Cruel Sister (Pentangle album)

Cruel Sister is the fourth studio album by the British folk-jazz band Pentangle, released in 1970. It represents a departure from their earlier work, leaning more heavily into traditional folk ballads and featuring more experimental and lengthy arrangements.

The album is notable for its dark and often disturbing themes, characteristic of many of the Child Ballads it draws upon. The title track, a lengthy rendition of the ballad "The Two Sisters," explores themes of jealousy, murder, and revenge. Other tracks include traditional songs like "Lord Franklin" and "Jack Orion," each given Pentangle's distinctive and innovative treatment.

Cruel Sister showcases Pentangle's virtuosity and their ability to blend traditional folk music with jazz, blues, and progressive rock elements. The album features the core lineup of Jacqui McShee (vocals), Bert Jansch (guitar, vocals), John Renbourn (guitar, vocals), Danny Thompson (double bass), and Terry Cox (drums). Its experimental nature and focus on darker themes have made it a cult favorite among folk and progressive music enthusiasts. While not as commercially successful as some of their earlier albums, Cruel Sister is considered a significant and influential work within Pentangle's discography and the broader folk-rock genre.