Liege And Lief

Fairport will always hold a special place in my heart, thanks to my dad and my first ever festival experience being their own festival, Cropredy (99? or so). I don't recognise this from the education I received in my youth so it's effectively a new album from an old friend, which is nice. It's immediately very easy to sink into the band's obvious chemistry and Sandy Denny's frankly incredible voice but on further listens, the songwriting reveals itself and Richard Thompson's superb guitar work comes to the fore. Not a name that gets mentioned enough in the 'greatest guitarists of the 20th century' conversation. I also found some of the longer, more experimental and droney numbers (some of which admittedly I think are bonus tracks) quite mesmerising and rewarding. Delightful stuff.

I LOVED THIS!! I will absolutely be putting this on in the future!!!!

its good stuff

Oh my word. I love this. It's everything that I love in folk rock music. The band composition is low-key perfect. A great balance between folky-instruments (strings and mandolin) with rock instruments (rock drumming and electric guitar) with both groups getting solos, which feels really special. Sandy Denny is also a phenomenal vocalist and a perfect fit for this style of music. I could listen to this on repeat all day. It's comforting and nostalgic while still having late-60s rock influence. Favorite Song(s): Reynardine, Matty Groves, Tam Lin

A combo of late sixties folk and traditional Celtic music. Not bad.

Very complex british folk album!¡

Parece música medieval

Not completely horrible but won’t listen again

Det är en smal uppsättning humör och situationer som gör den här musik intressant. Annars är den bara platt och konstig. En tvåa

When this is good, it is EXCELLENT. There are plenty of stretches where it's somewhat annoying, though. 3.5 stars, rounding down.

I need a horse. a sad one.

Need to try again. Pleasant but didn't hold my interest. Big folk vibes, sometimes you're just not in that mood.

I knew enough about FC to anticipate traditional ballads with lush instrumentation, but I wasn’t expecting it to have such rollicking moments. Such a cool blend of sounds. My favorite track was “Farewell, Farewell.”

Love the sound. Sandy Denny makes this album and this band. It's harder for me to pin the guitar player based on sound but it was cool to find out Richard Thompson was behind the ax. A great collection of songs rendered in a unique way. I'm a fan.

The Good: Well, it's a convention! The Bad: A convention with no hookers at the hotel bar... The Ugly: Folksy hookers... with mead... and hairy armpits... Okay, so if hairy armpits is your thing, go for it... This started off nice... and then started loosing my interest pretty fucking fast. I don't know, listening to modern minstrels chanting about this and that isn't my cup of tea, I guess. Still, I sat through and I believe I deserve an award for that. 2*

a little too folksy at points for me fav song: farewell farewell

4/10

Bad folk

Swings wildly between boring and annoying. It can folk right off.

The drive out to the medieval Renaissance fair was honestly half the fun. Winding country roads, maybe a stop for snacks, and that little thrill of anticipation as you start seeing hand-painted banners and parking attendants dressed like squires waving you into a field. Worth leaving early those lots fill up fast once the jousting crowd arrives.

They sound exactly as their name, album title, and cover art would lead you to believe. I was going to give them an extra half star for that sort of truth in advertising. But the lyrics were just a little too, “Renaissance fair,“ for my taste.

Needed to hear this as the first British folk-rock album, ok; however, I’m not sure the electric enhanced the British ballads any. Great folk voice. 2.5

I'm sorry, what?! I didn't come into this expecting much, but I'm thoroughly impressed by this record. It fills a niche that I'm only now realizing I was trying to fill with other artists who didn't quite do the thing that I was looking for. I don't think I've encountered much British Folk music on this list yet, but I feel like the album-gorithm will be sending more my way soon (I've noticed it seems to loosely group albums, no matter how much it claims to be random).

Felt like a hilly billu album where you just grab an instrument and travel with a band make music and shit. It was nice to hear maybe I'll play this in the car when I go places.

One good song. Rest drab

one of my favorite psych folk albums, which is one of my favorite genres. such an enjoyable listen

This, I believe, is my favorite band discovery via this site. Great mixes of folk and rock. Undeniably catchy and fun while also being poetic and beautiful.

It's been a pretty decent English Folk Rock album. It's tough to put this one into a box though. I'd say it's a decent listen, and then the last song is like 10 minutes long and just creates a vibe.

Kinda cool. Better musicianship than a lot of the other 60’s bands. I prefer this traditional folky stuff to lazy blues rock or psychedelic bs. Better than some of those albums by Jefferson airplane, kinks, Who etc. 3.5

This was not offensive and sounded ok. Did not make much of an impression and would not listen again/probably will forget about it. But no real complaints. A perfect 3

It’s fine just not my thing but good for them

Not terrible but absolutely belongs as background music at a renaissance fair.

está muy bien pero tampoco es mi estilo, sin embargo la ihstoria que se murio la baterista mientras hacian la gira de su album anterior es muy interesante y tremenda

I can see that this may not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. Certainly good music for a certain frame of mind. Absolutely folk, in a traditional sense, but with a true rock and roll quality in the guitars. Sandy Denny is cool too.

really cool sound, loved the folk rock just got a bit boring in the middle sections. However super psych vibe loved this one.

I'm far from a folk guy but have to say I enjoyed this. Would listen again

Cute but not my thing

alright

This is a very cool album. Listening to it felt rich and immersive, with a strong mix of psychedelic and theatrical sounds that give the whole record a distinct atmosphere. The vocals are beautiful throughout, especially Sandy Denny’s clear and expressive delivery that carries a lot of emotional weight. The band blends traditional British folk material with electric instruments in a way that still feels fresh. Richard Thompson’s guitar work stands out, and the overall arrangements have a dramatic, almost storytelling quality without ever becoming overdone. Joe Boyd’s production keeps everything balanced and natural, letting the songs breathe while still giving them a full, electric edge. Liege & Lief has a special place in British folk rock for good reason. It sounds both rooted in the past and forward looking at the same time. A strong, atmospheric listen that holds up very well.

Great blend of folk, originality, storytelling, psychedelia, and a good variety of song styles along the way. Solid 4/5.

Listening to albums like this always brings out my inner old man… when did we stop making this kind of music in favor of the prolific garbage we have today? Obviously, the old man isn’t always right. Lots of old albums aren’t that good and a lot of new albums are really good. Still, the old man knows what’s up because MAN is this some good stuff.

Not quite 4, but I'd give 3.5 if I could

Kinda whatever.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Matty Groves, Tam Lin I admit I wasn't expecting a second Fairport Convention album on the list. Although I really liked Unhalfbricking, I felt they were obscure enough not to warrant more than a single album. There's so much music out there; it feels weird to give some musicians four or five albums (Morrissey) when the diversity of musicians and music on the List could be drastically expanded by some sort of limit (artificial or otherwise). But anyway, this album felt a bit more baroque than Unhalfbricking, leaning more on the folk and less psychedelic rock elements. No strong objections. Very middle of the road music.

What the hell was this?

It could be revolutionary in 1969, but today this is just one from dozens. Very familiar to Jafferson Airplane and vice versa. OK as a timecapsule, but not great for todays listening.

Yay folk-rock 😐

Of all of the RennFest-coded stuff on the list so far this has the most rocking backing tracks. Maybe that was the intended concept? Probably won't revisit this one and it didn't really need to be heard before I died. Not annoying though.

Most of this album doesn't do much, but a couple of standout tracks (Matty Groves, Tam Lin) bring it up

A satisfying, ‘60s-tinged folk rock album.

I really loved this very much. British Folk is just superior to American Folk. Sandy Denny my god.

groovy as hell. tilføjet til min oktober playliste asap

Couldn't decide between a 4 or a 5 for this. I did really enjoy it, but I might need another listen later on.

Nice

Great album, great musicians and great songs.

Slow an enjoyable indie-folk music. Not my favorite kind of genre but the album had some songs I enjoyed. Not enough to come back again but something I will remember if the genre comes up again since it seems like this is early enough in the genre to have influenced a lot of later artists and bands.

Matty Groves was pretty epic. The Medley is dope AF if I'm being honest. This album started slow but shit was low key speaking to me by the conclusion of Tam Lin. Felt like I was in an enchanted forest. Final track was alright. I'm conflicted on if this is a light 4 or the strongest 3 yet.

Record full of sprawling cuts that stick to a Ye Olde Times theme. There's some good stuff here but it comes off as more novelty than anything to me.

Wanted to give it 4/5, but it started to all sound the same after a while.

Relaxing. Nice music

2.5

Really, really enjoyed this. That sort of 'Traditional' music sound was around a lot growing up and I spurned it pretty hard at the time, but I've since softened my tastes.

Absolutely stellar folk-rock from the British Jefferson Airplane. The storytelling was on point throughout, the production surprisingly impressive in spite of its own lo-fi nature, and I was thrown through an unexpected emotional journey. Just imagine yourself sitting amongst the hills and valleys of the English countryside with a folk group serenading you, surrender yourself to nature, and have fun with it. Wow. Favourite track: Matty Groves Least favourite track: Tam Lin

Late 60's Brit folk and I surprisingly (to me) have never even heard a whiff of before. Quite nice, but nothing that gets me overly excited.

Everything on this record is great. I'm not sure the little medley was 100% necessary, but that's a minor quibble.

It has its moments but I enjoy it a little bit less than Unhalfbricking. The breakdown at the end of Matty Groves is sick.

Fairport Convention has a special place in British music since they are in that fairly interesting area of folk and prog rock. This is more folk I'd say so I prefer other albums more, but it's still great.

I liked this one a little more than Unhalfbricking. Matty Groves and the Medley both go hard.

Late 60s UK folk rock. Very pleasant.

Wonderfully compelling blend of folk songs with rock. Engaging from start to finish, and surprisingly catchy. The best of both the folk and rock genres perfectly encapsulated in this record

Album #150: Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief ⭐⭐⭐ I’ve got a couple of strong opinions about Fairport Convention, who I really do like a lot. I think the band contained, at one point, two of the most underrated musicians in their respective fields. Richard Thompson, though he’s highly rated, is still underrated as a guitarist, in my opinion. He’s absolutely exceptional. His playing is so unique. He’s got this great biting guitar tone, and he plays these weird, syncopated stabs and accent . His playing is melodic, heavy, but also understated. It’s a strange combination, and I love it. I also think he’s a great singer and an exceptional lyricist. Check out Calvary Cross and Streets of Paradise for examples of that. Then there’s Sandy Denny. Now, Sandy Denny is already revered, don’t get me wrong, but I still think she’s underrated because I genuinely think she might be the greatest singer who ever lived. I don’t necessarily think that all the time, but I went through a period where I was completely obsessed with her voice. I find it so evocative, so beautiful, and so commanding. It’s not flashy, and it’s not particularly showy, but it’s just stunning. She’s capable of enormous power without ever sounding like she’s trying too hard. Similar to Richard Thompson, there’s something understated about what she does. So why only three stars? I don’t actually think this is a particularly great album. It starts with Come All Ye, which almost sells the album under false pretences. It’s this jaunty opening where they invite us to join in the reverie that makes you think you’re about to get a lively folk record, and that’s really not what follows. Lyrically, I don’t think it’s a very interesting song either. It’s basically just introducing the band, and I think the lyrics are fairly generic. Good tune, but not a great song. That’s followed by Reynardine, which is a lovely showcase for Sandy Denny’s voice, but it’s a little dull. Even at four minutes, it feels longer than it is. That more or less sets the tone for the rest of the album. It’s a very low-key, melancholy record. Very serious and devoid of any humour or fun. Songs like The Deserter and Farewell, Farewell are good songs, but I think the album really needed more lively moments to break things up. There’s a medley, which is nice, but it’s slightly generic. It’s not that there are any bad songs here. There really aren’t. It’s just bereft of variety, and it’s surprisingly short on genuinely great tunes. That said, the highs are extraordinary. Tam Lin is fantastic. It’s rhythmically fascinating, and it’s one of the best showcases for Richard Thompson’s guitar tone. But then there’s Matty Groves. Matty fucking Groves. It’s one of my ten favourite songs of all time. Comfortably. I’ve probably listened to it a thousand times and I’ve never once got sick of it. I think it’s the song that made me fall in love with Sandy Denny’s voice. It’s exactly what I mean when I say she’s commanding. As a storytelling performance, it’s utterly captivating. The interplay between Richard Thompson’s guitar and Dave Swarbrick’s fiddle, which almost sounds like it’s being played through a cheap guitar amp, is just phenomenal. The whole band is completely on fire. It’s one of the greatest full-band performances I can think of. Everything locks together perfectly. It absolutely swelters. I adore that song. The problem is that I don’t find myself coming back to much of the rest of the album. So it’s a three-star album for me, probably a light three at that. Unhalfbricking, which also appears on this list, is, in my opinion, a far stronger Fairport Convention album, with more variety and is much more interesting. Dylan in French!

Great country/folk music with excellent guitar and melodies.

Dull

I don't mind this genre at all. An enjoyable listen, just falls short of the 'to buy list' Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ ★★★☆☆(6/10) Total reviewed : 386 Already owned : 85 Purchased : 16 To buy : 7 Nope : 278

Sandy Denny's voice is incredible- warm, powerful, but also fragile and vulnerable. She fits perfectly in this ensemble. I particularly enjoyed the electric guitar work here, and the overall Medieval vibe.... I liked this a lot! It's funny how this album feels like a Renaissance Festival but also the late 60s. That overmesh of time periods just feels terribly cozy, sitting here in 2026 with all of our luxuries but also- Feudalism. FOUR STARS

This was fine. Fairport Convention’s Liege & Lief sounded like the kind of Renaissance fair music designed to lull you to sleep. While I can appreciate its influence, I found most of it pretty uninspiring.

This album was fine. Little too folksy for my taste though.

A fine line between folk and country sometimes.

I had no idea that I needed to hear this.

I had never heard anything by Fairport Convention before listening to Liege & Lief, but I really liked it. I can see why it's considered to be such an influential folk album.

Love it

I kept thinking that this could have been the soundtrack to The Wicker Man. An absolutely entrancing British folk record. Sublime. Through this album I learned that the lead singer is the lady on Zep’s The Battle of Evermore.

medieval core type shihhh

Never heard but blues folk rock sounds good. SO interested. I respect it. Good songwriting.

C'est un bonne album mais pas reversant. J'ai quand même été pris dans cette album.

Pleasant

she has such a great voice

Lovely voice. Surprisingly lovely.

Starts off with loads of life for this era of folk. It's a solid album but doesn't sustain those opening tracks.

2/10 Didn't care for

The idea of British folk is very new to me but I’m pleased to hear what this album has given me. The instrumentation is solid and most of the songs on the LP are good. A good chunk do go on way too long in my opinion with myself kind of wanting more pieces like Farewell, farewell it’s still a solid record. Fav tracks: Come all ye, reynardine, farewell, farewell, and crazy man Michael

That first track I was like "huh, this actually kinda bangs...". But by the third song about maidens running through the forest, I'd just about had enough. A little of Fairport Convention goes a long way. But kudos to this project for introducing me to yet another (British) band I'd never heard of.

Taisin vähän rakastua. Pelkäsin, että tässä on taas yks kantrilevy lisää, mutta tää oli todella kaunis kokonaisuus. Rakastan eteeristä laulua, rakastan hyvää tarinankerrontaa, rakastan kitaraa sanomassa kauniisti mau. It's giving Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac ja Patti Smith. Muistutti mua biisistä O Death, jota myös kovin rakastan. Tästä tuli heittämällä yks sellasia albumeja, mitä kuuntelen myöhemminkin. Surisin, että kuulen tämän vasta nyt elämässäni, mutten voi koska oon niin ilonen että kuulin tän nyt.

Oon ollu erittäin keskiaikafani viimesen puoli vuotta ja tää jotenki hiveli sitä. Kansanmusiikki on mulle vähän uusi juttu mutta Kaustisilla söin elämäni parhaan jäätelön pari vuotta sitten. Tykkäsin tästä. Ilosta ja lipuvaa ja hyväntuulista. Kuuntelisin uusiksi.

Nyt on kyllä ollu kovien levyjen putki! Tää oli itselle uus tuttavuus mut oli kyl huikee sekotus hippiliikettä, 60-luvun rokin räimettä, brittikamua, psykeä ja ties mitä muuta. Pitää ehkä perehtyä muihinkin Fairport Concentionin levyihin!

Ah! Mitä riemastuttavaa keskiaikateemaista folkprogeiloittelua! Erityisesti Matty Groves ja aamun kiuru sikermä sykähdittävät 😍 (Ja näköjään Spotifystä tippunut medleyn muiden osien nimet!!! ”The Lark In The Morning/ Rakish Paddy/ Foxhunter's Jig/ Toss The Feathers”) Niin ja Tam Lin oli kans upee!

Tykkäsin! Ihanaa maalailevaa ja hyvänmielistä. Love me some oldie goldie folk rock may this never end.

Can do one song but not a whole album of it

This was cool. Never really listened to them. Folky

Strong 4. I think it was very enjoyable, and the drum sound was really cool and caught a cool groove with the bass. Overall, a high-quality recording with great musicianship.

British bias comes through for once? To me this sounds like Irish folk mixed with rock, but I'd imagine the folk music from all the islands in that area is similar. This is truly folk rock. A true fusion. Folk rock seems like an oxymoron. The folk storytelling with mirrored verses combined with rock sensibilities is quite intriguing to me. The fiddle playing and the singing over electric guitars and a drum set. The folk songwriting informed the rock instrumentation. I feel confident with a 4

Very happy to see this one show up! I first discovered FC in college, when I bought their first album (based on a high rating in The Rolling Stone Record Guide - my much-thumbed musical bible back then, long before there was an Internet). This album (Liege & Lief) was their 3rd album, and all 4 of their 1st 4 albums (released 1968-70) are excellent, although I think the 1st one is their best. This one is between a high 4 and a low 5. FC featured the great (and ill-fated) Sandy Denny on vocals, and a young Richard Thompson on guitar, as well as Simon Nicol on guitar and Ashley Hutchings on bass. FC -- to me -- successfully combined elements of traditional British & Celtic folk with more modern instrumentation and styles, and created something excellent that is both of its time (late 60s/early 70s), but also evocative of much older folk traditions -- and thus timeless. Giving a nudge for the overall quality of their early albums and the uniquely evocative sound and feel of their music, I'll bump this to a low 5. If we do end up getting their first album ("What We Did On Our Holidays") here, too, I reserve the right to give THAT one a 5, and lower this one to a high 4 (lol).

I like the folk songs, and the rock instrumentation is a welcome pairing. They strike me as a precursor to Fleet Foxes I like the female vocalist (reminiscent of Anne Briggs), and her somewhat Celtic way of singing. "Farewell, Farewell" is my favorite

Very interesting. Kept me engaged, enjoyed the Irish feel, but did get a little old after a while. Rating: 6/10 Favorite Song: Matty Groves

I liked this one. I had never listened to any music by the Fairport Convention and was only vaguely familiar with the name of the band. But I found this one pretty interesting. I enjoyed it more than I expected. It's in the range of 3,5 stars for me. Some songs I enjoyed: "Reynardine" (my favourite), "Matty Groves" (really enjoyed the instrumental section in the second half of the song), "Tam Lin" or "Crazy Man Michael".

I like it! 3.5

Sandy Denny's voice is beautiful. I thought I didn't like folk. It seems I was wrong.

Absolutely awful have no idea why it’s even on the list

It’s ren fair music at best

Boring celtic singing

Listening to this out of context, it just sounds like "another folk album," but when comparing to other folk at the time and what came after, especially with knowing this was Britains contribution to the sound, it does become more important and stand out as something that was in a sweet spot after the bands were finding their footing and influencing what was to come in Britain. I waver between a 3.5 and 4, so I'll bump up to 4 here.

The first song is painfully bad. like, wtf bad. The second song isn't much better. It just sounds like whiny hippie shit. But then it starts to round out and it kind of sounds like an album of Irish funeral songs, which is kind of cool. For the record, I have no earthly idea what Irish funeral songs actually sound like, or if that's even a thing.

Sandy Denny has the voice of an angel. This is an impressive example of British folk music and I totally understand why it is on this list.

Ya, old folk stuff isn’t for me.

I'm fairly positive that the only reason this made the list is because of Sandy Denny who was featured on Led Zeppelin's Battle of Evermore. Is this album an album you need to hear before you die? No, but placing it here because of the Zeppelin connection is insane to me. The opening track goes on forever and Sandy's vocals are ok, but grate on your nerves after awhile. It's not something you need to hear, and as the album progresses it begins to grow tiresome and harder to listen to.

This was fine, a couple of familiar melodies here…. 3.5/5

This is probably the only album I like from Fairport. It holds a lot of influence cards. The biggest standouts being Sandy Denny’s singing and the guitar work of Richard Thompson, who was only 20 years old at the time. Still, if I had to choose, I’d lean more towards Steeleye Span who were also very influential in the Brit/Celt/folk movement at the time.

I mean…sure. She sings good I guess. Some interesting lyrics and story telling but I could really use a hook in there sometimes to mix it up. Call me simple 2.75

This was kinda silly but also pretty awesome. I enjoyed it. 3.75/5

Burn me up inside the wicker man! Love this shit. I may have spoken too soon, it does get a little tedious after a while, still good though.

Was fine, but not life changing.

Musically, it sounds like improv by the least adventurous musicians on the planet. Lyrically, it sounds like earnest odes to Renaissance Life. Not surprisingly, then, it’s a painfully awkward listening experience. Top it off with that breathy, warbling, twee voice and you have a clear one star experience.

Traditional British folk music with some celtic vibes. Too primitive fo me. Boring.

Yanno, this was really gorgeous, although it got a little too olden-tyme-y pretty darn quick. I love the folk-rock thing until inevitably we start pretending we're living in medieval times. Let's just keep it simple, team. Fave tracks: - Come All Ye - Reynardine - Farewell, Farewell - The Deserter

For some reason this album was a nice mix for me. I like a good folk kind of sound.

Very nice and different!

I've learned that if Richard Thompson played on an album, I'll probably like it. I guess British folk is pretty great. This is pretty nice. Music is pleasant, Sandy Denny's voice is very nice. "Matty Groves" stands out, sweet solo/instrumental section. "Medley: The Lark in the Morning" is awesome too.

This is a weird one. It’s almost like if the Velvet Underground made an album of traditional folk music. I kinda like it though.

Languid and drawling, perfect for a hot summer weekend. If only I had that cool pitcher of ice tea I'm imagining myself with in this album.

Note to self: use this album as the soundtrack for a dnd character or campaign. That aside, great voice and much greater variety in instrumentals than what passes for folk on the other side of the ocean. Some parts just sound like the end of the Who's baba O'Riley but developed further, which is epic. The stories in the lyrics reminisce of stuff that wouldn't be amiss on your local ren faire. Excellent bardcore.

Overall: 8/10 While I prefer Unhalfbricking, I think this is a worthy inclusion in this list and a hell of an album. The vocals are just gorgeous in every way, and I love the folk rock feel. Fav Song: Matty Groves

Couldn't take it. Heard two songs and bailed

Женщины в фолке

Not mine

I don't know why but I've usually preferred Steeleye Span to Fairport. There's no good reason for it because they're woven together and both are brilliant. This is a masterpiece.

Doubt it’s very trendy to say it… but who gives a folk. Actually quite enjoyed this.

Never listened to Fairport Convention before as folk is not my thing. Surprised how timeless some of the tracks sounded.

Matty Groves is a banger but I've never been sold on the rock folk hybrid sound, much prefer if this was acoustic...

honk shoo

I think I found it quite nice but I’m struggling to remember any of it now it’s done.

Ha! Just played in a band and "Come All Ye" was one of the tunes we did. After listening to it I let the whole album keep rolling so this was in my ears only a month ago. Fairport Convention does their thing damn well. One of those bands that I'm not always up for but when I am nothing else will do.

Melko samanlainen kokemus kuin edellinenkin Fairport Conventionin levy. Ihan ok, mutta ei erityisen mieleenpainuva.

Water is life

Matty Groves is pretty decent. Mostly b/c I like the Doc Watson version Shady Grove

This style not usually my jam, but holy hell, this isn't bad. Well recorded, very musical, enjoyable folksy storytelling, you could do worse in the genre, by far. Gotta give this one the extra star just based on the quality of the music, even if, again, it isn't something I'd normally throw on.

Definite add to any collection

Never heard of this. Okay so folk singing. I could like this. First song is cool, sounds like the band is trying to convince the people at a pub to dance and sing through the night. Second track tells us a tale of medieval times, and while the delivery is good, it doesn't necessarily do much for me personally. Matty Groves starts off with a completely different rhythm, and the tale it tells is that of (cheating and) romance. But even discounting the lyrics, the instrumentals themselves are much more fun, and make you want to dance. But the lyrics are cool too. Sounds like bard music. Medieval folk. Trovador in portuguese, no clue what that translates to in english. Fun song! Love the instrumental breakdown at the end. The song after that is a more laid-back kind of ballad. And while I have nothing against it, I don'r have much for it either. The Deserter tells of a person who is captured. I feel like some more time with this song and its lyrics would be helpful, as I like what I followed of the story. I liked the instrumental medley at tbout the halfway point of the abum. I swear I've heard something similar at a medieval fair. I like Tam Lin as well, and the story would be fun and captivating if I was watching it live. In the comfort of my own home? Not so sure. The closer doesn't feel as big as it should. This whole thing feels like I'm visiting a medieval fair. Can be lots of fun, but for a very specific mood. So I'm in a weird spot, where none of the songs are bad, but I'm not sure if I'll listen to them ever again. Matty Groves was definitely the highlight, and I kept waiting for another song to match its sound, but that did not happen. Maybe I'll give this another chance soemtime, if I find myself in the very specific mood this asks for. I feel like I'm just not the person to enjoy it most. But it was a fun and unique experience

British folk that I found fairly boring.

2026.06.23.

I'd say its not my cup of tea, but it goes so much deeper than that. It's as if I don't like tea at all. Or better yet, like I don't like beverages.

Folky rock. Goes on for a bit but some parts are fun. 3/5

I fell asleep halfway through.

I’ve never been but I imagine this is what a Ren Faire sounds like. But every so often, maybe once every couple of songs, there will be a section of the song where the band just goes off and rips way harder than 60’s British folk should.

There was a bit more complexity here than I was expecting, almost like prog folk rock. I didn't love it though.

1.5 - Not for me.

Haunting voice but otherwise not particularly interesting

I bloody loved this. Gorgeous production, Sandy Denny's voice is superb, violins are ace, drumming is top-tier. Favorite tracks: Come All Ye, Matty Groves, The Deserter, Medley: The Lark In The Morning, Tam Lin.

1. "Tam Lin" 2. "Crazy Man Michael" 3. "Matty Groves"

Pretty good

fuck. fuck. FUCK. i hate the english. apologies for giving up the good fight. i saw english again and lost the will to go on. alas. i must keep it pushing. also purple rain's on the docket. things Might be looking up. sandy's got a dolores o'riordan thing going on that i'm fw HEAVY. however (comma) the songs are just alright. 3.3.

Not bad, but pretty boring overall. Nothing really stood out to me, and I never felt fully invested in any of the songs.

Electric medieval? What? That was exactly my first thought when I hit play, expecting either dry, dusty traditional acoustics or generic 60s rock. Instead, I found myself fully immersed in what I can only describe as a 1960s Renaissance Faire turned up to eleven, proto-bardcore as it's been called. I usually don't have much time for the "hey nonny nonny" folk stuff, but Sandy Denny’s vocals are otherworldly, beautiful, haunting, and completely commanding (it suddenly makes perfect sense why Led Zeppelin recruited her for "The Battle Of Evermore"). Paired with Richard Thompson's electrifying guitar work and a surprisingly punchy rhythm section, sprawling epics like "Matty Groves" and "Tam Lin" don't just amble along; they absolutely rock. It's an bewitching blend of the ancient and the modern that easily earns its reputation as the definitive British folk rock masterpiece.

overall a nice album. Quite a few good songs a few clunkers. Voices were great

Well, gosh. I don't hand out many 5s on here (especially for things I've never heard before), but I really liked this. Can't believe this was made in 1969. I mean yeah, it's got the vibe of medieval music, but it sounds great. It made me think of The Decemberists' "Hazards of Love" album quite a bit. 4.7

nothing changed in me even the slightest after the listening

120 albums in and this one feels like a new kind of surprise: an album I thought I wouldn't like, but that I turned out to love. I kinda knew what they sounded like. Turned out, they were even more intensely what I expected and dreaded: literal sorcerers and medieval ren-faire balladry. But what I didn't count on is that Sandy Denny is a truly great and affecting singer and even more that the band is a great rock band, with a great, punchy and dynamic rhythm section and Richard Thompson doing really interesting guitar work. Medievalist fairytales aside, this feels exactly like a band I would really dig right now (just a bit more restrained and less bombastic than psych rock stuff I love). Looking forward to when Unhalfbricking comes up. 4.5/5 rounding up. Yeah, might include this on my own personal "yes, you should check this out" recommendation list.

Better than expected

Too Renaissance fair too my liking. It's an early Jefferson Airplane

This feels pretty seminal, and I hate that word.

I quite liked this

This album genuinely shocked me. Having never heard of this band and looking at the album cover, I thought I was in for a terrible ride. I was all prepared to ridicule and hate-review it. However, God laughs at the plans of man. From the opening song to the last track, this album shocked me at how much I genuinely enjoyed it. I love the singer's voice and the instrumentation is fantastic. There are a few harder rocking songs that I was blown away by, but the more folksy songs also took my breath away. A couple of the songs I could take or leave, which will keep it from getting a 5, but overall I enjoyed it a decent amount!

second album by this band in a few weeks. i was pleasantly surprised by the first (unhalfbricking), which i liked even though folk isn't usually my thing. i liked this one much less somehow. not sure why?

A couple of highs but mostly just sounded like Greensleeves. If there was more like Matty Groves this would have been much more enjoyable and memorable

I'm here for this type of chill chill folk once in a while

Fine but not my usual style

This was better than i expected, but still not for me. They turned down the twee folkiness and actually put some tunes in which was nice. But i didnt like the vocal as it sounded very thin and nasal, like was the style at the time.

Parts of this reminded me of Richard & Linda Thompson 'I want to see the Bright Lights Tonight' and sure enough I then see that he was in Fairport Convention. Enjoyable folk rock from England. Probably 3 stars only though.

I’ve had a copy of this for 20 years and very rarely listened to it. Any time I do, I am reminded that the playing is superb, Sandy Denny’s vocals remind me of Christine McVie, and that Fleetwood Mac took this template and did this better. As such, it suffers by my comparison, so I put it away and forget it again for another few years

The guitar playing on this is very enjoyable but the vocals aren’t quite doing it for me so I’m a bit torn on whether I should give this more of a chance.

Perfectly pleasant listening experience.

Electric folk rock built from ringing guitars, agile bass lines, fiddle melodies, and earthy vocals feels like gathering around a fire while centuries-old ghost stories slowly come alive in the surrounding woods—vivid, timeless, and remarkably alive. Traditional British folk forms are transformed through energetic rock arrangements without losing their sense of age or myth. Its reverence for tradition never prevents it from feeling vibrant and emotionally immediate. Still something feels off, probably the rythm, the melody gets too repetetive over time for me.

Denne plata får meg til å gro hår på føttene. Hørte på denne mens jeg røkte pipe mellom første og andre frokost.

-lengde -den ti minutter lange sangen på slutten +matte groves

Likte denne veldig godt og kommer til å utforske de mer.

Glad for at de tar folk på alvor. Dette var dritbra! Hadde lagra Matty Groves fra før, no har æ lagra noen flere. Lot være å høre på bonussporan

Ikke min sjanger, og dette låtmaterialet holder ikke. Koselig treer.

Love Sandy Denny's voice. This isn't something that I'd want to listen to very often but I enjoyed it.

If I got invited to a convention about airports, I would politely decline. This album was okay but not for me.

Great sound, like american country music but better.

This was a fun listen. I just let it roll over me, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I've never been one for folk music, but this journey has me enjoyinig them almost most of all.

THAT'S WHAT IM TAKING ABOUT!! Imagínate crecer escuchando la letra de estas canciones y que alguien te diga que hoy en día (2026) el mejor compositor es bad bunny por sus letras tan buenas.

A very interesting introduction and an almost pleasant listen although it is not really my preferred style of music. worst: "Reynardine" 2,5

The Olde English hath caused much rollin' of mine eyes. These are folksy ditties about lords, ladies, young maidens and their various means of downfall. Painful stuff. There's twiddly dee folk music going on throughout and that's a genre that requires it's own attention - sometimes it can be quality. To be fair, the musicians are skilled. Here I'm scoring on all aspects of the album and what I imagine was supposed to be a modern take on folk music. Pretty awful.

I'm familiar with a few tracks of Fairport Convention, but not enough to truly consider myself a fan. This was enjoyable enough, though. The vocals were pleasant, and the instrumentation solid, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't largely wash over me.

Very Peter Paul & Mary-esque. I love when the British do folk music.

Enjoyed the vibe. Felt like I was in a medieval tavern sippin’ my flagon, however the actual songs weren’t that great.

Pretty nice sea shanties. Lady singer has a lovely voice. Some of if bizarrely reminded me a bit of post rock, matty groves ending was like acoustic silver mt zion

Nice enough!

Nice enough voice. Nice enough songs. Didnt know or care what the songs were about. All a bit samey after a few songs. Dunno why its memorable or why I should give any more of the least fuck than I dont. ¿

Toss

Красиво, но вообще мимо меня

Full of murders and madmen and kings and fairy queens this is such a glorious sound. The playing is brilliant and Sandy Denny's voice is beautiful. An album you can get lost in

This is sweet and easy listening irish folk but not really a top anything.

There were quite a few fun ones! But this wasn't a no skip album for me so that's why it got a 4

weird... was not that enjoyable

I didn’t really like this. Too folky and tree huggy for me. I think it was good as light listening and I did enjoy the last song. I felt it was an interesting addition to the album.

This was tough, not my thing at all. found it gruelling to listen to. I'm sure this is someone's cup of tea somewhere.

It was a nice listen though I got distracted halfway. I'll give it a 3 but that is more for my liking of the genre itself.

Seriously, what are the chances I'd get both Fairport Convention albums two days in a row? Similar to their previous project, I guess I've discovered British folk (and older folk in general) just isn't for me. It feels "old-fashioned" but I'm aware that's not the fault of the album itself. Though the main female singer's vocals remain as lovely as ever, and I enjoyed the more rock-ish elements woven into this one! It made for more interesting high-points and thus felt unfair for me to give this anything under 3 stars.

Folk rock, probably as good as it gets. 5/10

6.5/10 Highlights: Matty Groves Come All Ye The Deserter

Meh

Was not expecting to like this as much as I did!

I had a hard time with this album -- too much sameness across the tracks. The musicianship is well enough... I read that the vocalist was a guest singer in the Battle of Evermore on Led Zeppelin IV -- seems like high praise. But the style of the music doesn't do a whole lot for me. It often uses drones in which the same chords are used over and over and the variation in melody is what creates tension in the music... but this was tiresome for me in songs like Matty Grove. And Tam Lin and the final song Quiet Joys of Brotherhood are just SO repetitive... The high point for me was the instrumental medley that featured some nice fiddle work and far less chordal repetition.

Fun British Folk Rock that made for good listening. Lots of fun moments to enjoy on this one even if I’m not sure it’s the sort of thing I’ll come back to. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Matty Groves, Come All Ye

Expectation: -> Never heard of this. After listening: -> Oh wow. What a singing voice. I really enjoy Loreena Mckennitt who has even more Celtic influence than this band. This is a style of music that I listen to a few times per year and have been doing so for several years. I am putting this album into my rotation AND will be seeking out their other albums. Track ranking: Patrick Reynardine Michael Matty Farewell Come Medley Tam Quiet Deserter

Decent listening while working. Won't seek it out to play again though.

Ugh

Als der britische Folk endgültig elektrisches Rückgrat bekommt. Die Band verbindet hier traditionelle Balladen mit rockiger Erdung, ohne den alten Stoff zu verraten. Sandy Dennys Stimme trägt die Songs mit einer Klarheit, die fast schon mythisch wirkt, während Richard Thompsons Gitarrenspiel den Stücken eine kantige Modernität gibt. Der Longtrack „Matty Groves“ ist ein kleines Epos, „Farewell, Farewell“ ein stiller Abschied voller Schwere, und „The Deserter“ zeigt, wie lebendig Tradition klingen kann. Ein wegweisendes Album, das seine Wurzeln ehrt und zugleich mutig nach vorn geht.

An unbelievable leap from the first records, prompted by Ashley Hutchings’ convalescence after the band suffered a tragic car accident. His fascination with the origins or British folk led to this extraordinary blend of traditional, in some case centuries old, folk music, reworked by FC, and original pieces by Richard Thompson and band. Sandy Denny’s vocal performances are powerful and at times breathtaking - she was never better - and the band rocked with enormous conviction, in a “folk rock” sound that simply didn’t exist prior to this. One of the best and most important records of the rock era imho.

Den her typen folkemusikk e vel ikke helt min greie, sjøl om det e ganske trivelig mens det foregår – men når æ ikke helt har konsentrasjon til å høre etter på teksten, og ikke helt har fot for rytmen, så ramle det litt mellom to stoler og æ blir bare sittanes.

Never heard of these guys before. So, I do have a love of traditional folk ballads, even though I rarely listen to them. There's just something about them. It's really cool to find this album full of them but mixed with 1960s folk/rock production. it actually works really well! "Reynardine" was really cool and atmospheric. "Medley" was just so fun and lovely The funny thing about this is that enjoyed it probably as much as, if not more than, some of the albums I've given 5's to. However, something is stopping me from fully committing to a 5 lol. I actually really enjoyed it tho! I was expecting this to be just another "meh" on the list, but it was pretty good! 4.5/5

Decent folk album. Sounds a little like Joni Mitchell to me, but not quite as good. Highlights: "Come All Ye"

I'd never knowingly listened to any Fairport Convention - this was a very pleasant listen. When my partner came into the room, they asked if I was listening to Chumbawamba! I will be happy in the knowledge that I'll be able to recognise their music in the future and may well play it by myself.

I was looking through my reviews and noticed one that prefaced the whole thing with ‘I’ve been to a work thing and had two beers …’. Readers, we are here again. Perhaps it is the optimum level of intoxication for music listening. But, despite this possibly being the whitest music conceivable, I found myself really enjoying it. Cut glass vocals. Mad fiddles. So very folk. But it’s genuinely interesting. The drumming, in particular. Folk > Country.

Didn't like Folk Rock, still don't. Might be one of the most influential folk albums of all time, I'll trust them on this one, but I still don't like folk. Would probably go hard if I was at a farmers market in rural Wyoming though.

folk rock from the band who covered bob dylan a lot Favorite track: matty groves other picks: reynardine, tam lin, come all ye

Still enjoying the fact the guy being cucked by Matty Groves getting with his younger wife is called Lord Donald That was my favourite track but Tam Lin was great too. I like Richard Thompson and his guitar work on here is great, it was a bit more rocky than folky them I was expecting.

I didn’t hate this. Much better than American Folk music of the same era. 3

"Liege & Lief" is widely regarded as the blueprint for British folk-rock, and the reasons for its reputation are clear upon listening. The rock elements are handled with restraint; they never overpower the traditional foundations but rather provide a tasteful framework that allows the folk arrangements to remain the focus. Sandy Denny’s vocals are the defining feature of the record - clear, evocative, and technically superb. For an album of its era, the production and mix are impressively balanced. The vocals are positioned at the forefront, while the instrumentation is placed precisely within the mix, ensuring that every element is audible without competing for space. It is a cohesive and accomplished album that took me by surprise when I first heard it and it still delights. Five stars. Side one 1 "Come All Ye" (5/5) 2 "Reynardine" (5/5) 3 "Matty Groves" (5/5) 4 "Farewell, Farewell" (4/5) Side two 5 "The Deserter" (4/5) 6 "Medley" (4/5) I. "The Lark in the Morning" II. "Rakish Paddy" III. "Foxhunter's Jig" IV. "Toss the Feathers" 7 "Tam Lin" (5/5) 8 "Crazy Man Michael" (5/5) Total - 37 Average - 4.63 314/1001 170/314 albums reviewed were new to me.

Ok

Good rock band. Love their music.

I can dig the folky, borderline eerie sounds of the album. Not one I would spin regularly and if comes for British/Irish folk I am going with the Pogues but happy to be introduced to a band I had never heard of.

It's alright. Wouldn't be mad for it but it's not bad

I like some of the songs here well enough, but on the whole it is rather one-dimensional and sedate.

4.6

OK at times

I can see the importance and kinda loved it. Gotta be in the mood but I think i'll listen again one day and share it

Eh, folk, kinda forgettable

The first two songs were pretty bad, Matty Groves and after were quite a bit better.

Pretty decent

Decent folksy music but nothing special either.

some of this is cool but oh my god it doesn't change by the end you feel like you're in a trance in some hippy drum circle it is TOO MUCH

Sandy Denny’s voice really carries this for me — there’s something very natural about it that fits the songs perfectly. The fiddle helps a lot too, giving everything that traditional feel without it coming across as stiff or old-fashioned. It’s very folk-focused, but the band keeps it from getting dull. Not every track sticks, but as a whole it works really well for me.

Not my vibe but appreciated

I’ll start with the positives. The biggest positive is called “Tam Lin”. That song is fucking awesome. I really like psychedelic it is and honestly that’s the only thing holding this album back from being more interesting. It just needs more of an edge, cause as a whole the album is super dry and gets old. The other saving grace is a song called “matty groves”. Which is alittle bit more folksy, which would normally do nothing for me, but this song really had an interesting story combined with mildly psychedelic instrumentation led to probably the best song on the album. Honestly, this is another case of “I didn’t hate the album, it wasn’t god awful or insulting to be on the list” it just felt like it needed something filled with different energy. Like a goofy mildly comedic song on this album would’ve went along way in breathing fresh air into this album.

Not my thing, but it was pretty nice to listen to. Loved the instrumentals. Solid 3

More 60s folk rock, bleurgh.

Just read about sandy Denny's death. Bloody hell.

I'm really settling into my status of this list as Enthousiast (that's what my profile says). And absolutely, this is a true masterpiece. First time listening to this, so it is all new, the songs blew me away in the plane to Barcelona. Stunning renditions of ancient folk songs. Richard Thompson is incredible on this. Makes me wanting for more. Of course there's the other side of folk and Cecil Sharp and his collected songs. Which makes this even more interesting.

Excellent folk music, beautiful voice on the singer

This was a pleasant little discovery; a “British Jefferson Airplane”

This album just made me mad. It is terribly boring.

Does quite well at keeping the medieval folk vibe, without ever really gimping itself from how inherently dated or potentially corny that sound can be. Not my type of music, generally, but if this was playing at the D&D session, I wouldn’t complain.

This album was a trip down Memory Lane. Forgot about how much I liked Fairport Convention. Mystical 60's band in their own lane.

I want to go on a quest now. The instrumentals here are all really great and the adaptation of traditional songs to the style really works. The vocals dance on top of the songs. Really enjoyable. Favorites were Marty Groves and Tam Lin.

3.2 I didn't mind that, which quite surprised me. On paper I should hate it, pretentious British folk, with plenty of fiddle. Maybe I'm growing soft now I'm almost at the finish line but I could appreciate the melodies and the vocals hit just right. Can't say I'll be saving it down but glad it came up.

Kind of a weird jam

Sounded like a Renaissance minstrel troupe showed up at Woodstock...

This convention sucks

Nothing like an album that makes you want to steer your bike into oncoming traffic

2.5

I'm just not a big fan of the church lady type folk singing. It's not bad, just didn't love it.

Сара - није слушала Марко - 2.5

Zaskakująco dobre. Z dwie lub trzy piosenki do zapisania. Mocne 4

Not as good as Unhalfbricking. Reminds me of DIY religious tapes.

This one surprised me. Heavy Celtic vibes which I’m a sucker for. Vocals and instrumentals are great

Would stop and listen if they were playing at a market.

This was far better than their first album. Although folk is not my favourite music (anymore), I can appreciate a good production and musical artistry.

The generator, in its wisdom, currently claims that folk is my favourite genre. It is wrong (I am more of an alternative rock guy), but it has certainly been serving up some very fine folk and folk-adjacent albums. This is another one, with Denny and Swarbrick shining

(2.75)

I don't mind folk, but these folks are some of the folksiest folks who ever folked. About 2/3 through the album I wished they'd just folk off.

Pretty bloody lovely

honestly i got really into these guys last year... i love folk music!!!

Naaaaah, conventions I like got anime girls in them Not too bad actually, some cute folk

Music

This was very interesting. I had heard of Fairport Convention, but never listened to an album until now. Thanks list! I once saw Richard Thompson play solo acoustic guitar and he blew me away, so I was looking forward to hearing some of his earlier work. I'm not into this kind of music, but I certainly appreciate it and the storytelling within many of the songs. Liked Songs Added: Matty Groves Tam Lin

Pretty cool folky album.

1. come - 1 2. rey - 2 3. matty - 1 4. fareuuell - 1 5. dezerter - 1 6. lark - 2 7. tam - 1 8. michael - 1 9. patrick - 2 10. quiet - 2

Sounds like the 60s, but quite good

Like it 3/5

it was 60s folk and i enjoyed it more than i thought it would

Had never heard of them. Don’t feel like it was a miss.

Ihan mielenkiintoista, pitäisi joskus kuunnella uudestaan. 3,5/5.

Still not 100% sure on how I feel about this one. Wild mix of like folk and and country and ren fest music?

Never heard of them. I like the vocal. Good album.

Not sure why but this hit today. Really cool as a novelty idea.

Good Brit folk rock. Sandy Denny has a great voice (I believe she sang on a Led Zep tune that I can't remember right now) and Richard Thompson is fantastic l. Really good stuff

Great Songs: Matty Groves Good Songs: Come All Ye, Reynardine, Farewell, Farewell, The Deserter, Medley: The Lark in the Morning, Crazy Man Michael, Quiet Joys of Brotherhood (Take 1) Mid Songs: Tam Lin, Sir Patric Spens (Sandy Denny Vocal Version) Bad Songs:

Not sure about Dimery’s fascination with Ren Faire music, but I’m kinda into it.

Beautiful. I think I said on the last Fairport Convention, that this feels like the source code of The Decemberists. The songwriting, the homages, the vocals and instrumentation are all so good and and point. The Matty Grove jam is so perfect. It should be studied, it makes perfect sense that Billy Strings has covered it numerous times. I loved this! I could jam this out all day.

EDIT 05AUG2026: still not my cup of tea, but I'll upgrade it to a 2. Some of these songs sound very beautiful while others just sound like noise

4/3/26. Really engaging folk album, loved the performances from the musicians and the lead singer's voice fits in nicely. Enjoyed the back and forth from pop-structure to larger instrumentals.

I only want this kind of music when I'm playing Zelda's wind waker.

Eh. Other than the parts that sounded like The Allman Brothers Band

Me sentí como un duende dando vueltas por un bosque en la primera canción. Tienen cierta ricura sus temas pero lo lamento no me puede encantar el folk, quizás en otro momento de mi vida pueda sentirle ese ritmo. Hoy no me encantó. Debo aclarar que escucho mucho más en cuanto a la instrumental más que a las mismas letras. Si las vueltas de la vida me traen a este álbum una vez más en el futuro lo escucharé con más detenimiento.

Yeah, alright

Absolutely lovely voice! I am surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did.

I don't think the world needed british/celtic folk rock to be a thing... If the "seminal album" of the genre sounds so boring, I don't really want to hear the rest. The only piece of music I actually enjoed is Tam Lin.

Nice folk album