WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

Fairport Convention's second album was actually recorded a few months after their debut in 1968, but it's light years ahead. The arrangements are tighter and the production is much, much fresher. This record also showcases Sandy Denny's voice. She was not only a great singer but a good songwriter too. From the gentle, haunting "Fotheringay" to the whistful "End of a holiday", the album posesses an otherworldly charm that the band never quite captured again. Sure, the following releases were great too but this one stands out. This is also noticeable for the emergance of Richard Thompson as a songwriter of note. Like more or less all of their pre-Liege And Lief material, 'What We Did On Our Holidays' will hold strong appeal for lovers of mellow, late 60s, American-style folk-rock. On this album they did it just as well, if not better than anyone else before or since. Four solid stars.