Arrogance Ignorance and Greed | ||||
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Studio album by Show of Hands | ||||
Released | 26 October 2009 | |||
Recorded | 2009 | |||
Studio | Riverside Studios, Exeter, Devon | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 52:29 | |||
Label | Hands on Music | |||
Producer | Stu Hanna | |||
Show of Hands chronology | ||||
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Singles from Dark Fields | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
BBC | favourable |
Fatea Magazine | favourable |
NetRhythms | favourable |
Spiral Earth |
Arrogance Ignorance and Greed is the fourteenth studio album by English folk duo Show of Hands. Released in 2009 on the band's label Hands on Music, the album was produced by Stu Hanna of the English folk duo Megson, with additional production by Mark Tucker. The album followed a painfully emotion period for Steve Knightley where members of his family battled serious illnesses. This led to the album becoming particularly personal and darker than previous Show of Hands albums, aided by Hanna's direct and sharp production. The album also discusses several social and political concerns, and contains several collaborations with other musicians and vocalists.
The album was released to a positive critical reception, many praising the darker tone to the album, Knightley's lyrics and Hanna's production. Some fans, however, were alienated by the album. The album entered the UK Album Chart at number 170, becoming their first album to chart. The album featured in numerous year-end best albums lists, including Fatea Magazine who named it "Album of the Year 09," and at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2010, the band won the award for "Best Duo" whilst the album's title song won "Best Original Song".
In 2006, the duo's album Witness had proven unusually successful. The album was produced by Simon Emmerson and Massey of Afro Celt Sound System and featured a crossover African and electronica-influenced sound with the band's typical English folk style. The album marked the first time since Beat about the Bush (1994) that the duo had undertaken experiments with a rhythm section. Although some fans were uncertain of the album's direction, many fans and critics welcomed it and it became the band's best-selling album. The duo toured in 2006–2007, which included a unique "Tour of Topsham" pubs and a 20th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Steve Knightley also released his solo album Cruel River (2007).