Title: Classic of British folk rock
Review: This album, released in December 1969 on the cusp of the '70s, was one of the keystone albums that introduced me to the British folk-rock scene, which was ruled by bands like Fairport, Steeleye Span and Pentangle (on the jazzier end of the musical scale). This is among Fairport's best, with rockers and ballads deeply rooted in traditional songs. Sandy Denny's vocals are haunting throughout (she quit the band after the recording), and Richard Thompson's guitar stellar and stinging, but always within the Brit-folk and Celtic idiom here -- no Dylan covers or contemporary rockers. The lead instrument throughout is really Dave Swarbrick's ever-present fiddle, which snakes in and out of the melodies and dances with Thompson and Denny. It's been a long time since I listened to the album in its entirety, and it's great to hear it again.
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