second hand through a talented Lady-Love who strummed and sang them faithfully, so well I sang them myself, as best as I could recall...But! Pity Prithee! This is a lovely and skilled work of videography (GOOD JOB NOBODY FILMS) I am learning some of this work..Try and do better,CT
Good to hear. Have you seen any of our other music videos? Better production values but almost certainly less funny. Thanks :)
Ha! Love it!!
Is it my imagination or does the disembodied head look a little like a young Paul Merton?
(he wasn't in the band was he?)
I've made a new music video for this song as I feel it deserves an update given that it's 2020. I've added lyrics in the captions too, so feel free to check it out on my channel 😊 13 years on from this video I'm gonna try keep this tune going on strong 💪
Hey at least she had blue eyes.
An E-N-G-L-I-S-H expression "You don't say!" is relatively often being used to stress he (she, it) is totally agree with what someone has said. What I used. Sorry for poor English!
Anytime!
I wish i could meet the man who made this clip 💙
When I first heard this song I thought 'witch' started with 'b' lol
ahahahaha
I've made a new music video for this song feel free to check it out 😊 makes me happy to see people still listening to it
I see you everywhere. You have good taste.
there were a few witches called Alison, Alison Devises and Alice Nutter and me. ha ha ha
Alison Browning Shut the fuck up Alison.
@atfatw into what? I googled and ndsm isn't there
The end was frightening.
I've always felt sorry for poor Allison. Madly in love with a man who thinks she's revolting, and will say it openly, to her face, without even being tactful about it.
Happy Halloween -- 2013 Today !!
Yeah, no offense, but I'm not really digging the puppet show video too much, but what a great song; it introduced me to British folk rock when I first heard it in the wee hours of a Sunday morning 30 years ago. That remains the only time I've ever heard it on the radio, and I think it's cool that you made a video out of it, even if I don't personally care much for it. :)
How did I even end up here?
You can hear a few seconds worth of Francis Monkman's take on this song in his Granada Reports theme at 36.20 ua-cam.com/video/1JjlcQohyBc/v-deo.html
Kick-butt song though
I know there is no logic to fairy/folk tales...Why didn't she take her wand and give herself the beauty treatment? If she had enough power to turn the hero into a slimy woim the why not a magical makeover? Yeah but then there would be no ballad...
magic dosnt work like that you need to sacrifice more the you gain, it always has a higher price then reward, unlike economics it holds to the laws of thermodynamics long before they were pened, but if you use magic to make yourself beautifull... it will probably cost your life or something, making someone else into a worm so long as it isnt of much gain to you wont cost you nearly as much
ryan law Dear Ryan:Thanks for the insight Sympathy is on Allison's side in that the object of her affection is into good looks However the narrator has a certain amount scruples since he will not accept her tempting gifts As I write this I am thinking Allison moves into the category of supernatural stalker...Toss in what you said as well the world of magic has its laws as well
Keith Brown It must be some sort of magic that got George W. Bush was elected twice.
Art Dubin YIKES!!!!! Now it becomes a FRACTURED FAIRY TALE! With apologies to Rocky and Bullwinkle ....
Excellent point. It also explains what I have been doing wrong, magic-wise, lo these many years.
she set me down softly on her knee!
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL !!!!!!!!
Too True.
Vid was a laugh though put a smile on yer fizogg
This reminds me of Herr Mannelig.
good
You know, black is this years' pink.
Alison Krauss...?
Some people have a lot of time on their hands.
Miss you buddy. Get in touch.
@bluecanary1note ....or being but off his chumpe, elsewaye their sanitye may not be entyrely up to scratche.
didn't touch the song... the vid was a bit silly, but the song is straight off the vinyl...
you can't hurt good tunes.
@bluecanary1note What he said :D
so they say,they havnt seen my mother inlaw!!!!!!
Crank up the bass man.