Commercially unsuccessful at the time of release,[1]Swaddling Songs has since received critical acclaim[2][3] and original vinyl copies are highly collectable[4][5][6]. It has been re-released multiple times on various labels since 1989, including a 50th annniversary release by Deram in 2023.[7]
In 2022 the album's 50th anniversary was marked by the
RTE radio documentary Swaddling Songs at 50.[8]
Swaddling Songs is notable for its multi-layered vocal harmonies and complex arrangements. It has become regarded a classic of the
progressive folk genre.
A collection of demos and sessions for the album recorded 1969–1971 was released in 1996 as The Virgin Prophet.
The CD re-issue includes the following bonus tracks, originally released as a single in 1968:
"Feeling High" (Simonds) – 2:23
"Tea with the Sun" (Simonds) – 3:18
Singles
"Feeling High" / "Tea With The Sun" (Snb (2) 55-3645, 1968)[9][10]
"Dan The Wing" / "Silversong" (Deram DM 357, 1972)[11]. "Silversong" was covered (as "Silver Song") by
All About Eve as a
B-side to some versions of their single "
Farewell Mr. Sorrow".[12]