History Of Fairport Convention, The - Fairport Convention > Reviews

Advantages: Fairport at their peak
Disadvantages: Only scratches the surface

Yes, I like Oasis, the Charlatans, Verve, Orbital et al, and I'm damned if anyone will snicker at me for my love of British folk either. Personally, those that don't have any Fairport in their music collection are missing out on some superb songwriting, musicianship and sheer entertainment. This collection covers 7 incarnations of the famously hectic Fairport lineup and takes us from 1967 to 1972, released while working on the then as yet untitled ... Read review

Advantages: varied, an intersting portrayal of a great band.
Disadvantages: not all versions include Crazy man Michael.

...have had as complicated a history as Whitsanke/Deep Purple, Rainbow and all the other in that set. Their line up has over the years included some of the great names of folk: Ashley Hutchins, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick, Dave Pegg, and John Kirkpatrick, (but never all at the same time sadley.)having started life during the great sixies folk revival, they like other bands have mixed traditional music with electric modernity, and have ... Read review

Advantages: A Brilliant Compilation
Disadvantages: One CD is enough

Theis is an excellent introduction to the pioneers of folk rock in Britain. Fairport are still going strong today , (with a much changed line up) and are still releasing albums and hosting the Annual Cropredy festival which is documented in another three CD set available. This compilations covers the years 1969 and features a nicely produced family tree inlay. Some of the names are Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny , Ashley Hutchings, and Dave Swarbrick ... Read review