The Good and Bad of Fairport Convention: A Look into the Legacy of British Folk Music's Pioneers

Fairport Convention is a landmark band when it comes to British folk music. Formed in 1967, the group has been cited as having single-handedly invented and pioneered the electric folk genre (Rolling Stone). Despite its legacy, Fairport Convention’s music can be seen as uneven by modern critics -there are some real gems among their albums but there is also criticism of their lyrical content and lack of range musically compared to other bands from the era. This blog post will look at Fairport's 40 plus year career, discussing both the good and bad aspects of this legendary act.

If you're a fan of British folk music, then you've probably heard of Fairport Convention. Formed in 1967, the band is widely regarded as having paved the way for electric folk music. Their signature sound combines traditional folk instruments like violins and flutes with electric guitars and drums. However, while many see them as pioneers, others criticize the band's lyrical content and limited range of musical styles. In this blog post, we'll dive into Fairport Convention's career, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of their legacy.

Fairport Convention's debut album, 'Fairport Convention' (1968), is a classic in the British folk rock genre. The opening track, Time Will Show the Wiser, is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that showcases the band's unique sound. The album also includes a handful of original songs, including It's Alright Ma, It's Only Witchcraft, a trippy tune that blends folk and psychedelia. All in all, the debut album is solid, and it firmly cemented Fairport Convention as a new force to be reckoned with in British folk music.

However, not all of Fairport Convention's albums were as well-received. Their third album, 'Unhalfbricking' (1969), is often regarded as their masterpiece, but the following album, 'Liege and Lief' (1969), is seen as a disappointment. Despite its importance in the development of the electric folk genre, the album's repetitive arrangements and uninspired lyricism have left it feeling dated and lackluster.

Despite the mixed reception of some of their albums, Fairport Convention's influence on British folk music is undeniable. In addition to pioneering the electric folk sound, they also helped put traditional folk music back on the map. Many of their albums include songs that were traditional folk tunes, and their renditions have sparked interest in traditional music among fans who may not have otherwise been exposed to it.

One other area in which Fairport Convention excelled was in their live performances. Their ability to blend traditional folk instruments with rock instruments made them popular among both folk and rock audiences. In addition, their live sets often included jam sessions and improvisations, which added an element of excitement and unpredictability to their shows.

In conclusion, while Fairport Convention's legacy may be somewhat uneven, there's no denying their importance in the history of British folk music. They were trailblazers who helped pioneer the electric folk genre and reintroduced traditional folk music to a new generation. Their debut album remains a classic of the genre, while some of their later albums, although not as well-received, still showcase their unique sound and contribution to British music. All in all, Fairport Convention remains an essential band for anyone interested in the history of British folk music.