Roots: Best Of Show Of Hands

Since 1991 when Show Of Hands became a full time duo, they have released six studio albums, four live recordings, three CDs of covers, traditional songs and instrumentals respectively, and an album of songs from the earliest cassette only recordings. For CD one of this compilation, the band have chosen their favourite tracks from each of the studio albums, plus live versions of three songs, "The Blue Cockade", "Cousin Jack" and "The Galway Farmer" that were felt to put earlier recorded versions in the shade. Four songs that have become concert standards, but hitherto existed only as live or low-key studio tracks, have been re-recorded: "Crow On The Cradle", "Santiago", "Are We Alright" and "Exile". Ten years ago a group of SOH fans created an Internet based forum and called themselves 'Longdogs'. They were asked to pick one track from each album and CD two is their choice. All 30 songs have been re-mastered. "It's been said that one of us builds the house whilst the other decorates it. This album has given us an opportunity to stand back for once and look through the window at all our labours. For that we thank all our friends and supporters." - Steve Knightley