Archangel Hill proves that Shirley Collins is not only deeply connected to the very land and atmosphere of her native England, but her music is almost a part of the English landscape itself.

Collins has spent the bulk of her existence breathing new life into British folk music and customs, spearheading the folk revival boom of the 1960’s in her home country. Without Collins, we would certainly not have the music of Sandy Denny, Donovan, Billy Bragg or even Current 93. Here, in her late 80’s, Collins continues to reawaken classic folk songs and stories with the gusto of her much younger self, but with the wisdom and hindsight that only a person of her tenure could possess.

Many of the tracks on the record, such as “Fare Thee Well, My Dearest Dear” and “The Golden Glove,” are traditional tunes that can be traced far back into Britain’s past. Collins sings these songs like she is giving them a voice of their own. Having been characterized as the living embodiment of British folk music for ages, it perhaps is unsurprising that she truly understands the origins of these tunes, and those who first sang them as they toiled away at sea or as they marched off to war or plowed their fields. Her voice becomes their voices. All of their voices, from all across time.

Elsewhere on the album, this theme becomes even more obvious, like on the jaunty Morris Dance tune, “Boney Boy,” which is accompanied by the jangling bells and clopping dance steps of Lodestar band member, Glen Redman, performing a Morris Dance in costume. Morris Dancing is one of the nation’s longest running folk dance traditions, and thanks to social media apps like TikTok, it has had a bit of a resurgence in recent years. Even though it’s an instrumental, it fits right at home on this record, sounding just as timeless as the rest of the LP.

The album ends with the title track, a spoken word piece written by Collins’ father during World War II, crafted as a love letter to the land and the people of England, and specifically their native Sussex. Making it even more personal, the song also features the sounds of wind recorded on a blustery day in their hometown. The poem is like a mission statement of Shirley’s entire life’s work. It celebrates and honors the pastoral lives of people who have lived and worked closely with the land and waters of old Albion, and its lush beauty.

If this truly is the final recorded work of Shirley Collins MBE, then this is the best high note and closure she could have ever asked for. She has come full circle, after leaving home in her youth for work and to follow Alan Lomax on his folk song collecting adventures, and now returning to Sussex to speak for its residents and its history. She and her home are now one. Her voice is the voice of the land. May it sing loudly for all to hear forever and ever.

Click here to order your copy of Archangel Hill from Domino Recording Co. on vinyl, digital or CD today.