by Bruce EderOriginally recorded as a memento of the group's "final" tour from May to August of 1979, Farewell, Farewell was intended as Fairport's last release. It hasn't worked out that way, luckily, as the re-formed version of the group has done some good work, but this was still a rarity, about 23,000 copies (distributed by the bandmembers) ever pressed on vinyl. It's not in league with House Full, but it is a worthwhile album, featuring the final version of Fairport Convention in its unbroken line from the original group -- here including Simon Nicol, Dave Swarbrick, and Dave Pegg -- in good form, covering a cross section of their history. Songs include a crunchy version of "Mr. Lacey"; faithful, emphatic renditions of "John Lee" and "Sir Patrick Spens"; a lustily sung "Walk Awhile"; and a warmly nostalgic "Meet on the Ledge"; with a finale of Mike Waterson's "Rubber Band." Reissued in 1997 with bonus tracks.