A cardinal principle of 1970s 'concept' albums is that no one quite knows what the concept is, least of all the creative genius who conceived it. This album is very much the honourable exception, offering as it does a clear, sequential and coherent narrative, which the copious text in the booklet enables the listener to explore fully. There is ample scope for an interactive and participatory experience, certainly. The music is interesting but not great. This was one of the truly great bands of the late 1960s in terminal transition and decline; Simon Nichol was the only remaining original member. Sandy Denny was long gone, though The Lady herself returned to take lead vocals on most of the verses of one of the bonus tracks. It wasn't her finest moment, though. A thoroughly entertaining and engrossing package just the same. Read full review
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I have this album on vinyl,and like it so much that I got the C.D. It is Fairport as I like them,with classic tracks and great music;if you like Fairport Convention this is a must have.
I decided to buy the CD because I like Fairport Convention - sheer nostalgia from my student days. Also because I recently discovered that I may be a descendant of Babbacombe Lee - which must be a pretty unique reason for buying it!
This cd is such a worthwhile purchase. It contains the original album tracks plus some wonderful additions that add to the atmosphere of the concept. Yes, it is a concept album but one built up from historical documents & some extraordinary occurrences. The music showcases Fairport in fine form as a quartet & the compositions contain a mix of traditional & original ideas. Sandy Denny appears on one track on this re-issue.
Great Remaster of a great CD i bought the lp back in the seventies after seeing them live at the Guildhall Portsmouth brilliant show,i was also very intrigued by the story of the man they couldn't hang John Lee.If you havn't heard it i thoughly recommended it, you dont have to be a Fairport fan.
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