The Bonny Bunch of Roses (album)

The Bonny Bunch of Roses is a 1971 folk album by Shirley Collins and Albion Country Band. It is considered a landmark recording in the British folk revival movement. The album is named after the traditional English folk song of the same name, which concerns the decline of the power of the British monarchy following the defeat of Napoleon.

The album is notable for its innovative arrangements, which blend traditional instrumentation with electric instruments, reflecting the folk rock sound emerging at the time. The Albion Country Band, led by Ashley Hutchings, provided the instrumental backing and arrangements.

Tracks on the album include traditional ballads and folk songs, such as "Murder of Maria Marten," "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," "Banks of Green Willow," and the title track, "The Bonny Bunch of Roses." The album is known for its strong vocal performances by Shirley Collins and its reinterpretations of traditional material.

The album has been highly influential and is considered a classic of British folk music. It has been reissued numerous times and remains a significant work in Shirley Collins' discography.