This is a classic album. Every track is worth hearing. Sandy Denny has one of the most beloved voices in British folk. She sang with Robert Plant on the Led Zeppelin song “The Battle of Evermore.”
@@SaeedReacts. There was another band, contemporaries of Fairport Convention, called Pentangle. They merged many traditional folk songs with jazz, blues, and early music influences. You might like them too, they also have a fantastic female singer called Jacqui McShee.
There have been many recordings and versions of Tam Lin, and it’s even been turned into a novel, play and at least one feature film, I believe. Folk singer Frankie Armstrong did a whole album featuring it and exploring its themes through other original songs and tunes, with the ballad as a centre piece. As for Sandy Denny, she was one of the greatest female folk singers ever, tragically died too young, but also an outstanding songwriter in her own right. Checkout her classic Who Knows Where the Time Goes (there’s a version with her by Fairport Convention, which is outstanding).
This is a genius version of a genius tale done by a genius band on a genius album. This tale is so ahead of it's time thematically, giving agency to a woman, Janet, who bears her own responsibility for her own actions, and not only is not ashamed of her love, but saves him. Love the odd time Fairport does with this song. The playing is masterful, and I don't think one could say enough how gorgeous Sandy Denny's voice was.
This album is killer, from start to finish. Mostly taking old folk tunes and adapting them to include rock instruments. One that the band wrote for it is "Crazy Man Michael", which is my favourite song on the whole album. Sandy Denny left Fairport after this and formed her own band called Fotheringay and then went solo. Sadly passed away at 31 in 1978 falling down a flight of stairs.
A dazzling confluence of one of the greatest voices (Sandy), amazing guitarists (Richard Thompson), sought after drummers (Dave Mattacks) and my favourite individual musician of all time - the mighty Swarbrick on violin. Quite a restrained performance musically here - by the next album Denny had left and Dave Pegg (later also of Tull) took over bass. Suggest you listen to "Sloth" from that album (Full House) to grasp the full majesty of their instrumental brilliance. For another take on the lyric, try Steeleye Span's version from the album "Tonight's the Night".
Now you've really uncovered a nugget! Fairport Convention, in their very early days played Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell covers. "Liege & Lief" is considered by many, to be their seminal album.
Have you heard Sandy Denny singing with Robert Plant in Zeppelin’s song The Battle of Evermore? If not, please do. It is marvelous. It was either in 1970 or 1971 that Dandy Denny was voted best female singer in the UK and Robert Plant best male singer. The two were actually pals and had some good fun together
Sandy has the best voice of any British singer I've ever heard. This is just a wonderful album. Fairport are still performing live - they tour every Year and also headline their own festival at Cropredy. Original member Simon NIcol is still in the band, (bottom left on the cover) and Dave Mattacks is currently drumming wiith them again (bottom right on the cover)
My favorite non-classical recording of all time! If you'd like another great song in the same vein with a great heroine, check out Steeleye Span's "The Elf Knight"
You would love Fairport's album "Babbacombe Lee" (1971), which is a true story concept album about a man called John Lee from Babbacombe, detailing his childhood to the murder of his master, being convicted of the murder and sentenced to hang. The trap door failed to operate properly 3 times, and they finally aborted the execution and he was eventually pardoned. Dave Swarbrick got the story from a file of old newspaper clippings in a junk shop. It turned out to be John Lee's own collection, bound and dated by him 30 Jan 1908.I still have the "Don't hang Babbacombe Lee" sticker from the album on my old cabinets.
Stories like this were my gateway to fantasy long before that genre really existed in publishing or television. Anything Sandy Denny sings is a pleasure to my ears and there is a short live performance by her next band, Fotheringay, available on YT which is well worth looking at.
I can definitely see this being a gateway to fantasy. This is how it all started years ago. Before print. Telling stories from town to town. With and without music. Love it!
This band are absolutely fantastic, Sandy Denny was brilliant so sad to lose her so early. I could name lots of tracks but there is no need, close your eyes stick in a pin and you can be sure of an excellent experience they are thar good. Go down this rabbit hole and you I for treat.
One of my favourite British folk songs, their version is so good but there are multiple very nice acapella versions of the song, with slight variations in the story or words, which is a lovely thing about folk songs... they have been hammered into the shapes we currently have them in, over centuries of being sung... this song is ridiculously overloaded with magical and folkloric imagery, there are not many British folk songs that deal with these themes but I feel like Tam Lin tries to redress the gap singlehanded.
Definitely worth listening to the rest of the album. Matty Groves is excellent. Can't remember if Sailor's life is on this one, but that's another real classic.
Ironically, the first Fairport album was heavily influenced by Jefferson Airplane's first two. Mind you, Sandy Denny was not a part of the line up then.
still one of my favorite albums. got to see them at the troubador in l.a. the instrumental in matty groves is acid-etched into my dna. You broke the spell. Would you stop in the middle of foreplay with a new lover to make comments?
Saeed, Tam is just a Scottish version of Tom-Tam Lin is a famous one, but there are a lot of Tams. (My own favorite album is the Incredible String Band's "Wee Tam & The Big Huge." "Liege and Lief" is a top twenty album for me too, though.) You mention "The Dresden Files," Saeed-I seem to recall that there is a reference to Tam Lin in that series. I haven't read the "Wheel of Time" books, but I doubt that Robert Jordan's Tam is a reference to Tam Lin unless he uses a variant of Lin in the name.
Thanks for taking the time to share some info and recommendations. The full name of the character is Tamlin al' Thor. So might have liked the name. There are almost 3000 named characters in that series, so i guess he found inspiration everywhere 😄 In Dresden it was the previous Winter Knight i believe.
Yes, Tam is a nickname for Thomas in Scotland. Another Robert Burns epic poems was "Tam o'Shanter". Another supernatural tale. Check that one if you get the time.
I don' think Tam Lin bargained with the Fairy Queen: she caught him when he fell from his horse so I think that having saved his life, she was entitled to take him. Green was considered a lascivious colour (as in Greensleeves) and tying her kirtle above the knee was doubly provocative. There's lots more in this song, too. The Scottish ballads are incredible for condensing epic stories into a few dozen verses. This Fairport version is a masterclass in how to keep a song interesting: there are 20-odd verses, all with the same tune and no chorus, bridge or anything, but the band build up the tension with the instruments and make every verse have its own character.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I got the impression he had to serve 7 years. So thought he had struck a deal. I definitely need to listen again.
@@SaeedReacts. Thanks! You should definitely listen to the whole album. The band had just suffered a tragedy: when driving back from a gig their van driver fell asleep at the wheel and the van crashed at about 70MPH. All the band were injured and their drummer, Martin Lamble was killed, as was Richard Thomson's then girlfriend. The song "Farewell, farewell" from the album is thought to refer to the event (in a very oblique, Richard Thomson way). The band reformed and the new line-up was probably the best they ever achieved. Ashley Hutchings had a very clear vision of taking British folk songs and music and giving them a new twist with electric instruments; the interplay of Thomson's guitar and Swarbrick's fiddle were a brilliant musical combination, and Sandy Denny's voice was unique.
I think an animation would ruin the story. Leave the tale to the imagination. Leave it quirky and ancient. Leave it to grow in value after many hearings. Otherwise, it becomes disposable like so much else these days.
This is a classic album. Every track is worth hearing. Sandy Denny has one of the most beloved voices in British folk. She sang with Robert Plant on the Led Zeppelin song “The Battle of Evermore.”
Beautiful song. That song is on my list. Good to know she also is featured on it.
@@SaeedReacts. There was another band, contemporaries of Fairport Convention, called Pentangle. They merged many traditional folk songs with jazz, blues, and early music influences. You might like them too, they also have a fantastic female singer called Jacqui McShee.
This song is pure gold, so unusual and magical.
There have been many recordings and versions of Tam Lin, and it’s even been turned into a novel, play and at least one feature film, I believe. Folk singer Frankie Armstrong did a whole album featuring it and exploring its themes through other original songs and tunes, with the ballad as a centre piece.
As for Sandy Denny, she was one of the greatest female folk singers ever, tragically died too young, but also an outstanding songwriter in her own right. Checkout her classic Who Knows Where the Time Goes (there’s a version with her by Fairport Convention, which is outstanding).
This is a genius version of a genius tale done by a genius band on a genius album. This tale is so ahead of it's time thematically, giving agency to a woman, Janet, who bears her own responsibility for her own actions, and not only is not ashamed of her love, but saves him. Love the odd time Fairport does with this song. The playing is masterful, and I don't think one could say enough how gorgeous Sandy Denny's voice was.
saw them in 73. Al Stewart opened. Jean Luc Ponty and Sandy Denny. such a memorable concert!!
One of my favorite albums. Never thought it would appear in a reaction video.
This album is killer, from start to finish. Mostly taking old folk tunes and adapting them to include rock instruments. One that the band wrote for it is "Crazy Man Michael", which is my favourite song on the whole album. Sandy Denny left Fairport after this and formed her own band called Fotheringay and then went solo. Sadly passed away at 31 in 1978 falling down a flight of stairs.
So glad someone is getting into British folk and this particular band.
So glad you've been introduced to the great Sandy Denny. You should check out her self-penned classic "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?"
A dazzling confluence of one of the greatest voices (Sandy), amazing guitarists (Richard Thompson), sought after drummers (Dave Mattacks) and my favourite individual musician of all time - the mighty Swarbrick on violin. Quite a restrained performance musically here - by the next album Denny had left and Dave Pegg (later also of Tull) took over bass. Suggest you listen to "Sloth" from that album (Full House) to grasp the full majesty of their instrumental brilliance. For another take on the lyric, try Steeleye Span's version from the album "Tonight's the Night".
Now you've really uncovered a nugget! Fairport Convention, in their very early days played Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell covers. "Liege & Lief" is considered by many, to be their seminal album.
Yes! What a voice,
First time hearing this, but I was happy you shared it with us. Thank you, Saeed 😊
Great storytelling and amazing voice! Thanks for watching!
For me "Liege and Lief" is the best Folk-Rock ever. And Sandy the best singer!
Have you heard Sandy Denny singing with Robert Plant in Zeppelin’s song The Battle of Evermore? If not, please do. It is marvelous.
It was either in 1970 or 1971 that Dandy Denny was voted best female singer in the UK and Robert Plant best male singer. The two were actually pals and had some good fun together
Sandy has the best voice of any British singer I've ever heard. This is just a wonderful album. Fairport are still performing live - they tour every Year and also headline their own festival at Cropredy. Original member Simon NIcol is still in the band, (bottom left on the cover) and Dave Mattacks is currently drumming wiith them again (bottom right on the cover)
My favorite non-classical recording of all time! If you'd like another great song in the same vein with a great heroine, check out Steeleye Span's "The Elf Knight"
You would love Fairport's album "Babbacombe Lee" (1971), which is a true story concept album about a man called John Lee from Babbacombe, detailing his childhood to the murder of his master, being convicted of the murder and sentenced to hang. The trap door failed to operate properly 3 times, and they finally aborted the execution and he was eventually pardoned. Dave Swarbrick got the story from a file of old newspaper clippings in a junk shop. It turned out to be John Lee's own collection, bound and dated by him 30 Jan 1908.I still have the "Don't hang Babbacombe Lee" sticker from the album on my old cabinets.
It's been on my top ten album list for 53 years! 😃
Her most famous song I believe is “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” it is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. Please check it out
Yes!
Stories like this were my gateway to fantasy long before that genre really existed in publishing or television. Anything Sandy Denny sings is a pleasure to my ears and there is a short live performance by her next band, Fotheringay, available on YT which is well worth looking at.
I can definitely see this being a gateway to fantasy. This is how it all started years ago. Before print. Telling stories from town to town. With and without music. Love it!
This band are absolutely fantastic, Sandy Denny was brilliant so sad to lose her so early. I could name lots of tracks but there is no need, close your eyes stick in a pin and you can be sure of an excellent experience they are thar good. Go down this rabbit hole and you I for treat.
I love this album! Great choice. “Matty Groves” is even better.
One of my favourite British folk songs, their version is so good but there are multiple very nice acapella versions of the song, with slight variations in the story or words, which is a lovely thing about folk songs... they have been hammered into the shapes we currently have them in, over centuries of being sung... this song is ridiculously overloaded with magical and folkloric imagery, there are not many British folk songs that deal with these themes but I feel like Tam Lin tries to redress the gap singlehanded.
Definitely worth listening to the rest of the album. Matty Groves is excellent. Can't remember if Sailor's life is on this one, but that's another real classic.
Aye, Sailor's Life is on "Unhalfbricking"
Matty Groves from the same album, even better storytelling
Big back in the late 60s and 70s. I think they are still going until now
Never listen before to Sandy's voice, giving me some Grace Slick's vibes
Wow!! I've been listening to Sandy Denny for over 30 years, but I never noticed the similarity to Grace's tonal quality.
Good catch!!
You’re right! Similar timbre. Never noticed it before. Good ear
Ironically, the first Fairport album was heavily influenced by Jefferson Airplane's first two. Mind you, Sandy Denny was not a part of the line up then.
Except Sandy Denny is a great singer.
@@billythedog-309 there always has to be one, right? And you’re it. Sigh
Worth listening to Steeleye Span's version of this song as well.
You should now try Please To See The King by Steeleye Span. some amazing tracks on there & another fantastic female voice to discover.
Try "Marry Groves" for more wonderful storytelling and "Fotheringhay" for Sandy's voice.
Minor typo- should read Matty Groves
The song 'Fotheringay,' or the band which featured her?
still one of my favorite albums.
got to see them at the troubador in l.a.
the instrumental in matty groves is acid-etched into my dna.
You broke the spell.
Would you stop in the middle of foreplay with a new lover to make comments?
Saeed, Tam is just a Scottish version of Tom-Tam Lin is a famous one, but there are a lot of Tams. (My own favorite album is the Incredible String Band's "Wee Tam & The Big Huge." "Liege and Lief" is a top twenty album for me too, though.) You mention "The Dresden Files," Saeed-I seem to recall that there is a reference to Tam Lin in that series. I haven't read the "Wheel of Time" books, but I doubt that Robert Jordan's Tam is a reference to Tam Lin unless he uses a variant of Lin in the name.
Thanks for taking the time to share some info and recommendations.
The full name of the character is Tamlin al' Thor. So might have liked the name. There are almost 3000 named characters in that series, so i guess he found inspiration everywhere 😄
In Dresden it was the previous Winter Knight i believe.
Yes, Tam is a nickname for Thomas in Scotland. Another Robert Burns epic poems was "Tam o'Shanter". Another supernatural tale. Check that one if you get the time.
I don' think Tam Lin bargained with the Fairy Queen: she caught him when he fell from his horse so I think that having saved his life, she was entitled to take him. Green was considered a lascivious colour (as in Greensleeves) and tying her kirtle above the knee was doubly provocative. There's lots more in this song, too.
The Scottish ballads are incredible for condensing epic stories into a few dozen verses. This Fairport version is a masterclass in how to keep a song interesting: there are 20-odd verses, all with the same tune and no chorus, bridge or anything, but the band build up the tension with the instruments and make every verse have its own character.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
I got the impression he had to serve 7 years. So thought he had struck a deal. I definitely need to listen again.
@@SaeedReacts. Thanks! You should definitely listen to the whole album. The band had just suffered a tragedy: when driving back from a gig their van driver fell asleep at the wheel and the van crashed at about 70MPH. All the band were injured and their drummer, Martin Lamble was killed, as was Richard Thomson's then girlfriend. The song "Farewell, farewell" from the album is thought to refer to the event (in a very oblique, Richard Thomson way).
The band reformed and the new line-up was probably the best they ever achieved. Ashley Hutchings had a very clear vision of taking British folk songs and music and giving them a new twist with electric instruments; the interplay of Thomson's guitar and Swarbrick's fiddle were a brilliant musical combination, and Sandy Denny's voice was unique.
I think an animation would ruin the story. Leave the tale to the imagination. Leave it quirky and ancient. Leave it to grow in value after many hearings. Otherwise, it becomes disposable like so much else these days.