The Young Tradition is second only to
the Watersons in the minds of most fans of '60s British folk vocal groups, and
The Holly Bears the Crown is a fine collection of 11 traditional English Christmas carols recorded in 1969 with legendary British folk singer
Shirley Collins and her sister
Dolly. Because the group broke up, however, the album remained unreleased until 1995. The viols of Roddy and
Adam Skeaping and
Dolly's imaginative organ playing underpin the album's remarkably powerful and heartfelt performances. These expressive and thoughtful readings of tunes as beloved as "The Cherry Tree Carol," "Shepherds Arise," and "The Coventry Carol" make this a rarity -- a Christmas album you'll want to play year round. The set also features a pair of dramatic readings and one seasonal original by
Young Tradition leader
Royston Wood.