The Present Tense: Songs of Sydney Carter
The songs of Sydney Carter are an enigma. To fit them neatly into one of the accepted categories – folk, religious, satire or protest is not adequate. They have depth, integrity, and make us face and question our innermost thoughts and conflicts.
This is the man who wrote Lord of the Dance, but also I Want to Have a Little Bomb Like You.
This short film of the title song was made in 1972 for Sydney Carter's Australian tour.
Reflection perform fifteen of Carter’s best-known songs, from the quiet intensity of Judas and Mary and Friday Morning to the wry protest of The Crow on the Cradle and the title track.
Artists
Sydney Carter
Sydney Carter (1915-2004) was an English poet, folk singer and songwriter. He has been described as a hymn-writer on the strength of his song "Lord of the Dance".
Tracks
- The Present Tense Sydney Carter Sydney Carter :55
- Standing in the Rain Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 3:20
- George Fox Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 1:49
- When They Shouted Hosanna Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 1:49
- Lord of the Dance Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:28
- The Crow on the Cradle Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:22
- Every Star Shall Sing a Carol Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 3:04
- I Want to Have a Little Bomb Like You Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 1:42
- Bird of Heaven Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 1:42
- Travel On Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 1:42
- Judas and Mary Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 3:05
- Friday Morning Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:18
- Bitter Was the Night Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:17
- The Vicar Is a Beatnik Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:13
- The Mask I Wore Sydney Carter Sydney Carter 2:08
Performers
Where to listen
The Present Tense: Songs of Sydney Carter is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
The Present Tense: Songs of Sydney Carter is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MD 3005
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 32 minutes 54 seconds
- Release date
- 1972
- Musical work
copyright - © 1968 Reflection Records
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 1970 Move Records
- Categories
- Folk music, Vocal
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574300529
Related recordings
The World is a Beautiful Place
The Australian Rosny Childrens Choir presents A DOZEN OF DENNIS - arrangements of poems from A BOOK FOR KIDS by C.J. Dennis. Accompanied by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
Sydney Carter In Concert
Poet and songwriter Sydney Carter visited Australia in 1972. He gave concerts and workshops all over the country, and this recording captures one of those events in full.
Gabriel's Mother's Highway
Franciscus Henri presents songs from Sydney Carter, Elton John, Arlo Guthrie, and three originals. Produced by Brian Cadd, the style of the album is gentle folk-rock.
Words, Love, Music: Sydney Carter
A selection of songs and poems by Sydney Carter performed by a variety of singers including Sheila Hancock, Franciscus Henri and Nadia Cattouse, and featuring Sydney Carter himself.