‘Babbacombe Lee’ marks Fairport Convention’s venture into the realm of concept albums, a beloved format in the 1970s. Instead of exploring fantastical themes, the band recounts the gripping tale of John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee, a man whose execution was thwarted three times after being convicted of murdering Emma Keyse in 1885 in Torquay. The inspiration came when Dave Swarbrick stumbled upon trial details in a junk shop, which led the group to weave this narrative into an album.
Released in late 1971, ‘Babbacombe Lee’ was unique in its presentation, featuring episodes rather than traditional track listings, and it showcased the band’s most original material to date. This album represented a significant leap forward for folk-rock, solidifying Fairport Convention’s innovative sound. Despite lineup changes shortly after its release, with both Dave Mattacks and Simon Nicol departing, Swarbrick and bassist Dave Pegg continued to steer the band’s future. Today, ‘Babbacombe Lee’ stands as one of Fairport Convention’s most cherished works.
Track Listing:
- The Verdict
- Little Did I Think
- I Was Sixteen (Part 1)
- John My Son
- I Was Sixteen (Part 2)
- St. Ninians Isle/Trumpet Hornpipe
- Sailor’s Alphabet
- John Lee
- Newspaper Reading
- Breakfast in Mayfair
- Trial Song
- Cell Song
- The Time Is Near
- Dream Song
- Wake Up John (Hanging Song)
Kristina Clark (verified owner) –
Babbacombe Lee is a stunning album that transports you to another time. The storytelling is incredible! A must-have for any folk-rock fan.
Julie Clayton (verified owner) –
I’ve been searching for where to buy Fairport Convention vinyl, and discovering this album was a game changer. It’s one of the best concept albums from the 1970s.
Madeline Martin (verified owner) –
The blend of history and music in Babbacombe Lee is simply captivating. It’s definitely among the top folk-rock albums to own!