Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking

A Fantastic Album, Now Even Better.

The problem with this album is that it always seemed to suffer, slightly, when compared to "What We Did on Our Holidays". Stylistically the albums form a natural pairing, but whereas its predecessor is a near perfect album, with every track complimenting each other perfectly, it always seemed to me that "Unhalfbricking" was by comparison a rather fractured affair with its various parts pulling the listener, a little too sharply, in different directions. In a peculiar way it always felt, as though it was only half a great record, but saying which bits are lacking is hard, as they all seem good or great when taken in isolation.

On the other hand the quality of most of its parts (if not the sum) is at a level most artists can only dream of. I should also point out that none of the above prevented this from becoming, and remaining, one of my best loved albums.

I believe that with the release of this version the album has finally attained the balance it always needed with the addition of the bonus tracks added for this release. They give the album that little more time required to absorb its disparate elements. With the addition of 'The Ballad of Easy Rider'(the best version of this song I have heard) the album finally has the majestic closing number it always needed and acts as a counterweight to the mighty 'A Sailor's Life' which seemed overly dominant at the center of the disc .

I already owned the previous CD version so it was with some reservations that I bought this one (only, in the end, because I needed to hear Sandy Denny's take on 'The Ballad of Easy Rider'), but I am glad I took the gamble. I always loved this album but now it's better than ever.
May 3, 2007

Unlike anything else

One of the great things about Amazon.com is this: if you buy alot of records from them, the "Recommended for You" page turns up some hidden gold from time to time. When I started exploring lesser-known bands of the psychedelic era and making alot of purchases, lo and behold, this album popped up on the list. Knowing nothing about the band other than my attraction to the album cover's resemblance to "American Gothic", I bought this record.

Listening to the first 10 seconds of this record was an experience I have very rarely had in my life. Usually, I can tell right away how a record is likely to sound, even if I know nothing about the band. But listening to the first moments of this, I seriously had no idea what to expect from this record. Growing up listening to the "classic rock" radio stations in the early 90's, and spending a good half-dozen years as a Jethro Tull fanboy, I certainly was familiar with folk-rock even if I didn't know it. But this record was totally "off the reservation" for me from the get-go.

From the opening guitar line of "Genesis Hall", it is clear that this is going to be a record unlike anything you've heard. The song blends elements of jazz, folk and rock into a disturbing lamentation about the inevitable passage of time. The third track, "Autopsy", has much of the same slightly-askew feel to it, and features vocalist Sandy Denny at her best.

The remainder of the album features some Dylan outtakes, another Dylan song from the then-unreleased Basement Tapes, and another Sandy Denny feature "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" Jefferson Airplane also seems to be an influence on the vocals. Looking ahead, Fairport's arrangement of the traditional "A Sailor's Life" fortells the sound of their follow-up record "Liege and Lief" and the ultimate direction of the band as an essential part of the folk-rock scene.

If not for "Genesis Hall" and "Autopsy", I'd rate this a 3-4 star album. But those two tracks easily bump this up to 5-stars. Production value on this CD is also a strength, the sound of the record sounds very modern in most respects. January 13, 2007

a work of tremendous depth

This is terrific work with attributes that extend towards many tastes. Richarh Thomspon's scorching guitar, Sandy Denny's angelic voice, cool versions of Dylan songs, ensemble virtuosity, its all there baby!

"A Sailors Life" is the highlight. It starts out as a very folky, lumbering, painfully Brittish jig and builds an dgrows into a crushing guitar workout. Enjoy every second of this lengthy songs

"Million Dollar Bash" was an obscure Bob Dylan tune that is given a lot of life by the different members of the band singing about what else? Having a million dollar bash!

This is a real big thumbs up!

This badn had a revolving door with different members. This was their best work. September 9, 2006

Simply the Best

If you are looking for outstanding Fairport Convention, or Brit Folk, or if you just like music, this is an exemplary example. This album explains why those of us from the 60's continue to say that the music today (and the last 15 years) generally blows. You cannot name a single group that even approaches the beauty of this album. Five stars isn't enough. Trade in all your Britany Sneers and J Blows cd's; get this one and listen to a woman who can sing. February 21, 2006

GREAT!

I received my CD very quickly & at a great price. I'd definitiely buy from you again . . . and look forward to doing so in the future. November 27, 2005

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