Album review: OYSTERBAND – This House Will Stand Best Of 1998-2015

Navigator Records [Release date 27.05.16]

This is a 2CD, 29 song collection from the Oysterband covering their latter day output from 1998 to the present day. They started out back in 1977/78 as the Oyster Ceilidh Band before morphing into the Oysterband. They have not had the massive crossover success of Bellowhead or Runrig, both who attract folk music fans and the general music fan in equal measure. However, in folk circles they are held in high esteem and had two albums in ‘Folk Roots’ albums of 1986-2015 public vote, one a collaboration with June Tabor.

The two CD’s highlight the band’s more traditional folk leanings on ‘Blackwaterside’, then the jaunty almost pop rock of ‘The Soul’s Electric’ would appeal to many with its massively catchy chorus. Listening to ‘Dancing As Fast As I Can’ does bring to mind Runrig, whilst they tackle modern political issues on ‘Here Comes The Flood’.

Their version of the Joy Division classic ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ with June Tabor is a must listen. What a beautifully crafted and heart wrenching cover they created.

The second disc is one for the fans as it features the unreleased songs be they demos or live versions, plus a new song ‘I Built This House’. A song that shows they have lost none of their ability to comment on modern life and get a message across wrapped in a great tune. The musicianship of the band is another highlight, mixing the traditional folk sounds of violin and mandolin with electric guitars and synths/keyboards.

‘The Sailor’s Bonnet’ on the second disc recalls the band’s earlier dance band flavoured days, and another traditional music treat is ‘I Once Loved A Lass’ – a song previously only available on fRoots magazine compilation.

A collection for the band’s fans and one that will hopefully introduce the band’s fine catalogue of music to a wider musical audience. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.