The trajectory that Fairport Convention took in the space of four albums and two years is one of the most remarkable in British popular music.
These records contain some of the most storied names not just in British, but world music. From a bunch of school friends setting out to be 'the British Jefferson Airplane', over the course of their first quartet of releases, the group metamorphosed into the leading exponents of British folk rock. In the way American folk and blues had looked back to gospel songs and spirituals, Fairport mined a seam a traditional English folk song, and then combined them with rock rhythms to create something ground-breaking and quickly emulated. For many, this is the first time the considerable talents of Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Ashley Hutchings, Ian Matthews, Dave Swarbrick and Dave Mattacks would have been heard on record. Ian Matthews left the group during Unhalfbricking, and they decided not to replace him. The album was recorded between January and April 1969 and shows the band gaining confidence.
The material is strong, and their covers of three Bob Dylan songs (including material from the then-bootleg The Basement Tapes) yielded a Top 30 UK hit single, Si Ti Dois Partir â?? a cover of If You Gotta Go, Go Now, sung in French. Sandy Denny contributes her keynote song Who Knows Where The Time Goes, and most remarkable of all is A Sailor's Life, a traditional folk song arranged by Simon Nicol and Richard Thompson. The ballad builds over 11 minutes into a full-on wig-out with a guest performance by Dave Swarbrick on fiddle. -
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. From a bunch of school friends setting out to be 'the British Jefferson Airplane', over the course of their first quartet of releases, the group metamorphosed into the leading exponents of British folk rock. In the way American folk and blues had looked back to gospel songs and spirituals, Fairport mined a seam a traditional English folk song, and then combined them with rock rhythms to create something ground- breaking and quickly emulated. For many, this is the first time the considerable talents of Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Ashley Hutchings, Ian Matthews, Dave Swarbrick and Dave Mattacks would have been heard on record. Ian Matthews left the group during Unhalfbricking, and they decided not to replace him. The album was recorded between January and April 1969 and shows the band gaining confidence. The material is strong, and their covers of three Bob Dylan songs (including material from the then- bootleg The Basement Tapes) yielded a Top 30 UK hit single, Si Ti Dois Partir - a cover of If You Gotta Go, Go Now, sung in French. Sandy Denny contributes her keynote song Who Knows Where The Time Goes, and most remarkable of all is A Sailor's Life, a traditional folk song arranged by Simon Nicol and Richard Thompson. The ballad builds over 11 minutes into a full- on wig- out with a guest performance by Dave Swarbrick on fiddle.
"Unhalfbricking" is one of Fairport Convention's most celebrated albums and a cornerstone of British folk-rock. Presented here as an LP, it captures the band in a period of rapid artistic growth, blending traditional folk elements with electric instrumentation and a modern songwriting sensibility. The record is known for its intimate, timeless atmosphere, in which melancholic ballads, narrative songs and delicate arrangements interact to create a cohesive listening experience. Acoustic guitars, fluid bass lines and subtle percussion are interwoven with expressive vocals and finely judged dynamics, giving the album both warmth and emotional depth. "Unhalfbricking" is widely regarded as a key step in the evolution of Fairport Convention's sound, bridging their earlier, more American-influenced folk-rock with a distinctly British voice that would shape the genre for decades.
The LP edition invites you to experience this music in its classic format, with the characteristic analog warmth and a focused, album-length journey from the first groove to the last. Listeners will appreciate how the sequencing guides them through reflective, story-driven pieces and more expansive tracks, encouraging full-album listening rather than isolated songs. The production highlights the organic interplay of the musicians, allowing each instrument to breathe and giving the record a natural, almost live feel. "Unhalfbricking" on vinyl is ideal for collectors of classic rock and folk-rock as well as for younger listeners exploring the roots of today's singer-songwriter and indie folk scenes.
Fairport Convention are pioneers of British folk-rock and have had a lasting influence on generations of musicians. Emerging in the late 1960s, the band became known for their unique synthesis of traditional folk material with rock energy and arrangements, helping to define a new musical language in the UK. Over the years, they have built a rich discography and a reputation as a formidable live band, inspiring both fellow artists and dedicated followers around the world. Their work is frequently cited as a major reference point in discussions of modern folk music and its intersection with rock.
The LP is released by Proper, a respected name in the music industry, particularly in the areas of catalogue, roots, jazz and specialist repertoire. Proper has built a strong reputation for carefully curated releases, solid manufacturing standards and an emphasis on musical integrity. Their catalog places great value on historically important recordings and artist-driven projects, making them a fitting partner for an album of this stature. With "Unhalfbricking," Proper once again underlines its commitment to preserving influential recordings and presenting them in a high-quality physical format for discerning listeners and collectors.
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