Fairport Convention

Unhalfbricking - Water Records Reviewing reissues of favorite records is like shooting fish in a barrel. I much prefer to turn my friends (that's you, dear readers) onto records that are new and hot off the press, but in this instance I will make an exception.

Issued in 1969, "Unhalfbricking" didn't make a ripple in the U.S. when it splashed down. When it was reissued on CD in 1991, it fell on deaf ears again and was not in print for long. The small label Water Records has just reissued it again, and I hope that the third time is the charm.

Unhalfbricking is a watershed record because Fairport embraced timeless, traditional British folk music and brought it into the 20th century. The influence that this record had over groups like Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin (Fairport singer Sandy Denny sang on "Battle of Evermore" from the fourth Led Zep record) and many others cannot be underestimated. This record opens with "Genesis Hall," a Richard Thompson composition, and contains three Bob Dylan songs. Dylan's "If You Gotta Go, Go Now" is translated into French and listed on the record as "Si Tu Dois Partir." Sandy Denny wrote two songs, including her most famous tune, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" (Judy Collins had a hit with it on this side of the pond.)

In my opinion, the highlight of the record is the traditional British folk song "A Sailor's Life," featuring Denny's vocals and a fierce duel between Richard Thompson (20 years old at the time) on guitar and violinist/ future band member Dave Swarbrick.

Some records that musicians cite as major influences are not listenable to us mere mortals, but "Unhalfbricking" is a classic record that anyone can enjoy.

Bob Jones is founder of Silver Platter CDs EST1998 in Fort Myers. For info or to suggest music, email recordreviews@comcast.net