20/50 Vision

I was going to post a cultural blog this week, but I'm so enjoying the book I'm reading that I'd like to include it in my next musings. Instead, here's a response to a request in the monthly email I get from Fairport Convention. Next year marks their half century and they are seeking to compile a set list for the attendant celebratory Wintour, voted on by fans. To this end, Fairporters were asked to email in their Top 20 songs from any point in the band's career. Here's my (slightly nostalgic) selection, together with brief comments about each one chosen -:

Fairport’s Top 20

1.       Who Knows Where the Time Goes? Sandy Denny’s finest moment and the song that made me fall in love with the band.

2.       A Sailor’s Life. Beautifully structured, anthemic, uplifting and intense.

3.       By the Banks of the Sweet Primroses. The live version at the LA Troubadour with Swarb on vocals knocks spots off the Shirley Collins interpretation and almost matches the grace of The Copper Family’s take on it.

4.       Farewell Farewell. Just a beautiful song.

5.       The Hexhamshire Lass. Bob Davenport may be an egotistical narcissist, but he pointed them in the direction of this gloriously fun number.

6.       Matty Groves. What a story…

7.       Si Tu Dois Partir. The sound of a band having an enormous amount of fun.

8.       Now Be Thankful. Maidstone 1970 version is the epitome of summertime.

9.       Breakfast in Mayfair. An understated classic, with a superb pay off in the lyrics.

10.   Time Will Show the Wiser. In the history of Fairport, the contributions of Ian Matthews and Judy Dyble in the early days should never be forgotten.

11.   Morning Glory. The finest recorder solo of the 1960s.

12.   Meet on the Ledge. Richard Thompson’s enduring legacy to the band, even if he disputes its worth.

13.   Red and Gold. A sentimental, naïve depiction of a time long ago.

14.   Come All Ye. Almost a call to arms; powerful stuff.

15.   Polly on the Shore. Delicate and poignant.

16.   Tam Lin. Has to be in here somewhere; forceful and feisty.

17.   Sir Patrick Spens. So evocative in terms of time and place.

18.   Fotheringay. A beautiful eulogy about one doomed lady by another.

19.   Walk Awhile. Joyful, upbeat and optimistic.

20.   Reynardine. Fairport’s greatest moments all start and end with Sandy Denny.