This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1971 Island Records UK release in gatefold sleeve, inner sleeve with lyrics, 8 page booklet, promotional poster and sticker; it is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.
'Babbacombe' Lee was Fairport Convention's foray into the concept album so loved by
groups in the 70s. Instead of looking at something fantastical or progressive, the
group went back to the tale of John 'Babbacombe' Lee, the man they couldn't hang:
The gallows failed three times after he was convicted of the murder of Emma Keyse in
Torquay in 1885. Dave Swarbrick found details of the trial in a junk shop, and the band
worked up the story into an album. Released at the end of 1971 with ephemera from
the day telling the story, 'Babbacombe' Lee had episodes listed rather than tracks. It
contained the most original material of a Fairport album to date, and was seen as
taking folk-rock a huge step forward. Within weeks of the album's release both Dave
Mattacks and Simon Nicol left the group, leaving Swarbrick and bassist Dave Pegg to
lead Fairport on through their next chapter. Today, 'Babbacombe' Lee is one of the
group's most enduring albums.
The Verdict
Little Did I Think
I Was Sixteen (Part 1)
John My Son
I Was Sixteen (Part 2)
St Ninian's Isle
Trumpet Hornpipe
Sailors Alphabet
John Lee
Newspaper Reading
Breakfast In Mayfair
Trial Song
Cell Song
The Time Is Near
Dream Song
Wake Up John (Hanging Song)
