Artist: Fairport Convention Album: Gottle o' Geer

Year: 1976
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Fairport Convention's Gottle o' Geer: A Critical Review

Fairport Convention is a British folk-rock band that has been around since the late 1960s. One of their most notable albums is Gottle o' Geer, which was released in 1976. The album features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk-rock songs, as well as some experimental elements. In this blog post, I will be taking a critical review of the album, discussing its genre, best songs, innovative parts, and overall impression. So, whether you're an avid Fairport Convention fan or just looking to expand your music library, buckle up and let's get started.

Genre - Gottle o' Geer falls under the folk-rock genre, which incorporates elements of rock and roll with traditional folk music. The album features a mix of original songs and traditional folk songs, arranged in a modern style that blends the two. The genre is characterized by the use of electric instruments like guitar, bass and drums, alongside acoustic instruments such as the violin, mandolin and flute. This genre is typically associated with the 1960s and 70s when it was popularised in the UK and the US.

Best Songs - One of the standout songs from the album is Poor Will and the Jolly Hangman, which is a traditional folk song that has been electrified with heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums. The haunting melody and eerie lyrics are reminiscent of the gruesome stories of executions in England. Another notable track is Gottle o' Geer, which is an upbeat song that features a clever play on words with a catchy chorus that will leave you singing along. Tokyo is another gem on the album, which takes the listener on an exotic journey to Japan through its swirling melodies and intricate instrumentation.

Innovative Parts - Gottle o' Geer is not afraid to experiment with new sounds and arrangements. One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of the fiddle, played by Dave Swarbrick, which adds a whimsical and playful element to the music. The album also incorporates elements of jazz, blues and country music, bringing a diverse range of influences to the folk-rock genre. Furthermore, the use of the zither, a traditional German string instrument, in the song The Lady Vanishes adds a distinctive and unique texture to the album.

Critique - While Gottle o' Geer is a solid album with many notable tracks, it also has its drawbacks. One of the criticisms of the album is that it lacks cohesiveness, as each song has a distinct style and sound. Furthermore, it may not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional folk sound, as the electric instrumentation may be overpowering at times. Overall, while it is a bold and experimental album, it may not satisfy the purists of the folk genre.

In conclusion, Fairport Convention's Gottle o' Geer is an album that sits at the intersection of traditional folk music and contemporary rock. It is a bold and adventurous album, blending different styles and sounds to create something unique. While it may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth a listen for those who are interested in the folk-rock genre and are looking for something that stands out from the crowd. So why not give it a spin and see what you think?