XXXV

In celebration of thirty five years together, Fairport Convention's XXXV, which includes some of the most requested songs from their long and checkered history. Appropriately enough, Fairport’s 35th anniversary album contains a mixture of new material alongside selected reworkings of some fondly remembered standards including a revised version of Ric Sanders' dreamy instrumental "Portmeirion" (with guest Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull on flute) and the lovely Banks of the Sweet Primroses as well as the pacifist ode "The Deserter" and Dave Swarbrick and Richard Thompson's eloquent "Now Be Thankful". Chris Leslie provides a new version of the traditional "I Wandered By a Brookside", which he previously recorded on his solo album The Gift. "Everything But The Skirl" is a tour de force of fiery fiddling in a head to head between Sanders and Leslie.

Simon Nicol, the only remaining original member of the band, and Chris Leslie split the lead vocals between them and Nicol, Leslie and Dave Pegg provide harmonies throughout. Nicol sounds ever more the elder statesman with his warm, rich tones. The majority of the songs are contemporary - the notable exception being "The Banks of the Sweet Primroses". The excellent arrangements, particularly the rhythm section of Gerry Conway and Dave Pegg, are what make this album special, mercifully avoiding the pedestrian boom-chink curse of the folk rock genre.

XXXV is Fairport doing what they do best - making great folk-rock music. They have always been a flexible group. The early years saw members go and often rejoin with alarming regularity yet the spirit of the band has always remained in tact. XXXV represents Fairport Convention as it is today, a valid and important band that doesn't ignore its vast history but doesn't cling to it for life either. The sort of attitude which must surely have helped them reach this milestone in the first place.