IF (STOMP) / CHELSEA MORNING

Before becoming one of the leading acts of the British folk rock movement of the late 60's and absorbing a great deal of their repertoire from the British traditionals, Fairport Convention were heavily oriented to the contemporary American folk rock. Founded in 1967, the group at first had a setlist dominated by Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, and a sound that earned them the nickname "the British Jefferson Airplane". Vocalists Judy Dyble and Iain Matthews (whose original name happened to be Ian Matthews MacDonald, ie. almost the namesake of the person that was introduced to Giles, Giles & Fripp by Judy Dyble, thus helping the birth of King Crimson) joined a bit later when it was time to record the eponymous debut album. Both songs on this single are from that album released in June 1968.

'If (Stomp)', co-written by MacDonald with guitarist Richard Thompson, has a country feel not very different from the style of Matthews Southern Comfort that he founded after leaving Fairport Convention in 1969. This light-hearted song features male vocals only. There's a slight humorous air comparable to the lesser Beatles songs such as 'Octopus's Garden', although it lacks the similar bemusing happiness and strong melodies. Not very interesting, to be honest.

'Chelsea Morning' was recorded by its writer Joni Mitchell for her second album Clouds (1969), so this version preceded that. Indeed the sonic reference to Jefferson Airplane is justified. Judy Dyble sings the lead, occasionally replaced by treated male vocals, and the playing has a psychedelic edge. Some traffic sounds are added at the end.

Judy Dyble (1949-2020) was a charming artist, but it was her replacement, lovely Sandy Denny (1947-1978) who really made Fairport Convention what it was to become. There are some better songs on the debut album, so two stars will do for this single.