"English Rebel Songs," the third studio album by English band Chumbawamba, originally debuted on LP and cassette in 1988 under the title "English Rebel Songs 1381–1914." Later, in 1994, it saw a CD release by One Little Indian Records. The album resurfaced in 2003, re-recorded with two additional tracks and renamed "English Rebel Songs 1381–1984," coinciding with the establishment of the band's own MUTT Records label.
Consisting primarily of traditional English protest songs, the album marked a significant departure from Chumbawamba's earlier punk recordings, showcasing a shift towards choral and a cappella music, as well as a heightened emphasis on harmonies. While maintaining the essence of the original recordings, the 2003 version introduced light instrumentation on certain tracks, enhancing their sonic depth.
Many of the songs featured on the album are sourced from various historical and folk music collections, including works by Hackney and Islington music group Stand Together, Karl Dallas's "100 Songs Of Toil," and Roy Palmer's "A Ballad History of England." Notably, several of these songs remain staples in the repertoire of modern English folk bands like The Houghton Weavers and Coope, Boyes & Simpson, underscoring their enduring relevance and resonance within the folk music tradition.
