Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I understand why this is a classic. Really enjoyed it.
Sobre solid jams on here but most of the vocals aren’t for me
Love Fairport Convention. This is one of their best
Halvskön vibe men inte helt för mig
Pretty good. Folky and fine, but not top tier.
I feel like I’m in a tavern waiting for my ale and chunk of meat to arrive
A truly enjoyable new-to-me listen. A nice combo of folk, celtic, and jammy rockin' sounds. That's more often than not going to be welcome in my ears.
Un album qui m'a semblé plus sombre et inquiétant que le précédent, moins fidèle à la tradition, avec des envolées de violon qui me rappellent que nos racines québécoises sont entremêlées avec les folklores britanniques.
Folky hippie shit with an Celtic tinge. A couple groovy numbers but overall very much not for me. 2/5
Very folksy, good instrumentation and her voice is nice, but man am I tired of 60s albums by now. 2*
Meh. Too long
OK that's not bad but not a keeper...
Not as exciting as Pentangle. The few songs I have tried to listen were repetitive, without the jazzy touch I actually liked in Pentagle. Totally forgettable but not that bad comparing to Dylan.
I’m now wearing grass skirts and sleeping with my cousins after this….
možda je stvarno super, ali mene je baš kraljevski udavilo
Nije mi ovo njihov naj album ali sam primijetio da tebi baš nikako ne sjedaju 😃
This is a highly regarded album in English Folk circles and regarded as one of the best folk rock albums ever. Don’t feel qualified enough to agree or dispute this but it is an album I really like and have in my collection. Wasn’t always the case as Fairport Convention were not to my taste in my younger days. It is only becoming older that I have become to appreciate them so probably an indication as to the age group they appeal to. No I’m not elderly bearded chap who drinks real ale and cups his hand to his ear when singing. As regards Fairport it was more a case of becoming aware of Sandy Denny and what a brilliant singer she was. Two lovely songs highlighting her talents are on this album Reynardine and Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood (Ok I know this wasn’t on initial realease but its on my reissue, so good enough for me) I could and did today keep listening to these two tracks on a loop such is their beauty and calming effect they have upon me. Matty Groves always raises a smile when I listen and makes me wonder as a traditional song if it is actually based on a true story. Reading the songs history is very interesting. Jigs and reels are not everyone’s cup of tea and a reason why some may give the album a wide berth. Must admit myself I need to be a right mood to listen at home but in a folk club environment they come alive and i would defy anyone not to at least tap their toes in that setting. But as I say it is Sandy Denny that really makes it a favourite album of mine. Any album featuring her beguiling voice is a winner in my book but this one is exceptionally good. 5/5 6/5/25
Very forgettable
Getting some real Woodstock vibes with this folk album from '69. Thought it was a pretty decent album, and 'Matty Groves' was a particularly nice song. I think the singer's voice fitted really nicely with the music as well. Overall nothing too ground breaking for me, but still a decent album. Weak 3.
I enjoyed this! First thing first, the vocals are great. The singers voice is just something else. Good control and it really fits the tales sung. It feels like listing to stories with music added to it. "Matty Groves" is great, so is "Come All ye" and "Tam Lin". I'm very impressed! It feels a bit like the more folksy version of "Rainbow" but with a female Dio instead. Or maybe something that would fit in the game "Braid". What i'm not as impressed with is the instrumental tracks and jamming which can be quite tiresome at times. All in all I enjoyed it and found some new songs. Weak 4.
One 1 star because no stars is not an option. Makes Mariah’s album look like a 5!
Lovely album, chilled out in the garden with a cold beer
This should be interesting.....very good just not my cup of sage
I mean this is very English folk. Very very English folk. And I liked a lot of it. Matty Groves of course. And Come All Ye, Tam Lin and one or two more. Amazing songs and the vocals and performance are superb. But I also felt very very on the verge of absolutely hating everything about this. If Sandy Denny's voice was just "normally good" rather than "amazing" then this whole album could have been a complete dud.
Come All Ye // Marty Groves // Farewell, Farewell // Tam Lin // Crazy Man Michael 3.5/5
I enjoyed this, Sandy Denny had an incredible voice. Read a lot about their history and the terrible accident that killed a member of the band and that led to this album. Particularly liked Come All Ye, Matty Groves
Really enjoyed this one. It sounds like Neil Young with an awesome lady singer in some places and unique folk in others.
Qué álbum más bonito. Folk psicodélico con melodías pastorales, una instrumentación variada y muy interesante, y letras inspiradas en leyendas tradicionales celtas, que acompañan perfectamente a la voz etérea de Sandy Denny. El álbum de folk rock sesentero definitivo.
I think Fairport Convention is pretty great, and I especially like Richard Thompson. A great mix of mostly traditional songs with newer arrangements, though it does get a little noodly at times, which is not surprising.
I've never heard of the band or the album. Folk is a genre that I don't usually get on well with. But I enjoyed most of the album, even if I won't be listening to it again any time soon. But who knows? 3/5
what boring shower time entertainment
Very pleasant
That golden mystical sound
I liked a bit of this, there were some nice instrumental sections that were jams - celtic folk jams but jams nonetheless. It's really just not my thing though, I guess.
I don’t know what it is about this band, but they make me irrationally angry. I don’t even necessarily hate the music, but I fucking hate this for some reason.
Light and lilting with a bit of a Celtic twist. The vocals are awesomely beautiful.
I don't think I've listened to much British folk rock before. Not much else to say here I guess. Despite folk rock not really being my thing, this was somewhat pleasant to listen to. Sandy Denny's vocals and storytelling help carry things along and liven the listening experience. The fiddle playing in the instrumental medley was also fun. Some of the tracks can feel repetitive at times, though.
Interesting - I think I enjoyed the psychedelic aspects of the quiet joys of brotherhood the most.
3.4 2x amazing voice
Ren Faire Rock (tm).
It's fine, but nothing special or memorable.
Weee!
I must admit I've enjoyed this more than I was expecting. I can see myself sitting in an old tavern drinking a mug of ale.
a tiny bit better than the last album i got from them but still, a 2/5
Sandy Denny’s voice makes this album work for me, but the updated traditional songs full of the doings of lords and ladies and faeries and knights aren’t my thing. It would be very enjoyable at a Ren Faire or a Caleigh it’s just not the sort of thing I care to listen to outside of that context.
I wish Irish people were real
Nicht meins, wobei Tam Lin (für mich) in die richtige Richtung weist. Und sofort Assoziationen von Jefferson Airplane/Grace Slick auslöst.
Beautiful music and I love the storytelling. Wasn’t too interested by it though.
Not for me that
9/10 Traditional British folk is an odd genre - I listened to this on my way to a beer festival in the West Country (UK), and I couldn't think of anything more fitting! I love it because the band, and the guitar especially, lifts above the trad folk. And Sandy Denny's vocals are genre defining. Thoroughly enjoyable, much better than I expected
3.5/5
This album defined the British folk rock movement. With guitar from Richard Thompson - one of the finest guitarists anywhere - and vocals by the incomparable Sandy Denny, this album is the shit.
As far as that forest folk genre goes, this one is good. Doesn't go off the rails. Girls voice is unique but still listenable
This had a pleasant and primising opening. I can never emotionally connect with the storytelling style of lyrics that are this heavily "folky". The dynamics were notable in the arrangements where the lulls led to satisfying crescendos and then back down to a chill vocal-heavy section. I have heard other versions of some of these songs before but these might be my favourite. Tam Lin is such a meandering tale, my god. D.N.F. last song
Great summer time music.
A product of it's time: pretty decent folk rock. I don't think it's essential, but its a good listen.
Fantastic vocals from Sandy Denny, influential and rocks hard.
Hated this - felt like I was at a wedding feast in Sherwood Forest.
Didn’t mind this at all
Was a bit scared at the start - I'm no fan of 60s folk music. This was good though, songs were interesting and not too hippyish. Singer was excellent.
This album is utterly ridiculous, but I can't help but love it. Renaissance Faire tunes that sound like the soft parts of Zeppelin songs with some beautiful singing from Sandy Denny about...i don't know, elves and jousting or some shit in the forest? Then it gets crazy and there are these metal-esque breakdowns but with the same instruments, which kind of broke my brain. Seriously, this shit gets really rocking in parts. Then back to elves and goblins or whatever. Drugs are an amazing creative tool sometimes.
Definitely an album of it's era, this has a cool Irish flair while still depending on many of the Indian influences that affected the psychadelic music of the era. The folk nature is nice, but the album can get a bit too hippie for me at times. My favorite is Matty Groves.
I love the concept. Some execution left to be desired Enjoyed the listen though
Not sure if this combination of these genres is it
Eh... its a nice album but not for me
Started strong and faded with a whimper. Love the band and singer. Their upbeat stuff is better.
I’m surprised to see Fairport Convention here, but pleased. I don’t think I’ll ever dislike their music, but Who Knows Where the Time Goes could never be beaten.
I really enjoyed that - it has the right balance of psychedelic without being nor boring nor nonsense, which is not easy to achieve.
I'm such a hypocrite. I'm always complaining about country albums being like cowboy cosplay and yet I still have a soft spot for this sort of twiddly-diddly ren faire bullshit
Some decent hippy classic rock. Some chill vibes but not really my style.
Favourites: Come All Ye, Matty Groves, Tam Lin, Crazy Man Michael
Nice album; pleasant vocals & easy listening musical arrangements.
I enjoyed this! I've always loved folk tunes when I've come across them, but I've never really made time to listen to an album like this. I'd heard of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny, but didn't really know anything about them. I loved the fiddle, and liked her voice very much. My favourites were the opener (Come All Ye) and the last two tracks of the original release: Tam Lin (brilliant, musically) - quite a saga; and Crazy Man Michael - lovely tune, and heartbreaking story. I must admit, I was absorbed by these, and happily transported to a time when tales were passed down by the fire, through the generations.
Surprised myself by absolutely loving this.
I liked Come All Ye and The Deserter.
Medieval fiddle-dee-di is not for me.
Pretty good
Not familiar with a lot of Brit folk, this caught me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. I am an overall folk fan and I like that this album stayed true to folksy roots as much as possible while using modern rock instruments and modernized arrangements. The vocals stand out as versatile and dynamic. The string arrangements in general were fantastic and the fiddling in particular was beautiful. Matty Groves and Medley stood out to me as favourites, probably in large part because of the fiddle. Yes Matty Groves was 8 minutes but every minute was worth the listen. Definitely an album that will stay in my library.
I really enjoyed this album. It went on a bit too long and its production could have done with more variety.
I didn’t mind this one - was a bit samey throughout but I’d listen to it again
I was into this. Folksy rock with Sandy Denny’s voice leading the charge.
Classic English folk music
One of the most underrated bands of the 20th century, and so glad they are on this list. Beautiful music that doesn't just stick to the folk roots - the elegant composition of Richard Thompson allows the band to delve into some more bluesy/rocky ventures. Sandy Denny fails to miss a note on her final Fairport album. Best Tracks: - Matty Groves - Farewell, Farewell - Tam Lin Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10
That was pretty
Following “Unhalfbricking”, this is another stellar 5 star album.
Here's another one I have no idea how it made the list. It's fine, but also pretty standard 60s folk music, right? Personally I was pretty shocked this had so many reviewers raving about how surprised they were at how good it is. It didn't do much for me, though I did like some of the instrumental sections, especially the jam out of "Matty Groves".
Britisk folkrock fra slut 60'erne, innovativt, også en lidt blandet omgang
Ooh, I loved this. It was really cool to hear the early "british folk-rock" after falling so deeply for the 60s era American style, with Dylan and the like. I don't love it quite as much, but its sort of vital timelessness and edgy energy was lovely. Must-listen #95.
46/1001 - This was somewhat enjoyable. The songs got VERY repetitive at times and I'd like to hear more vocal/dynamic variation and a lot more melodic variation.
Yeah this is folk. Not the first time either. So I don't think excluding genres from this actually worked. This is really not for me.
Interesting. Didn't hate it.
average folk rock that’s all i have to say
Interesting coincidence to receive a Jefferson Airplane album immediately before this one by the "British Jefferson Airplane". This one is much more directly based in folk music, with traditional songs given a slightly electric update. Some good tracks, but I don't really get much from traditional folk ballads, especially divorced from the acoustic roots of folk. I'm glad it's not an "olde worlde psychedelic" sound, but it still seems like a fairly forgettable record to me. 3*
Second album proposé par le générateur après "Unhalfbricking" qui ne m'avais pas vraiment plu. Encore de la folk ... mauvaise semaine pour moi. Les 2 premiers morceaux commencent mal (le second est particulièrement ennuyeux). Par contre la partie instrumentale finale de 'Matty Groves', qui succède à 5 mn d'une partie chantée terriblement répétitive, m'a agréablement surpris et poussé à continuer l'écoute. Le 6eme morceau ("Medley" ++) est un instrumental reprenant des morceaux traditionnels très entrainants. Ce morceau, et les quelques parties instrumentales des autres pistes sauvent l'album de la note minimale. =>2/5
7.5/10 Fave track: Matty Groves
Really enjoyed, interesting to hear English folk rock. Sounds very English when compared to the likes of s&g. 8/10
Enjoyed this. More fiddle please. 3 Stars.
This will be my second and subsequently final Fairport Convention album to review. I thought that Unhalfbricking was fine, but I didn’t really find anything too remarkable about it. I imagine that I’ll probably feel the same way towards this album. It’s time to jump into another folky February album! As I expected, I thought this album was pretty middle of the road. Sandy Denny’s vocals were fantastic, and there were some great string arrangements, but overall, this album was fairly bland, and most of that is just due to my personal preferences. I’m not opposed to music that’s more focused on storytelling, but I’m not wild about this particular style of folk music. It’s nice to listen to, but it’s just not something I’d reach for on my own. I thought that the arrangements did a good job of balancing a sound that was both modern and also gentle and simplistic in a way that stays true to the traditional roots of these folk standards. When it comes to my personal musical preferences, I love catchy hooks and riffs, so while I appreciate the musicianship, this album just isn’t my speed. I liked “The Deserter” quite a bit though; the string arrangements had a twang to them that I really liked, and I loved how the song built in intensity over the last half. I didn’t think this album was bad, but it’s not the sort of thing I’d come back to.
Chill folk
Yeah I definitely love me some Fairport Convention. My favorite album is probably Unhalfbricking, but Liege & Lief is solid too. Also love a lot of Richard Thompson's solo stuff after this. Definitely one of the most important groups for English folk rock.
-ok, ok, I'm digging it. Old school cool. -dude, like cool man! These guys can carry on a long pleasant jam! (16min mark) -Like some real unbastardized Folk music! (26minm) --adding to record store watch list...
Love the early drunken reveler Fairport Convention records. The best thing the Byrds ever did was convince FC to plug in their guitars. The slower ballads get a bit arch, but it's so good when they swing into gear. Some of the instrumentation (partic "Matty Groves") would not be out of place on the first couple of VU records.
I read a YouTube comment (I know I know but wait) that said Fairport Convention did for British folk what The Band did for North American folk, so imagine my surprise when I didn't dislike this nearly as much as The Band. It's actually... alright! Much jauntier than I expected. I don't think I'd ever put this in regular rotation but it could be fitting for the right mood and moment.
A British folk-rock album only a Brit could like. I'm a fan of Dungeon Synth stuff, which feels vaguely relevant here, but maybe I like dungeon synth because nobody sings in dungeon synth and that's the root of my dissatisfaction with this weird-in-a-bad-way album.
Exactly what it says on the tin. It's really a coin flip whether this is a three or four star record for me. Wait, I'm a nerd. I'm gonna start breaking ties with an RNG. Let's see...
Not my genre, but much more listen able than Dylan. Richard Thompson is another musician that loads of musicians I like seem to adore, and it's just never clicked for me. That said, I'm ready to deep dive into Sandy Denny because she has a great voice.
I was expecting more folk, but got a bit more rock, which was a bit of a surprise, but this just isn't my thing. The album feels ambitious and well performed and produced. Just not something I will be returning to.
Fairport Convention are another of those bands where I respect their place and influence, but have never connected with at all - despite loving Sandy Denny and (in particular) Richard Thompson's solo work. The vocal work really stands out, and the group harmonies are strong and clear with some enjoyable interplay against/with the fiddle. The songs themselves are a mix of traditional arrangements and originals, and you'd be hard pressed to tell which is which - Fairport Convention did well to put their own cohesive voice on a heavily saturated style! There's definitely a lot of prog crossover too, as a few instrumental sections (especially across Matty Groves) feature tight riffs and breaks leading into expressive solos. After a bright start, the album takes a few darker and more drawn-out turns which I did not expect - the strongest moments on this record are when it goes more The Wicker Man than The Railway Children! I like this album more than expected, but would still love it to explore the darker/weirder/pagan/occult elements of the countryside. Favourite tracks: Reynardine, Matty Groves, The Deserter, Tam Lin
LL Squared
Lyder helt fint, rigtig dejlig sanger, men altså hvis jeg vil høre soundtracket til The Wicker Man sætter jeg bare soundtracket til The Wicker Man på
Har ikke rigtig hørt noget Fairport Convention før, synes det var delightful!
This is really not my style 😅 Folk rock.. a bit too meta / talkative
Hippy fireside songs at a medieval tavern.
Interesting, but again too much of the same thing
think i need to listen to this one again
I think every moment of this album is perfect, jigs included. I also think of all the casualties of the era Sandy Denny is one of the saddest because I think during her time the UK music industry didn't really know what to make of her. If she'd been born a little later into the punk era her creativity might have had a better chance of taking centre stage and she could have presented herself more often on her own terms
I actually liked this a lot more than I anticipated. Has a bit of a Renn Faire feel to it.
Another very enjoyable entry from this group.
English Druid folk songs you can fell asleep with
I wasn't really paying attention. I'll give it a 3. I played it while working, and it never annoyed me and occasionally did something I'd notice positively before fading into the background again. Maybe I'll circle back to it, but I'm more likely to forget about it. So, again, it's a 3.
Het werkt als achtergrondmuziek maar daar houdt het ook wel op
Generic Stevie Nicks knock off, not terrible
Part of the great folk uprising of the late 60’s (British Version). Thinking lace bell sleeves and lots of swirling around in a field.
First time listening. Ok.
I'm not really into folk. This at least, is kind of lah-de-dah and a bit boring.
Pleasant listening, but not very exciting. Curious to hear that I know "Matty Groves" as "Little Musgrave". The instrumental was the best track.
As another reviewer said, I was only ever going to give this five stars. I’ve loved this album for years and it includes two of my favourite tracks of all time in any genre (Matty Groves and Crazy Man Michael, the former being the anthem of the late lamented Oxford Arthurian Society). If my entire music collection were wiped out this is one of the first things I’d replace together with Pentangle’s Basket of Light, which had better be in the remaining 800 albums or else.
# Album Name: Liege And Lief # Artist: Fairport Convention # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Great vocals on the album. The quality of the band is very high. I love the celtic feel of it. There wasnt necessarily a song which stuck out to me, i just enjoyed the overall feel of the album. I'd probably give it a 3.5 or a low 4. # Top Tunes: Lark in the morning / Tam Lin / Crazy michael # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Очередные нафталиновые динозавры из далёкой древности. Ну на один раз.
Top marks for an album that could have been made just yesterday, while keeping traditional British music alive. And it's going in my Tidal library.
This grabbed my attention at first, but lost it pretty quickly as this went on.
Meh. 2/5
Nice and relaxing, time just flew by
Fun. Never heard of them before.
Really enjoyable album and fresh sounding despite being over 50 years old, Reynardine in particular wouldn’t sound out of place on the BBC Introducing stage. Very good!
I had high hopes the first few seconds of this album that it was going to be a fun folk record, those hopes were quickly dashed by the realization that this is just another boring britpop album, merely tinged by the popular folk sound of the time. It’s like the acoustic parts of “Yes” mixed with a far worse version of Jefferson Airplane. Not really an album for me. 2*
Music for a renaissance faire. I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more if I were two beer steins deep with a turkey leg in hand, but for casual modern listening their schtick gets old pretty quickly. There’s just no reason to take what sounds like traditional reels and make them into 8+ minute jams. Also there’s just like so much better music within the 60s-70s folk revival. 👎
Not for me, too slow
Folky, medieval, sea shanty vibes
UK folk music with an Irish/Celtic vibe. I liked it.
Boring long medieval sounding ass
I can understand why people like it, but for me it's too monotonous. British style folk with lots of drone notes in the background. They know how to play. They're good at setting a mood. It's entrancing. I prefer more dynamic music. Favorite song: medley the lark in the morning
I started out very pleasantly surprised and loving this record - finally I found some Richard Thompson that I liked! But by the end the songs started sounding the same and I was sick of Sandy Denny's voice. It's not entirely their fault, however, as I noticed the version I was listening to had 2 extra songs tacked on the end. Perhaps without those it would have ended before it wore me out. As a side note, this part of the wikipedia entry is like the opposite of a humble brag: "It was voted number 254 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000)." - - - I mean, third try's the charm and all but what was so special about the first two editions that it didn't make the cut?!?
Although not really to my taste, I'm really glad to have had this album in this collection, simply for the chance to listen to something that I would never had listened to otherwise and that appears to have a fairly important place in a stream of music history (in this case, British folk rock). I also appreciate getting something founded by (and featuring) Richard Thompson, as it helps expand my very limited exposure to him and his approach to music (which previously mainly consisted of hearing "1000 Years of Popular Music" and his occasional contributions to various albums and artists in this collection). If their other albums are like this one (albeit with more original material and fewer ancient songs), I feel like Fairport Convention is a sort of antidote--or perhaps a more palatable alternative--to the fairy-ness of prog rock bands and others like Led Zeppelin or (earlier) Queen, as well as to the acoustic-only American folk rock from the 60s. (And I guess I'll get to see, as we also get their earlier "Unhalfbricking".) Admittedly, there were few tracks that I genuinely enjoyed--"Matty Groves" and "Tam Lin" might have been the only ones--but I appreciated the blend of often *very* old songs and a more modern rock sound. Aspects of this album made me think of Billy Bragg's 1985 cover of "The world turned upside down", and I was very relieved that *none* of this album was reminiscent of much later pet projects like Sting's "Songs From the Labyrinth".
First track (Come all ye) hasn't aged well--sounds a little too much like something you hear outside a RenFest. The rest was a contemporary take on traditional music, which isn't my bag but it was well done.
Traditional Irish folk ballads throughout. Best song is The Lady Is A Tramp followed by Come All Ye (rolling minstrels.) Liked Liege And Lief well enough to rate the album at (2.4*s)
I didn't know there was British folk rock but here it is. Interesting use of a mandolin and fiddle throughout these British Isle shanties. The lead vocalist is perfect for these adaptations, her voice is very convincing, like she grew up on these medleys. I don't think they wrote any of the songs but it's a decent enough album. It's like the Byrds but make em Celtic. 2.45 for saying "elfin grey" in lyrics.
Some decent British (Irish?) folk music. I much preferred the more upbeat tunes with "Matty Groves" and the "Medley" taking top spots. I'm more into these otherwise "not my bag, baby" albums if theres some good storytelling and we get that here. Lead has a nice voice and and some solid string (guitar and violin) work. I wouldn't mind catching the band playing at a fest or brewery...2.3.
I'm getting a little burned out on folk music so I wasn't looking forward to this album. I came away from Fairport Convention relatively pleased. Liege and Lief is nothing amazing but it offered a minstrel-ish sound that is somewhat fun. The female vocals are solid and she is good at telling a compelling story in music form. I think in small doses I can enjoy this but don't need a full album of it. Matty Groves was a fun romp and was the track that stood out the most to me. While Fairport Convention exceeded my expectations I'll probably never listen to any of this again. I feel like I would bump this up a full point if I was listening to this at a Renaissance Fair. 2.21 stars
Reluctant 3. Didn’t do much for me but I can see where it’d nice background music.
Like for real how many folk albums do we need they're not even good
This was alright. Not quite my cup of tea, but I did like gaelic sound to it. 2 stars.
It wasn’t bad but very folky and high-pitched. Would maybe listen again but unsure
horribile, too much doodleydoo
Interesting sound, but gets old
Hahaha this is so fun, not going to listen everyday but fun Best Song: Farewell, Farewell Rating: 7.0 /10 4 Stars
wow. 🥱
Pre-listening thoughts: have once again never heard of this band or album. Post/during listening thoughts: This is kind of like Jefferson Airplane if they were more traditionally folk aligned. I think I prefer the more rock sound that Jefferson Airplane had, plus nobody comes close to Grace Slick in that genre imo. But this isn't bad. I feel like I'm in Anne with an E if it was set in the 1960s. If that makes literally any sense. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Farewell, Farewell Least fav tracks: Reynardine
Listening to this album, it's particularly striking how different American folk music is from British folk music. Whereas the American tradition sometimes recalls images of migrating farmers during the Dust Bowl or working class people during the Depression, the British version goes back much further. Pre-Victorian era and even the Middle English period, as showcased by the album title. Given the comparatively long history, it makes sense. The celtic roots of the British Isles are still evident in the traditional compositions. But like Bob Dylan before them, Fairport Convention don't shy away from incorporating electric guitars into traditional compositions. They even dabble in some psychedelia. I've yet to hear Fairport Convention's "Unhalfbricking" but I understand that it's a more modern take, with more influence from Dylan. "Liege & Lief" is meant to be their real traditionalist take on British folk music. It inspired loads of other artists, but truthfully, it's a very niche sub-genre. But if you're going to listen to electricified traditional folk, you could do a lot worse than Fairport Convention.
not my cup of tea but flew by a bit better than some of the other folk and country offerings on here
An hour of my time I'm never getting back
Side one four stars, side two very much a three. I have to come down on the three in the end. Not quite enough Sandy Denny and a bit too much flute and fiddle for a four.
Maso
Ok, not amazing.
British folk rock super warm and upbeat love the medleys and the voice is beautiful
Great album - the transition of folk into a more folk-rock hybrid genre is clear from this record. You can see the progression to modern artists like Frank Turner. In Matty Groves we have a cracking 8 minutes long folk song with a rocking guitar solo! What's not to like The vocals are amazing too - Sandy Denny has a captivating voice. I wasn't aware she'd died so young until today. The fiddle on the medley just makes me want to jig, so fun Can see why not everyone would love this but it definitely appeals to my taste
Pretty great, not my personal favorite of their work but still really good
Boo
1 star. 1 good song.
Na jaa ... Die Sängerin singt recht hoch und trifft damit nicht ganz meinen Geschmack. Die Melodien sind ganz in Ordnung, aber insgesamt gehen mir die einzelnen Lieder deutlich zu lang. Kann man mal anhören, mehr aber auch nicht.
Eerie Irish rock, I liked it.
I really liked the vocals, but I don't usually sit and listen to folk music
a folk album with several actual folk songs! british excellence
Crazy Man Michael? More like Crazy Man Dave cause this drove me crazy. This sucked.
I’ve listened to it three times and I can’t decide whether or not if I like it. I definitely like parts of it. “Matty Groves” has lots of energy and actually rocks pretty hard. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-liege-and-lief-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
This is lovely! Matty Groves sounds familiar. My favourite part was the medley.
British folk rock was at its peak in 1968-1969 and Liege And Lief is one of the finest albums in the genre. The layers and depth of the music is just incredible. Sandy Denny had the best female British folk rock voice ever. I'm fortunate enough to have a copy of an early UK pressing and it sounds just amazing - produced by Joe Boyd on the Island label (it seems everything Boyd touched those years turned to gold). Perfection.
Great winter listen
Dorks welcoming me to the ren faire
Richard Thompson is a great arranger
I’m a folk fan normally so you’d think this would be right up my street but this just didn’t click for me for some reason
4.7 - They have really solidified as music greats in my eyes.
Felt lacklustre compared to the other Fairport Convention album. Fave Track: The Deserter 3.2/5
It’s interesting that this list assigns fairport convention with the birth of UK Folk Rock. I always put it down to Houmous & Chutney in 64. 4.0
Wanted to hate it but I couldn’t!
This was good. The distinction between American and British folk is a thick enough line to render them completely different genres. This is so well done. Equal parts bard-like rumination and highland excitement, it could pass for a soundtrack for a very good film. Really enjoyed this all around.
Dances the line between being okay and being completely annoying.
Folk, you can clearly hear that it has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with Bob Dylan. I almost only listen to the fiddle and that is almost an exclusion criterion for me. I was never a big folk fan, with a few exceptions, but that is not my music, absolutely not.
Nope. Not for me
I know a lot of people don’t like this style, but I really dig that English folk-rock stuff. Now I need an open fire and mug of dark ale.
Authentic hippie folk, skilled & precise
Boxing Day 2024 HL: the Lark Medley, “Come All Ye”, “Matty Groves”, “Farewell, Farewell”, “Quiet Joys” (bonus track) Much prefer this to Unhalfbrcking, or just feel more inclined towards British folk on this particular day. A few longer, denser songs that got better on a repeat listen (and the guitars in “Matty Groves” reminding me that this is still very much a rock album) Also happened to revisit the Pentangle, and concluded that I underrated them last year.
This was a bit boring
This started pretty well, although it lost me a fair bit in the middle, and certainly the medley of trad songs all felt way too village fete for me. Still, the female vocalist in particular has a great voice and it's notable that the only song that is credited to her and Ashley Hutchings, as opposed to a trad song, was easily the best. Weirdly, felt quite appropriate for the festive season.
Shanty Renaissance fest.3/5
I have not heard this album before, it's really good. I've heard one of their other albums and really liked it, this one is in the same vein. Very nice folk music with an otherworldly type vibe. Very relaxing in an old school way. I'm sure I will be listening to this one again.
Better than the cover suggested
this can folk off, irritating voice and boring melodies
The first half of this really grew on me but the second half really drops away and loses my interest. Much preferred the Richard and Linda Thompson offering which is one of my best discoveries from this thing
There was something undoubtedly authentic and grounded about Fairport Convention's 'Unhalfbricking' that I appreciated—almost like it was unabashedly human in nature while simultaneously showcasing this near-alien visage. There's a reason they're considered the best British folk rock band of the late '60s - their sound was so dense and each instrument held so much weight in these finely curated mixes. My feelings towards this record are nearly identical to that one. I'd say the song 'Matty Groves' off this album even trumps any other Faiport song I've heard. This record, in general, played up the band's pre-existent psychedelic tendencies - but the minstrel nature of this epic cover of the classic ballad was easily the most hypnotic thing here - boasting lead vocalist Sandy Denny's best falsetto. And she does have such an angelic voice that shines through on this album more than their last - perfectly hovering over these complex Celtic and medievalist grooves. 'Farewell, Farewell' was another highlight here, despite it containing the album's most conventional rock instrumentation, it still very much showcases Sandy's knack for writing these very heartwarming, yet somber lead melodies. I also feel similarly about the closer 'Crazy Man Michael'. On the lyrical front, I'm not ashamed to admit that it mostly went over my head. It's very allusion-heavy and follows that twisted story-driven style that many Dylan tracks from the '60s did. I'll save my lyrical diving for a second listen, I was just enjoying this experience at face value on this first one. And it was quite the experience, filled with unique genre fusions, evocative imagery, and above all else, the human soul. When I think of the genre "folk music", I mainly associate it with a particular singer-songwriter style. Though if there ever was a band that highlighted that "folk" bit of the genre tag, it'd be Fairport Convention. Because listening to their music feels like stumbling upon something important - even if you're not entirely sure why.
Thoughts before listening: Fairport Convention is a band I feel like I should enjoy. A mixture of folk and 60s rock makes me think of bands I like such as Fleet Foxes, and since band includes Richard Thompson whos solo albums I enjoy, they should be right up my alley. However, I have found that they just don't work for me...maybe it leans too heavily on the twee folk side of things and not enough rock. Either way, I do not recognize this album so maybe it will be the one that wins me over. Review: Okay. Maybe I am starting to get the appeal here. They are definitely playing British/Irish style folk music here, but I can hear the rock influences much more than on previous listens. This is especially apparent on a song like "Matty Groves" where its obviously an old song sung in an old style, but the extended jam is pure rock n roll. This is a cool album and I am giving it 4-stars.
I didn't expect to enjoy this, but it's a really solid record, with interesting lyrics and beautiful singing.
Wow, a folk album with actual melodies, interesting instrumentation, and someone how can actually sing. The Byrds wish they could write something as interesting as this album. Despite all that, I am not blown away by this album. It is fine, but for a folk album it is on the higher end of the scale. high 3.
I've never heard of Fairport Convention before but really liking this celtic kind of rock from the 60s. Matty Groves was really a great song, Tam Lin was also very good too, and Sir Patrick Spens. I like the vocalist, she sounds sort of like Grace Slick. I think I'll be revisiting their albums again and I think it's a 5 star for me. I learned a little bit about the singer, Sandy Denny too and didn't realize she sang with Led Zeppelin on Battle of Evermore, one of my favorite songs.
This album is awesome. Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson are British Folk/Folk-Rock legends for a reason. My Celtic Folk band used to perform Matty Groves. It's great to hear a more rock-oriented version (with a guitar solo!) that uses the darker version of the lyrics. The rockin' Irish fiddle tune set in the middle of the album is fantastic. 5 stars.
Este es raro. Me gustaron las historias y la ambientación del disco en general, pero siento que el sonido no es tanto mi estilo... si me gusta, pero no me llega a encantar. Total del álbum: 70
The 60's
Airport convention is a band that I hadn’t even heard of before this but they are great. 4.1
3.5
forward thinking hobbit music
Judging a book solely by its cover, I expected this to be a chore to listen to, and I think it took me a little too long to shake that feeling. In the end, though, I do think it’s a good album, and a good representation of this niche of British folk revival. The good? Denny’s vocals, which are maybe the sole thing keeping me engaged throughout Liege & Lief. Swarbrick’s fiddle work - very impressive, too! The bad? It’s a psychedelic-adjacent folk band taking traditional British Isle tunes and arranging them the way you’d imagine a psychedelic-adjacent folk band would circa 1969. And not to be a hater, but I don’t know if that vibe is really pivotal to the overall history of music. Especially when the results can range from standard-esque (“Reynardine”) to annoyingly of its time (“Tam Lin”). It’s overall pleasant, but it’s not so gorgeously arranged and executed that I’m gushing over it. It’s pretty, which is a high compliment coming from me regarding this era. I wouldn’t turn it off, but I wouldn’t seek it out. Maybe the hater in me judged it too early, though, and I need to give it another listen, but while it’s not as bad as I anticipated, it just isn’t the kind of thing that sticks with me.
Fairport Convention - Liege And Lief Ok, this is a decent album. Coming from the 60's, Fairport Convention offers a folk-rock type album, where it has it's chill and catchy elements into it. The highs are not noticeable, but fortunately the lows on this album aren't as bad as it is. To be honest, it really does capture that time era, where the world was involved in an upcoming war, while at the same time they were transitioning to peaceful times after WW2, and listening to this feels bittersweet, for me at least. But nevertheless, this is good. 1.- Come All Ye = 7/10 2.- Reynardine = 8/10 3.- Matty Groves = 8/10 4.- Farewell, Farewell = 6/10 5.- The Desert = 7/10 6.- Medley: The Lark in the Morning = 7/10 7.- Tam Lin = 8/10 8.- Crazy Man Michael = 8/10 FINAL SCORE = 7.4/10
Why are these folk rocks so unappealing? It's boring and that's all I have to say. The sounds are so cliche, the lyrics are so pale, and the harmonies are also just so uninteresting. 2 is the best I can give. The embodiment of BORDOM. How can anyone stand this?
Loved it!
One of the greats - innovative and brilliantly played, the start of folk-rock. The mix I am listening to has the drums too far forward in 'Come All Ye' and it makes the song seem rather repetitive unless you listen to the soaring, almost jazz-like, instrumentation. Sandy Denny is just coming in to her own in this album and the vocals fly; what a shame she died so young. Ok it may not be everyone's taste (I am no great lover of long traditional ballads either) but the arrangements keep you engaged and the lyrics are so beautifully sung and clear that they allow you to follow the story. This is a real break for Fairport from their previous 2 albums and Dave Swarbircks fiddle must be a central instigator; it really does come to the fore here and, along with Thompsons guitar and Dennys vocals makes a real statement. Almost prog rock in places - listen to the last track! All-in-all, brilliant.
Something fun and light. I enjoyed it. Two discs may have been a little overkill. It has a very specific sound and the female vocals sound similar to another artist that I cant quite pinpoint. Worth another listen.
Okay I guess, was not blown away
Ren faire folk music and I love it
Alright so I like this one, but (and this is a big but) it feels a bit...too British for me? Jethro Tull is about my limit, and these guys exceed that with flying colors. The combination of contemporary folk rock with almost Celtic jigs is an interesting one but I can't say it's one I'd listen to again. Bonus points for being something original though!
Better than I thought it would be
This has a nice little charm to it. The vocals are sweet and the tracks are unique. I liked songs like Matty Groves and Farewell Farewell. I think this band came off pretty confident and this is a well executed folksy thing.
Do I hate folk music? Maybe. Really got sick of this.
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this that much but I guess I was in a mood for British traditional music today. Makes me want to play dungeons and dragons or read a King Arthur book. I liked “deserter”, “Tam Lin”, and “reynardine” the most. The singer has a great voice and her accent is just enough to lend “authenticity” to all of it. I think the best songs are all traditional reworks rather than originals but it’s a nice sound, and the performance is good.
Listened to it at work. It was okay.
Een middeleeuws huisfeestje op de derde verdieping van de lokale donjon. Eigenlijk is het jammer dat het vrouwtje er tussendoor zingt, want daardoor klinkt het af en toe wat meer country-achtig op de één of andere manier. Muzikaal gezien best prettig en leuk, qua zang is het niet helemaal m'n ding. Al met al wel een grappig album om een keer te luisteren. Door de manier van zingen zet ik het niet gauw nog een keer aan, helaas. Het doet toch een beetje denken aan tante Joni en dat is geen compliment. 2 à 3 sterren. Eigenlijk is 3 sterren wat hoog, maar ik geef ze gewoon.
British folk. A lot of covers.
REALLY solid. What I imagine fairy folk rock to be
Didn’t like this one as much as the other one on this list. Too heavy handed.
#406. I usually dread listening to album on here described as folk, but this was actually pleasant to listen to. I'm not entirely sure if I like it, but I surely don't hate it. 3/5: decent Song added to playlist: Come All Ye I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
This shit belongs in the background in a Wes Anderson movie
After their previous album which was mainly Bob Dylan style American folk, and a devastating tour bus crash, Fairport Convention regrouped and produced this album which mixes traditional English folk tunes with (gasp!) electric guitars to great effect. The highlights are Matty Groves which is an epic tale of adultery, murder and revenge that builds for eight minutes, and Tam Lin which has all of the faeries, magic and big rock riffs that you could wish for
The mix of traditional folk music with more modern instrument is well done, and the voice fits perfectly, she really has an amazing voice (I already wrote it in another review, I didn't change my mind).
3.5
Nope. I couldnt get through this album. Its generic 60s nonsensical shit. 1/5
I liked the instrumentation a lot. In fact, the instrumental medley was probably my favorite part of the album. I'm not saying the vocals are subpar. I think Sandy Denny does a great job. It's funny because everyone KNOWS her voice from the one Led Zeppelin song, but then I think a lot of her other stuff is slowly fading into obscurity. FC is definitely an act I need to explore more. It was nice morning music for me today. Top songs: "Medley: The Lark In The Morning," "The Deserter," "Come All Ye"
Cool album. Even better than their predecessor. I love that they fully embraced the folk and went away from American folk to more British or Celtic folk. The fiddle and viola throughout is electric - Dave Swarbrick is incredible. But it's not just that, the guitars and bass hum and rock just as hard as any electric folk act of that era - like listening to Buffalo Springfield with extra layers. Listen to Matty Groves for what I mean - fiddle front and center but the layered, intricate guitar - what a great tune. And then Sandy Denny's vocals - wow oh wow. It's a shame she died so young. Other favorite tracks were Come All Ye (sounds like a traditional tune they repurposed but nope, it's all Fairport), Reynardine (now that's how you re-arrange a traditional tune - pierces the soul), The Deserter (another cool re-arranged traditional tune), Medley (nice instrumental), and Tam Lin (reminded me of Jefferson Airplane, but better).
They sound a bit like a band you'd hear playing at a county fair, but this is where I guess you need to know that they were groundbreaking at the time. Either way, I really enjoyed this album. Sandy Denny has a great voice, the band is on point, and the songs were very engaging (and often surprisingly dark). Plus kudos to the recording quality for the late 60s. Would definitely revisit. Favorite tracks: Reynardine (captivating), Farewell, Farewell, Tam Lin, Crazy Man Michael.
This is a very British folk album and I like it. Great drinking songs on here, even though I don't drink. ;-) Highlights: Come All Ye Matty Groves Farewell, Farewell Medley∶ The Lark in the Morning ⁄ Rakish Paddy ⁄ Foxhunter's Jig ⁄ Toss the Feathers 4/5
I don't really know why I liked this as much as I did. I figured it was either a high 4 or a 5 star album, even though it doesn't feel "perfect". I went and listened to some other Fairport Convention albums, and this does indeed seem to be the sweet spot between their American-tinged folk, and the pop-folk they ended up playing. I'm going with a slightly confounded 5 stars.
Amazing all around.
2 twee 4 me.
Idk what’s going on here
Just beautiful
Rich, traditionally-inflected folk-rock that is at once absorbing and authentic. It engages from the first note and retains interest throughout. Too bad they couldn't last. Sandy Denny – what a voice!
nice folk album but not my thing
Mid
Can’t remember now, average probably
na ez!!! ❤️ különösen imádom a medleyt a közepén.
british folk. not as good as american folk, but it was ok-solid. 5/10
This is definitely not for me British folk is not my jam
Odd album, feels like they are going to a medieval or Renaissance Fair sound. Works for a while, but then gets a bit tedious.
Fantastic folk album. Loved every bit of it.
208/1001 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑
maybe this one caught me at a bad time, but i just don't care about it at all. i also realized i got caught with ANOTHER instance of non-disclosed bonus tracks, which sours the experience just a tad bit more
eh. to soft
Similar experience to some of the other 60's folk albums, taking a bit of time and patience to enjoy. Got there after a few listens and would happily put this on again. 3.5
Good, but often a bit too reliant on Sandy Denny's (fabulous) vocals, making the songs a bit one-paced and pedestrian. The best songs (Matty Groves) are when the band flexes their muscles and injects more rythmn
No keskiaikafolkiahan tämä. Ihan ookoo. Välillä hauskaakin menojalka vipattaa -viulua. Mut joo idk kuulostaa minusta samalta kuin muukin keskiaikafolk…
Tämän keskiaikafantasian kuuntelee kertaalleen läpi ihan ilman sen suurempia murheita. Varasti välillä huomionkin.
Mid
pretty cool
Their abandonment of Bob Dylan covers and creation of the first major British folk rock album raises my esteem of this album over UNHALFBRICKING that also appears on this list. As someone who is not a British citizen, it was fun hearing traditional British and Celtic folksongs that I was unfamiliar with performed as folk rock. It was the sort of album that left me whistling jaunty tunes the rest of the morning.
Drums and bass are absolutely the best part of this record. The folk vocals just don’t really connect with me like I thought they would.
Outro álbum com essa pegada bucólica, esses álbuns próximos a década de 70 tem um pouco dessa vibe indie, porém eu achei esse bem ok, sem nada muito relevante sobre ele.
This was an interesting album. Folk songs with a medieval vibe and some psychedelic rock mixed in. The vocalist truly sells the songs and was a highlight for me Favorites: "Farewell, Farewell", "Tam Lin", "Crazy Man Michael"
I really enjoyed this, although upon seeing the album art I could have sworn I had reviewed this one before (must have recently discovered it on my own somehow). Loved the traditional sounds, while also incorporating the sounds of the 60s in a more accessible manner. Soothing, sad, funny, this had it all. Beautiful smooth vocals, laid back melodies.. just great! 4.5/5
Maybe a little too folky for me.
Interesting folk rock. Maybe worth another listen
Abridged Moving Day Review 2 1. Love the folk-y sound. Very cool. Catchy and driving 2. Ooh this is even better. Such a nice vocal tone. Weird. A little mysterious. Reminds me of Lankum. 3. Hell yeah. It’s continuing in this direction. Fantastic. This one RIPS. Good lord. 4. The difference between singing like this and something like Goldfrapp is difficult to explain but it’s vast. Both have vocals front and centre, but this doesn’t seem to insist upon itself. While this isn’t the best song here, the vocals are wonderful. 5. Conscription ballads?? This is why I’m here. Let David Bowie pretend to be interesting elsewhere. Let nick Cave audition to have Joaquin Phoenix play him in a biopic some other time. This shjt is where it’s at. 6. Medley. This is cool again. Not fantastic but good. 7. Less exciting. Not much to speak of 8. This was fun. Cool stuff. 9. It’s slowing down. Praise has been less effusive but it’s still just so nice. 10. Take two pal. This album was pretty, trippy, dark, and excellent. Very enjoyable listen. They kept auto playing and I wasn’t even desperate to pivot to noise grind. HIGHLIGHTS (big apologies to Stevie wonder for forgetting this crucial segment of these lauded reviews): Reynardine, Matty Groves, The Deserter, Crazy Man Michael 3.5-4
Absolutely did not go on this journey thinking I'd listen to one album and start hunting down records by a band singing about the rise of fairy royalty on Halloween.
That was nice. British folk rock isn't what I really needed today, but if it's an album as good as this one, I'm okay with whatever. At least this album is important to the development of the genre and thus has a valid reason for being on the list. You wanna know another valid reason as to why this is on the list? The reason is that the album is good. I really liked this album. The sound is pleasant and has this modern medieval feel to it. Like, you can clearly tell that this was made in the late 60s at the earliest, but the instruments make me feel like I'm at a casual ren faire, if that's even a thing. The singing is great. Sandy Denny's vocals are just wonderful. The writing is great too. It captures the vibes perfectly. What can I say? This is just a great folk rock album that simultaneously feels classic and a bit ahead of its time too. Some of the instrumentation kind of reminds me of what Led Zeppelin would end up doing in the 70s, so hearing this in 1969 is pretty cool. Light 4/5.
British folk rock. Venga, un 5.
I am familiar with Fairport convention. Heard a number of tracks in the past, in complications, on TV, radio, always liked their sound. But a whole album is too much.
9/10. A bit of a slower start than the last one but fantastic all around. Great story telling, great jams. Loved it.
Fav: Come All Ye Least Fav: Medley: The Lark In The Morning The singing and instruments was good in terms of ability but it didn’t do much for me. It was ok.
There is quite a lot about this album that stood out to me. The lead singer's range and vocal style reminded me quite a bit of Brandi Carlisle, whom I love. I also really appreciated the inclusion of the mandolin, violins, and wind instruments, giving some of these tracks a Celtic feel. Some of the vibes of these songs could have been dropped in almost any decade and worked somehow; that's the mark of some excellent songwriting. I definitely think I'll look more into Fairport Convention based on this record. Really fantastic work. Notable Tracks: - Come All Ye - Matty Groves - Farewell, Farewell - Medley: The Lark In The Morning - Tam Lin 8/10
Great voice! I've enjoyed music like this before but this one didn't do it for me.
If Hippies were hired to play at a Medieval Fair, this is probably the album they would make. Still, not anywhere near the bottom of the list
Pretty good. Based on the album cover, I was confident that I knew what was coming. And I was not disappointed. I think this would be a good one to come back to.
i love u ireland
British folk songs re-arranged for the psych rock era. The guitars are cool, a bit of combined drone/lead/rhythm playing going on that sounds oddly like Sahel desert rock. The lilting vocal melodies are all straight out of the king arthur. Some surprisingly deep grooves and heavy riffing at times. It's got a bit of Led Zeppelin and a bit of Velvet Ungerground to it and you can hear the early roots of UK prog in the tight complex combination instrumental playing and the interest in folklore as source material/inspiration.
The electric music blends perfectly into the old folk songs.
I think this is the first time I have heard British folk. At least to my memory/knowledge. I found this really enjoyable. I didn't dig in to find out if any of these are traditional songs but they sounded like they could be. Beautiful singing and beautiful backing instrumentation. Look forward to listening to this again.
Better than some of the other similar albums on this list. Still don’t really think this is necessary listening. 2/5 Won’t listen again
Nice enough
not my thing
Off the many records I’ve heard in recent memory, Unhalfbricking was one of the most genuine surprises. I couldn’t have anticipated anything from it, and what I got was maybe one of the best folk albums I’ve ever heard. I wasn’t sure if there other acclaimed record, Liege & Lief would appear at some point too. Turns out I didn’t even have to wait a month. But considering how much I enjoyed that other album, I had real expectations for something good here. And I guess I learned another lesson about having such expectations. Because I am slightly disappointed. I was really hoping for me here. The differences between the two are pretty minor. It’s made up of mostly original material instead of mostly covers, and it leans in a more electric direction than Unhalfbricking did. At least I think so, my memory does not serve me very well. The biggest difference is really the addition of Celtic folk. The closest I’ve ever gotten to other forms of Celtic music was The Pogues, which I haven’t heard in over a year now. But that aspect of the music is what makes Fairport Convention an interesting group. During a period of time where people knew what worked, and chose to chase success over innovation, this band was showing what could really be done with folk. And even if I admit that I had expectations for this, I wasn’t sure if anything would reach the level of A Sailor’s Life from the previous record. It potentially set the bar far too high. This follow-up doesn’t hit the same for me. It is far less consistent from track to track. And surprisingly feels more stagnant, even with all of the Celtic stuff added in. The band is still a very talented group, and they almost enter into a jam territory with the Medley or Matty Groves. I’m also aware I make a lot of Joni Mitchell comparisons, but Sandy Denny really sounds like her. Even will all of those positives, this doesn’t trend in the same directions that made it’s predecessor such a shockingly good record. Rating: 6/10
This made me feel like I was in Middle Earth. Could be a good soundtrack for your next DnD session.
I was only ever going to give this five stars
Oh so you invented British folk-rock. Well at least I know who to slap now.
Seems worth coming back to
This is pretty good folk, love the vocals especially.
That voice is mesmerising, who knew I quite like folk.
Nice background during this morning’s abysmal chess performance
After discovering this album, one thing that I really enjoyed about it, is that’s it’s really softened my heart to folk music. This is an album I’ll definitely be coming back to in the future.
could i write poetry to this? n
Boring folk rock
Mostly like it, some mixed sentiment. Come All Ye is a perfect intro for what this is going to be: the guitar thumps in a more rockin' way than you'd figure (and actually cool, not cheesy 'check it out!!! electric guitars!! on traditional music!!!'). Then some violin comes in and it's still pretty cool. Then the vocal comes in and it doesn't ruin it but it IS come all ye minstrels, and if there's anything to run from it's modern musicians that think they're minstrels. But then they also keep something of a distance from the lyrics, there's no yearning for olde thymes in merry Englande - as the album goes on it's a little more like the 'hey these trad folk themes are all kinda fucked aren't they?' that you'd see now. It does lose me at the fiddle medley and doesn't recover. There's a good chunk of most songs that legitimately sounds like it could be Television if you muted everything but guitar and drums, so if you're a person that likes trad more I could see this band being an all timer. music: appreciated. (⌐o_0)
Maybe it’s my mild anglophobia, but this is so far removed from anything I can imagine wanting to listen to for fun. I felt bad and knee-jerky after giving Pentangle a 1, so I’m making up for it here. This is actually 1.5, and the extra half star goes to Pentangle. They both still stink though.
Enjoyable folk from across the pond.