New Material, New Album?

[parkwood]

For the record, I've been mostly disappointed by Fairport's records since 1990 (Jewel in the Crown is the only one I really rate).  Although there are, of course, tracks on all of the albums that I return to.  But, sadly, the last album left me cold.

I agree - Jewel in the Crown is a very strong album!

Mark - I think Five Seasons is pretty strong too. The drum sound on Wounded Whale is special.

[Keith]

I, literally, couldn't give it away.

And believe me, he tried!  

Oh, he gave you his copy as well?

[MarkC]

I agree - Jewel in the Crown is a very strong album!

Mark - I think Five Seasons is pretty strong too. The drum sound on Wounded Whale is special.

We can definitely agree on that...I love that song.

[GubGub (Al)]

You'll find a number here who hold that song in particular contempt as the nadir of Fairport's recorded output.

I hasten to add that I am not amongst them. I love it but The Five Seasons and WKWTTG were the last albums that I found wholly satisfying. However, as many have said, there are always at least a couple of worthwhile songs on each of the subsequent records.

[MarkC]

Well, I will admit that while I love Chris Leslie's songs, I do miss Maart's electric guitar.

Still, "The Wood and the Wire" remains a top fav of mine as well.

I have seen the hostility shown "The Wounded Whale," but have never understood it for a moment. It's an epic, to my ears. Also, part of the difference with me is I have never really identified Fairport that strongly with traditional material. Especially with songwriters like Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Trevor Lucas, Dave Swarbrick, and Chris Leslie. I love their traditional outings, but don't miss them when they aren't there. Following a formula would make me lose interest!

[Steve with the black dog]

I had XXXV in the car recently - it really grows on you.  IMHO a cracking good album.

[RobertD]

Well I'll stretch this a little bit, just for fun-

Gladys' Leap-great album, great songs
Expletive Delighted-interesting...some favorites on there, and some generic ones-Gas Almost Works for example.
Red And Gold-one of my favorite Fairport albums, one that I don't see on most fan lists. Not just for the title track, but even though this was a "keyboard" heavy album..it worked
The Five Seasons-Claudy Banks is my favorite traditional song Simon does..perfectly suited to his voice. I didn't like this much at first, but now almost 20 years later, its kind of cozy and relaxed.
Jewel In The Crown-possibly 2 or 3 too many songs, but a very strong album
Old New Borrowed Blue-I'll include this one since it was half studio/half live, and was mostly new songs. A definite favorite. I think it brought a new dimension to Ric's playing, or maybe a realization that he didn't always have to use effects and such
WKWTTG-good start for young Mr. Leslie, rest of the album ok
Wood And The Wire-my favorite album of the Leslie era to this point, aided by Gerry's percussion, something I wish they would incorporate more of again full on-I think it sounded great
XXXV-more solid work from Chris, some really good songs. I didn't mine the band Fairporting some Chris associated songs, such as I wandered By A Brookside, but this album started the trend for doing new interpretations of older songs, something I wish the band would drop. Maybe put some of those on the next live album, instead of the 727th version of Matty Groves, or Ledge, or what have you (not a knock on those songs mind you, just don't have to be on EVERY live album)
Over The Next Hill-I'm surprised some didn't like this as much. I thought this was very contemporary sounding, relaxed, and solid choices of material.
A Sense Of Occasion-oh boy...where to start. Too many songs. Some good ones-the last 5 or so are all good IMO. Too much of an outside Fairport feel, both in subject matter and sometimes instrumentation. Chris Leslie, I love you man, but please....no more Native American inspired stuff, put it on a solo album...I will buy it, I promise, as I do like that-but its not Fairport! Tam Lin and Polly just were flat retreads, the versions added nothing to the older ones. Ok rant over...cheers!

[davidmjs]

Over The Next Hill-I'm surprised some didn't like this as much. I thought this was very contemporary sounding, relaxed, and solid choices of material.

Possibly because it was 'very contemporary sounding', 'relaxed' and the choice of material was 'solid'?   Just a thought, mind...  

[ThomA]

I STILL haven't heard Love On A Farmboy's Wages, but since it comes from the pen of one of Britain's greatest songwriters, I'm quite looking forward to hearing it.  

[Steve with the black dog]

I STILL haven't heard Love On A Farmboy's Wages, but since it comes from the pen of one of Britain's greatest songwriters, I'm quite looking forward to hearing it.  

I liked the original, but hadn't heard it for ages before SOO.  I think it works very well.  Interestingly it seems to have a very FC pastoral feel to it.

[Jim]

I STILL haven't heard Love On A Farmboy's Wages, but since it comes from the pen of one of Britain's greatest songwriters, I'm quite looking forward to hearing it.  

if youve heard the xtc version dont bother