Search - Fairport Convention :: Red & Gold

An excellent record from the later Fairport

Mark Cloud | Murrieta, CA USA | 12/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, and Dave Mattacks decided to revive the Fairport Convention name in 1985, many old time fans of the band were aghast, and have never forgiven them for continuing on without Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, and Dave Swarbrick; which is really a shame, since the latter period band has often been the equal, or even sometimes superior to the earliest line ups. This record is a perfect example: not a weak cut on it. The title song is a marvelous look at the senselessness of war and power as seen through the eyes of an innocent bystander. The other songs are alternatingly funny, moving and exciting, and the musicianship is superb. Simon Nicol's voice has matured into such an expressive instrument, he is easily the finest male singer ever involved with this band. Would you buy a record because a stranger asked you to? You won't be sorry."