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Fairport Convention - Angel Delight CD (album) cover

ANGEL DELIGHT

Fairport Convention

 

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3.28 | 46 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars "Angel Delight" is the sixth full-length studio album by UK folk rock act Fairport Convention. The album was released through Island Records in June 1971. Itīs the successor to "Full House" from July 1970. After Fairport Conventionīs fourth album "Liege & Lief" (1969) lead vocalist Sandy Denny (and bassist Ashley Hutchings) left the band, and the remaining members where left to consider how they would carry on. They decided not to employ a new female vocalist and took on the vocal duties themselves which means that "Full House" solely features male vocals. A pretty big change of the bandīs sound which is continued on "Angel Delight".

Stylistically the material on the album is folk rock with an either melancholic (not often) or predominantly jolly mood. Lots of fiddle, acoustic guitars, and mandolin. The vocals are better performed than on "Full House" where I think it was obvious that it was the first time the singers had to be in front of a mike (as lead vocalists). "Angel Delight" features the obligatory instrumental traditionals medley, a high number of re-arranged folk traditionals, and only a few tracks are original compositions (about half).

The musicianship is generally on a good level, but I donīt appreciate the vocals much (even though they are better than on "Full House" as mentioned). There are moments when they are decent, but they generally are the weak link of the album, which is a bit of an issue as most of the tracks are vocal driven compositions. A more distinct sounding vocalist could have brought much to the soundscape.

The album features a well sounding production job, which suits the material well. Itīs an organic, detailed, and professional sounding release. Upon conclusion "Angel Delight" is a quality folk rock album by Fairport Convention. It leans heavily on the folk part of their sound, and less on the rock side. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

UMUR | 3/5 |

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