Liege & Lief is often considered the definitive British folk-rock album. It’s hard to argue with that assessment, particularly given the power of the material, but it’s also a tender, dedicated album forged out of struggle. Fairport Convention had lost their drummer, Martin Lamble – and Richard Thompson his partner, Jeannie Franklyn – in a road accident earlier in 1969; regrouping after a time, they brought drummer Dave Mattacks into the fold, with David Swarbrick also joining on fiddle and mandolin. Parts of Liege & Lief extrapolate on the oceanic freedoms the group had discovered on its predecessor Unhalfbricking’s best track, “A Sailor’s Life”; “Reynardine” is similarly swoony and sensuous. But the group’s clear-eyed focus on traditional song gave the album real heft, and their playing is heavier, more defined – “Tam Lin” carves its way through the air like an army’s forward flank; “Matty Groves” is staunch and brutal.

– Jon Dale