UNHALFBRICKING

Fairport's third album was one of three released in 1969 by the band. The title was coined by singer Sandy Denny during a Scrabble type game travelling to a gig. The album as a whole is dominated by the fine vocals of Denny and the invention of Richard Thompson. The line up is largely unchanged from the previous "What we did on our holidays", although Ian Matthews contribution consists only of vocals on one number ("Percy's song").

The centrepiece of the album is the prog folk epic "A sailor's life", an 11 minute interpretation of a traditional song. Dave Swarbrick makes his first appearance with the band here, as violinist in a session capacity on 3 tracks and playing mandolin on "Million dollar bash". Back to "A sailor's life" though, which stands proudly as one of the first true examples of a prog folk song. After a shanty type tale, the song moves into a lengthy building violin and guitar improvisation.

Sandy Denny contributes two similar songs. The first of these, "Autopsy" has a delicate vocal line and some fine guitar, while "Who knows where the time goes" will forever stand as one of the highlights of here entire career. Denny had previously used the song as one of her contributions to the work of the early Strawbs, but the version included here is the definitive rendition of this achingly beautiful composition.

Apart from the traditional "A sailor's life", the non-band compositions on the album are all written by Bob Dylan. The first of these, "Si tu dois partir" is based on his "If you've gotta go". The songs is a piece of light-hearted fun, with future member (and partner for Denny) Trevor Lucas popping by to play triangle. Released as a single, it did actually make the lower reaches of the UK chart, leading to a coveted appearance on the BBC's "Top of the pops" show. The next time the band would appear would be in the album slot promoting "Angel delight". Of the other Dylan songs, "Percy's song" has the familiar "Turn turn.." anthem refrain (but not one from the similar "Turn, turn, turn" made famous by The Byrds). "Million dollar bash" is another fun number, bizarrely taken into the UK singles charts by Jonathan King.

While Richard Thompson's influences can be found from start to finish here, his actual compositions are restricted the traditional sounding and slightly downbeat "Genesis hall" and the brief stomper "Cajun woman".

The remastered version of the CD has 2 bonus tracks. "Dear landlord" is another Dylan cover. The song was recorded during the sessions for this album, but was never finished due to an early decision not to include it. The song is a rather dull dirge. "The ballad of Easy Rider" is a cover of the Byrds song written by Roger McGuinn. It was actually recorded during the sessions for "Liege and lief" and thus features Dave Mattacks on drums. The rendition gives Denny another chance to demonstrate the full beauty and clarity of her voice.

In all, a superb folk rock album which features a true prog folk classic. The band were clearly inspired in 1969 and working their socks off. There is still a residual American influence to be found here, but the west coast sounds of the first album are now largely suppressed, with even the Dylan numbers sounding Anglicised. The album was released with different cover illustrations in various parts of the world, but the photo of Sandy Denny's parent standing outside their garden (with the band lounging in the background) is one most strongly associated with the release. Even by now, the band had the confidence to omit their name and the album's title from the front cover (well before Led Zeppelin IV !).

This would be drummer Martin Lamble's last album with the band before he was tragically killed when the band's van crashed on the way home from a gig. He was just 19 years old.

Share this FAIRPORT CONVENTION review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#175440)
• Buy FAIRPORT CONVENTION music online with PA partners
• Show all FAIRPORT CONVENTION MP3/Stream
• Go to FAIRPORT CONVENTION page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Unhalfbricking page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for FAIRPORT CONVENTION related discussions