It seems ever since '85, there's been the slant towards the middle-of-the-road, play it safe material. Yet, the past twenty-six years have produced some great songs and yes, some fine albums.
You sum it up perfectly for me.
In recent years I have been more of an ‘occasional’ listener to Fairport for this very reason. (btw Live I think they are as good as ever). I have time and time again felt that much of the recorded material is full square rooted to easy listening MOR. Dare I say, insipid at times.
I can’t help but compare it to the last Steeleye album (where, unashamedly my preference lies in their last 20 years of recorded material) where conversely to this FC one, the whole album is Trad. Arr.
And to my ear the Steeleye album (Cogs, Wheels and Lovers) ends up with more originality, deeper shades (of Rock & ‘gentle’) and just better songs with better and more interesting arrangements. And why Simon is hiding away his Electric guitar is totally beyond me.
However, I do still like FC and I do agree with most people that this is quite possibly their best album for 25+ years. Mercy Bay is indeed a tour de force and worth the admission price alone. They really do need to get some of the Rock and ‘Uniqueness’ back into their recorded material.
Although probably a ‘younger’ fan of Folk/Folk Rock (i.e. under 40..just.. ) I long for more of the material (both Steeleye and FC) from the classic years of 69-72. I know it can’t happen but I sense Steeleye are the band still most ‘connected’ to their (and my) roots.
I will keep buying and supporting though!
