The first world war centenary has led to a burst of activity by British folk artists, including a series of memorable albums re-working songs and poetry from the time. On this compilation, leading folk musicians celebrate forgotten stories from the war, starting with a moving harmony lament from Teesside trio the Young’uns. Theo Jones chronicles the death of a 29-year-old headmaster, followed by quietly powerful contributions from Bella Hardy and Josienne Clarke. Elsewhere the compositions are pained and thoughtful, but the final track by Jon Boden, a revival of the bitter If You Want to See the General, is a reminder that songs from the trenches have a resonance that it’s hard for new material to match.
