WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

FAIRPORT CONVENTION's second album is considered a classic by fans along with their next four.This would be the first album that Sandy Denny appears on. Interesting story about the cover art here.They played University's a lot back around this time, and at this one gig they were given a classroom as a dressing room.They had quite a wait before going on so they started doing some art work on the blackboard.They spent quite a bit of time on it then went and did the show and forgot about it. Later as they wondered what to do for an album cover someone suggested what they did on the blackboard would be cool. They promptly phoned the school to see if it was still there, and it was. So they sent someone down to take a photograph of the drawing and here it is. It's quite detailed isn't it. Lots of variety on this album but the overall mood is laid back and folky.

"Fotheringay" is a top three for me. Acoustic guitar and reserved vocals (Sandy) lead the way in this ballad. "Mr. Lacey" is the one that doesn't seem to belong. Very bluesy with a good beat and prominant guitar. "Book Song" has male and female vocals and a country flavour. Some guest cello here too. "The Lord Is In This Place" is minimilistic with humming and sitar ? It doesn't really work. "No Man's Land" is upbeat and catchy with male vocals. "I'll Keep It With Mine" opens with laid back guitar as it slowly gets fuller. Vocals (Sandy) before a minute. I like the contrasts on this one. Good song.

"Eastern Rain" is okay I guess. Not surprisingly it has an Eastern flavour. "Nottamun Town" is a top three for me. Dual vocals and strummed guitar lead the way with percussion helping out after 1 1/2 minutes. "Tale In Hard Time" has these soaring vocals along with some intricate instrumental work,. Good tune. "She Moves Through The Fair" is my favourite. I like the imagery here.The guitar playing reminds me of Conny Veit's work, and Sandy sounds excellent. "Meet On The Ledge" is a fan favourite. I'm missing it's appeal I guess. Strummed guitar and male vocals with Sandy coming in to help out vocally. "End Of A Holiday" is a cool track with acoustic guitar melodies throughout.

A good album no doubt, and I think fans of Folk would especially appreciate this record.