Anne Briggs' self-titled album was released in 1971, and if you're not familiar with it, you're probably not in touch with the raw charm that stands defiantly apart from today's overly produced pop culture scene. Recorded at a time when music was still about artistic expression, this folk gem was recorded at E.M.I. Studios in London, a place known for birthing classics that were more about soul than studio magic. While liberal critics might dismiss it as 'primitive' or 'elementary,' those who appreciate purity recognize the genius of an artist like Briggs, who cared more about artistic expression than fitting into a manufactured mold.
Anne Briggs was an English folk musician with a style that oozed authenticity. Despite attempts to paint her as outdated by those who wouldn’t know authenticity from autotune, Briggs was imperative to the folk scene of the 60s and 70s. Refreshingly, she didn’t jump on any political bandwagons or chase fame. What mattered was the music itself. Her voice doesn’t just sing; it tells stories that lead listeners to moments of reflection. But it’s interesting how, even today, the liberal elite are so quick to overlook anything that doesn't have a technologically induced, overly polished sound. Anne Briggs' music serves as a reminder that natural talent doesn't need auto-tuning and sound engineering masking mediocre vocals.
The album stands out thanks to its minimalistic production. Briggs preferred to retain the rawness of her acoustic sets rather than fall for the more-is-more school of thought. Songs like 'Blackwater Side' and 'The Snows They Melt the Soonest' feature simple, heartfelt performances. It's a spirited celebration of simplicity, a breath of fresh air amidst layers of commercialism that have since taken over the music world. Instead of pandering to the left-leaning pseudo-intellectuals who equate synthesis with substance, Briggs confidently grasps the audience's attention with sheer vocal prowess and acoustic charm.
Anne Briggs had an innocent, often mysterious persona, adding to her allure. There's a certain purity in her music, almost as if it defies the artificiality we routinely witness today. Her voice carries a natural, almost ethereal quality. Her songs, steeped heavily in traditional themes, offer stories with more depth and authenticity than a room full of modern music producers could manufacture. How often do we see the mainstream media giving a platform to such genuine expression? Not nearly enough.
Briggs wasn’t someone clamoring for attention and accolades. You see, she was about honest art, not corporate branding, nor did she seek to transform her music into a vehicle for promoting 'social justice' issues like some prefer today. Instead, it was about capturing the emotive essence of her craft without injecting socio-political diatribes that somewhat paradoxically often overshadow the very music they claim to support.
Even the production itself, which could be considered archaic by today’s over-digitized standards, serves her style well. Determined to stay true to her artistry, she managed to create timeless works that still resonate, if you value raw talent over synthesized beats. She didn't need a symphony of tech to back her up. It was her haunting, pure voice and a few strings that captured listeners' attention. How often do we learn about such unrestrained sincerity in the music highlighted by mainstream media? Not often.
Anne Briggs’ album can be seen as a statement. It's a powerful declaration that art doesn't need to conform or be overly layered to prove its worth. While others are busy jumping on political agendas to gain relevance, Anne Briggs remains a beacon of authenticity that reminds us what genuine expression is like. This album should be celebrated for its purity, raw beauty, and the brilliant talent of its creator. It's the anti-thesis of today's often superficial music landscape.
In a world increasingly trending towards synthetic appeal and bandwagon sensibilities, this album is a comforting reminder that freedom of real expression will always outshine commercialized noise. So here’s to Anne Briggs—authentic, unconventionally brilliant, and wonderfully pure—the likes of whom we could use to hear more often amidst today’s stage-managed performers.