The trajectory that Fairport Convention took in the space of four albums and two years is one of the most remarkable in British popular music – These records contain some of the most storied names not just in British, but world music.
From a bunch of school friends setting out to be ‘the British Jefferson Airplane’, over the course of their first quartet of releases, the group metamorphosed into the leading exponents of British folk rock. In the way American folk and blues had looked back to gospel songs and spirituals, Fairport mined a seam a traditional English folk song, and then combined them with rock rhythms to create something ground-breaking and quickly emulated. For many, this is the first time the considerable talents of Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Ashley Hutchings, Ian Matthews, Dave Swarbrick and Dave Mattacks would have been heard on record.
In May 1969, the band were involved in a fatal car accident which killed their drummer Martin Lamble and Thompson’s girlfriend, Jeannie Franklyn. In a state of obvious shock, Fairport decided to carry on, making Swarbrick a permanent member and adding drummer Dave Mattacks. Ashley Hutchings submerged himself in traditional British music and, as a result, fourth album Liege And Lief contained five traditional tracks, and three originals in the folk style. It established the template that Fairport would follow and is one of the most influential albums in British rock. The eight- minute masterpiece Matty Groves built On A Sailor’s Life and gave Fairport another long-lasting anthem. By the time the album was released, Sandy Denny and Ashley Hutchings had both left the group, and another chapter was to begin.
Fairport Convention are still playing to this very day, still with original member Simon Nicol in the line- up. Their annual Cropredy Festival has become a reassuring landmark in the UK concert calendar – and many of these songs here feature in their set today.
This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1969 Island Records UK release with gatefold sleeve and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.
Fast Delivery and Professional Packaging
Our long-standing relationship with UPS FedEx DHL and other carriers around the world gives us the ability to provide various shipping options. Our warehouse personnel will pack all goods to our exacting requirements. Your goods will go through an extensive inspection and will be securely secured prior to being shipped. Every day we ship thousands of packages to clients from all over the world. This is a sign of our determination to be the largest online retailer in the world. There are distribution centers and warehouses in Europe and the USA.
Orders that contain more than 1 item are assigned processing periods in accordance with the item.
Prior to shipment, all purchased items will be thoroughly inspected. The majority of orders are shipped within 48 hrs. Delivery is expected to take between 3 and 7 days.
Returns
The stock is dynamic and we do not completely manage it because multiple parties are involved, which includes our factory and warehouse. The actual stock can fluctuate at any time. It's possible that the stock may run out after your order has been processed.
Our policy lasts for 30 days. Unfortunately, if thirty days have passed from the date you purchased the item, we will not be able to offer you a return or exchange.
The item should not be used, and it must be in the original packaging. The item should be in the original packaging.
Related products
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
Vinyl LP
