Fairport Convention: It All Came Round Again – A Must-Have Box Set for Fans
This massive collection, released by Madfish Records, covers the band’s performances from 1982 to 1990, and it’s packed with goodies!
This box set is very impressive impressive. Containing 11 CDs, a DVD, and a signed print by all the surviving members of Fairport Convention, it offers a comprehensive look at a fascinating period in the band’s history. With 160 tracks, including 57 previously unreleased recordings, 100 minutes of BBC sessions, and three bonus sessions dating back to 1972-1976, this is a box set that truly delivers on both quantity and quality.
The presentation of the set is excellent. The packaging is top-notch, with a 60-page book that includes an essay by Graeme Thompson, vintage photographs, and interviews. The book alone is a highlight, filled with detailed information and insights that will enrich your understanding of Fairport’s journey during the 1980s.
One of the standout features of this set is the inclusion of the signed print. This kind of personal touch is what makes Madfish Records so beloved by collectors. They understand what fans want, and they deliver it with style and substance.
The music in this set covers a wide range of live performances, showcasing the band’s evolution through the 1980s. What’s remarkable is the quality of the recordings, even those taken from cassette sources. Whether you’re listening to the 1982-1983 concerts or the 1987 BBC recordings, the sound is fantastic, capturing the energy and spirit of Fairport Convention’s live shows.
While the set focuses on the band’s 1982-1990 era, it also dips into the “classic period” of the band with some unexpected gems on the DVD. This is where the set truly shines for longtime fans.
The DVD includes rare footage from the 1970s, featuring the legendary Dave Swarbrick. The inclusion of performances from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Pebble Mill at One is pure gold, offering a visual and auditory time capsule of a bygone era. For many, these clips will be a highlight, not just for the music but for the glimpse into the social history of the time—the fashion, the audience, and the general vibe of the period.
There has been some online chatter about one of the discs running slightly faster than it should. While this might be a concern for some, I can honestly say that I didn’t notice any issues during my extensive listening sessions. However, if you do find something amiss, Madfish Records has committed to replacing any faulty discs, showing their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
As someone who has been a fan of Fairport Convention for many years, this box set feels like a gift. The level of care and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the set, from the meticulously curated tracklists to the lovingly restored DVD footage. The inclusion of previously unreleased material from the bands 1980s period make this an essential addition to any collection.
But what truly stands out to me is the sense of continuity and legacy that this set represents. Fairport Convention is a band that has evolved and adapted over decades, and It All Came Round Again captures a pivotal period in their history. The fact that Madfish has also included material from the ’70s, bridging the gap between eras, makes this set even more special.
For those of you who may not have followed Fairport Convention closely during the ’80s, this box set is an excellent opportunity to rediscover a period that is often overshadowed by their earlier work. The band was still producing exceptional music, and these live recordings are a testament to their enduring talent and passion.
It All Came Round Again is out now, and at a price point of around £130, it’s an incredible value considering what’s included. Whether you’re a die-hard Fairport fan or someone new to their music, this box set is a box set that you’ll want to explore again and again.
Madfish Records has done an outstanding job with this release, and I highly recommend it.
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Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
