It is nearly impossible to qualitatively periodize
Tabor's recorded output; all of it (with the exception of the record with
the Oyster Band) is worth owning. It's not as if
Tabor's early stuff is significantly better than her later work, it's a little different. In fact, I tend to play her later stuff as much, probably more than Airs and Graces, and I love that record.
Angel Tiger is a perfect example of how well
Tabor's voice has aged, becoming deeper and more luscious. On this disc,
Elvis Costello gave her "All This Useless Beauty," and it's a stunning collaboration. She also brilliantly covers
Billy Bragg's "Rumours of War," but the best track is a melancholy ballad entitled "Sudden Waves," which may be
Tabor's greatest single moment on record. It's so rife with sadness, it's tough to listen to it without shedding a tear or two. ~ John Dougan