UNHALFBRICKING

Fairport Convention's three records with Sandy Danny are among my most cherished records. 'Unhalfbricking' is the type of record I put on directly after connecting my new stereo speakers. And then ask myself; can I get even more intimate with this angelic record? It has a perfect warm '69 sound, that unique folksy sentimentality and of course the angelic vocals of Sandy Denny. It makes me feel right at home. The band had started to experiment with traditional folk on their eclectic predecessor 'What we did on Our Holidays' (also 1969) under influence of the freshly recruited Sandy Denny. On 'Unhalfbricking' the band would expand on that. Moreover, Sandy Danny would sing almost all the songs here. The album has many unforgettable performances, only the three shorter contemporary folk songs are slightly less impressive - though still quite enjoyable. Richard Thompson would introduce a lot of great guitar 'vamps' (riffs) for the electric folk genre, most notably on the meditative 'A Sailor's Life'. 'Genesis Hall', 'Autopsy' and 'Percy's Song 'excel at evoking that ever sweet folk melancholy with which the band can instantly familiarize new listeners - as I witnessed on many occasions. This type of music should however be approached for what it is; greatly performed electric traditional folk. It is innovative and deep, but not progressive per se. My rating reflects my appreciation for the record and I think a serious vinyl collector of early progressive wouldn't want to skip on this.

Though Fairport Convention is often cited as the sole instigators of the folk-revival movement, I would urge people to look up albums of early Judy Collins ('A Maid of Constant Sorrow' or 'Wildflowers'), Shirley Collins (I recommend 'Anthems in Eden'), Tim Hart & Maddy Prior (Folk Songs of Old England) and the Steeleye Span debut.