Artist: Fairport Convention Album: Full House

Year: 1970
Duration: 59:03

A Critical Review of Fairport Convention's Full House

Fairport Convention is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the folk-rock genre. Their 1970 album Full House is considered a classic among fans of the band and the genre as a whole. Today, we will take a closer look at this album and explore its history, music style, best songs, most innovative parts, and a critical review of the album.

Fairport Convention formed in London in 1967, led by guitarist Richard Thompson and vocalist Sandy Denny. They were part of a group of musicians that were blending traditional British folk with rock and roll, creating a new genre dubbed folk-rock. Full House was their fifth studio album, and it represents a departure from their earlier albums, which were more acoustic and traditional in nature.

The music style of Full House can be described as a blend of British folk, rock, and blues. The album opens with the electric guitar-heavy Walk Awhile, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The standout track on the album is Sloth, which features a lengthy instrumental section that showcases the band's superb musicianship. Full House also features a cover of Bob Dylan's Percy's Song, which is given a new life thanks to Fairport Convention's unique interpretation.

The most innovative part of Full House is the melding of traditional folk songs with rock and blues elements. The album features two traditional songs, Dirty Linen and Flatback Caper, which are given a modern treatment thanks to the band's rock influences. Sloth also stands out as an innovative track, thanks to its lengthy instrumental section that features dual lead guitars, fiddle, and drums.

While Full House is considered a classic among fans of the band and the genre, it is not without its flaws. The album suffers from poor production, which often makes the vocals and instrumentation sound muddied and unfocused. Additionally, the lyrics on some of the tracks feel underdeveloped and lack the emotional depth that is present in the band's later work.

Fairport Convention's Full House represents a seminal moment in the history of folk-rock music. The album's blend of British folk, rock, and blues elements, as well as its innovative instrumentation, proved to be a major influence on the genre. While the album suffers from poor production and underdeveloped lyrics, it remains an essential listen for fans of the band and the genre. Full House is a classic album that deserves to be remembered as one of the defining moments in the history of folk-rock music.