Steeleye Span – Back In Line – LP

Steeleye Span’s Back In Line captures the band’s deep-rooted interest in British history and folklore, with songs like “Isabel” giving voice to Isabella MacDuff, the noblewoman who crowned Robert the Bruce, and “Blackleg Miner,” which recalls the English Civil War’s Battle of Cropredy Bridge. This 1986 album also marks a notable shift in the band’s lineup and sound, as it’s the first without founding member Tim Hart and their return after a six-year studio break. The presence of John Acock as co-producer and the release on their own Flutterby Records label underscore a period of creative control and renewal. This sealed 1986 vinyl pressing offers a pristine opportunity to hear Back In Line as it was presented at the time, untouched by handling or wear. The 12th studio album in Steeleye Span’s catalog holds a firm place for those interested in folk-rock’s narrative tradition, and this copy’s sealed condition means it’s as fresh as if it had just come off the press—ready to step back in line with history on your turntable. It’s a neat reminder that even a band steeped in the past is not immune to lineup changes and new chapters.