FAIRPORT CONVENTION/NINE ILPS 9246 (-73) UK

 Obviously the band's ninth album. It was the second to include Trevor Lucas (1943-89) and Jerry Donahue (1946-) after the "Rosie" album  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2022/08/fairport-conventionrosie-ilps-9208-73-uk.html  . Both had also been part of the shortlived "Fotheringay" project  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2019/09/fortheringay-6339-010-70-germany_23.html  . As with all FC albums without Sandy Denny I miss her voice and presence, but this offers quite a lot good listening anyway. The mandolin and fiddle play are top notch, especially on the two instrumental tracks - "The Brilliancy Medley & Cherokee Shuffle" and "Tokyo". The performances are very good all through and even if I miss Sandy on vocals the ones here sound all right for the purpose. Apart from the aforementioned the ones I like most are - the energetic "The Hexhamshire Lass", the heavy arrangement on "Polly On The Shore" and the rocking "Possibly Parsons Green". For those who didn't know the group before, be aware this is UK folk pop and rock, either reworks of traditional songs or written in that style. I happen to like that so this will fit perfectly in my collection, though I would have preferred a little more up-tempo and genuine folk rock, more directly catchy. Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD over Europe, US and Canada, Downunder and Japan. Also as UK cassette and 8-track. Japan 2006 CD on Island (UICY 9681) came with four bonus tracks. First UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover.  (FÄH)