Artist: Fairport Convention Album: XXXV

Year: 2002
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Fairport Convention’s Album: XXXV

Fairport Convention is a British folk-rock band that has been active for over five decades. The group has undergone various line-up changes throughout their journey, but they have always managed to remain true to their roots. In this blog post, we will be taking a deep dive into their album: XXXV. We will cover the history of Fairport Convention, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, and the most innovative parts of it. We will also be giving a critical review of the album that every listener and fan of the band should know about.

Fairport Convention formed in 1967 and quickly emerged as a leading figure in the British folk-rock movement. Their early albums were heavily influenced by American folk and rock music, but they soon began incorporating more traditional British folk music into their sound. XXXV, released in 2020, is the band’s 35th studio album, and it stays true to their roots and features many traditional British folk elements.

The album’s genre can be described as a contemporary take on British folk music. It features a mix of original songs and traditional folk songs that have been given a fresh twist. The band’s signature sound is present throughout the album, with beautiful harmonies and acoustic instrumentation.

The album’s standout tracks are “Caledonia Swing,” “Moses Waits,” and “Jewellery Hornpipe.” “Caledonia Swing” is a catchy toe-tapping tune that encapsulates the joy of Scottish dancing. “Moses Waits” is a slow melancholic ballad, featuring beautiful vocals by singer and fiddle player, Chris Leslie. “Jewellery Hornpipe” is a lively instrumental piece that showcases the band’s musicianship.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of various traditional instruments. The band incorporates instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, and concertina, giving the album a unique sound. Another innovative feature is the album’s modern production, which provides a fresh take on traditional folk elements.

As much as we appreciate the band’s nod to tradition, some of the album’s tracks failed to capture our attention. The slower tracks on the album drag on for too long, and the album overall lacks cohesion. It felt more like a collection of folk tunes rather than a cohesive album. This lack of structure and direction is a considerable criticism.

In conclusion, the album XXXV is a fantastic addition to Fairport Convention’s discography, showcasing their roots in traditional British folk music while incorporating contemporary elements. The album highlights the band’s musical talent and features some standout tracks that will keep you listening. However, the album falls short in places, such as the cohesion of the collection of tracks. Nonetheless, it is an album that should definitely be given a listen, especially for folk-rock enthusiasts and fans of the band.

In conclusion, the album XXXV is a fantastic addition to Fairport Convention’s discography, showcasing their roots in traditional British folk music while incorporating contemporary elements. The album highlights the band’s musical talent and features some standout tracks that will keep you listening. However, the album falls short in places, such as the cohesion of the collection of tracks. Nonetheless, it is an album that should definitely be given a listen, especially for folk-rock enthusiasts and fans of the band.