Good news for crypto-ethnicists, A. L. Lloyd fans, electric Morris dancers and far-out folkies—Fairport Convention is better than ever. True, Simon Nichol still hasn't learned what a lead guitar is all about and true, the liner notes sound like a pukka sahib on acid, but the music shows that England has finally gotten herself her very own equivalent to the Band.

Fairport has been working towards this for a long time, and it is easy to see that Sandy Denny's split from them was truly on aesthetic (as opposed to personality-clash) grounds. She has gone on to Fotheringay, with the remnants of that crashingly dull band Eclection, and the boys stayed behind, intently studying their folk-dances and listening to old Lomax field recordings to get the harmonies and vocal ornaments just right. And what they've come up with, Full House, is a triumph.

Of course, you might find it dull. That's your prerogative, and you can go listen to Fotheringay, thank you. But try on "Sir Patrick Spens" first and listen to Dave Mattacks' inspiredly subtle drumming build the ancient ballad to its eerie climax. Or the phrasing of "Doctor of Physick," which sounds like nothing so much as a giant tarantula. "Doctor Monk unpacks his trunk tonight." Gaaahhhhh. By then you'll be ready for six and a half minutes of "Flatback Caper," a mandolin duet that incorporates so many traditional dance tunes that an academician would go nuts. But "Sloth," a Fairport original, is the decided standout, ebbing and flowing along, seemingly ready to splinter apart at any moment but making it triumphantly through in the end. For my money, Dave Swarbrick is the best electric fiddle around, with the possible exception of Andy Stein of Commander Cody's group.

By calling Fairport an English equivalent to the Band, I meant that they have soaked up enough of the tradition of their countryfolk that it begins to show all over, while they still maintain their roots in rock. If you've ever been thrilled by British folk music (and if you haven't perhaps it'd be worth looking into) you'll love Full House immediately. If not, it'll probably take a little time, but it'll be well worth the wait. And once you begin to dig it, you'll be waiting with just as much anticipation as I am for their next. (RS 70)

ED WARD