Fairport Convention – The Psychedelic Years

Decameton, and morning glory…. judy and ian… ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

One of the finest debut albums ever. Pure psychedelia. They never spent time developing a certain sound, which may have been a hindrance to them finding a true fan base. As for myself, I loved them for being all over the place. Each album was a progression in spite of themselves! Holidays sort of broke them out of their first sound and gently moved them toward their Unhalfbricking phase. It were these ideas which culminated into Liege and Lief, their most remarkable and enduring effort. Although Hutchings and Denny left the band, they went on to produce some of the greatest folk rock albums of the era. My favorite works by Sandy were on Fotheringay and North Star Grassman. Never such intriguing song crafting had I ever heard before or since. No voice so perfectly pure, I still miss Sandy tremendously. Despite her faults, I’ll always think of her fondly.

I am really fond of the first FC album, I was introduced to this LP in the late 1970's by my best friend (I had heard material by FC with Sandy Denny). Much later in life my friend David would introduce me to Judy at one of the Cropredy festivals…and a few years later David & Jude would release the LP "Between a Breath and a Breath". I miss them both.

Thanks for another interesting & well-made video. I knew the story, & love the album.

One minor correction: Chelsea Morning is the second Joni Mitchell song on the album, not Both Sides Now, on the 2003 version I have..

The first Fairport Convention album is as important at Leige and Lief

Great video Barry. I loved Richard Thompson's kind words about Judy Dyble that you quoted (so polite and English in how he says the band 'did her a disservice' with the volume of their playing, rather than dissing her voice). I can't wait for Part 2 (Sandy Denny joins) and Part 3 (the Dave Swarbrick years)! We can but hope!

Never knew about the relation between Thompson and Barret. Great video, nice little underated album.

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I dunno, if I saw a performer knitting onstage, I would think it was adorable! 😁

Additionally it should be mentioned that Joe Boyd more or less pushed FC to their British roots. As far as I remember it was Boyd who refused to publish the wonderful Heyday Album from 1968/69 until its final release in 1987. The beforementioned Suzanne is one of the many highlights on this live BBC record.

I love this album, thanks for the review

I remember finding a copy of the album in the US in a cut out bin for 99 cents, and being intrigued by the cover, bought it. Glad I did too, what a wonderful album through and through. While not the stature or strength of the Sandy Denny trio of LPs to follow, it stands strong by itself. Had it been their only album it would still be a classic.

Nicely done as usual Barry. I haven't listened to it in many years but I can still hear Judy's sweet voice singing "Chelsea Morning" in my mind's ear.

The compilation albums "Heyday: BBC Radio Sessions, 1968-1969" and "A Chronicle of Sorts, 1967-1969" are excellent documents of this early version of Fairport. As a longtime fan, their recorded history seems incomplete without these sets.

The English reissue of the album does contain additional covers by the band, including Cohen's Suzanne which an essential part of their live set. Clearly the first album is a snapshot of a talented covers group that found good songs to work up and play live. I'm a big fan of the Heyday release which I believe was nominated for a Grammy and shows just after Sandy joined. Great overview of the first album with YouTube video of the lineup. ❤

I like the first Fairport album, but it's kind of the same situation as "This Was" by Jethro Tull. They both seemed like totally different groups on their respective second albums

Very much enjoyed..Great band..FC has always been there, but just hiding in the wings a bit..

Just got back from the Cropredy Festival which is always such a delight. The current Fairport are folkier, of course, but a third of Richard Thompson's "solo" set was played with Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg and Dave Mattacks backing him and what a ball they were having. I often wonder what that rockier line-up band could have done during the early 1970's if Richard had stayed a few years longer as his songwriting became more prolific and mature. The first album has gathered a bit of dust of late but I will listen to it with fresh ears after your review. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this absolute treasure of a band.

Good video. I just ❤ Time Will Show The Wiser

Thank you for reviewing this Fairport album as it is often overlooked and great to see early footage of the band as well, i was fortunate to see Richard Thompson in concert about 10 years ago with Danny Thompson. Tragic also that Martin Lamble was killed in 1969 but then again we would not have seen the steady influence of Dave Mattacks who has been a faithful servant of the band through the years behind the drums.

Well over my half century of loving Fairport and Steeleye. As for psyche-folk, how about Trees?