I first heard a couple of tracks from this album on John Peel, probably in about 1976, when he did a 'Fairport and family' special, which I rather enjoyed, and prompted me to listen to more.
I don't recall when or where I bought this album, Richard's second (under his own name) after leaving Fairport, the first with Linda.
As I've got older, folk music, especially the traditional, is something I've struggled more and more to like, but while the Thompsons were from that background, it seems to have informed rather than dominated the songs.
When I Get To The Border is a strong rousing opening, then the slower Calvary Cross before we get the first two that Linda takes lead vocals on, the sad Withered And Died, and the joyful title track, with its silver band accompaniment.
She also takes the lead on the sombre Down Where The Drunkards Roll, a nice song, which drags a bit, and hands back to Richard for the forgettable We Sing Hallelujah. Has He Got A Friend For Me is a tedious dirge, however, despite my previous words, the very folky The Little Beggar Girl bounces along like a breath of fresh air. The End Of The Rainbow is another slower, more reflective number, but there's something engaging about the song, as there is with the sparse The Great Valerio, a fine conclusion to the album.
I'm not sure that the Thompsons did a better album than this one together, and there are several songs which stand up well, and are even considered RT classics. It's a decent listen.
3* - despite one or two dreary songs, there's a lot to enjoy on this album
Komentarze