Moat on the Ledge: Live at Broughton Castle, August '81
Fairport Convention · 1982
40 min · 9 tracks · folk rock
A spirited blend of traditional folk and rock that captures the warmth of live performance amidst intricate musicianship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Matty Groves — This track stands as a signature piece for Fairport Convention, reimagining the traditional ballad with rich storytelling and dynamic instrumentation that showcases the band's folk roots.
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Walk Awhile — The opening track features an upbeat tempo and engaging harmonies, setting the tone for the entire concert while highlighting the band’s ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Poor Will And The Hangman — This song delivers a haunting narrative enriched by expressive vocals and instrumental interplay, illustrating Fairport’s talent for melding poignant storytelling with musical complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures Fairport Convention's live energy and musicianship, making it a solid representation of their folk rock style.
What we noticed
- Each song transitions smoothly into the next, maintaining a lively atmosphere throughout the performance.
- Vocals are often harmonized, with multiple members contributing to create a rich, layered sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- spirited live energy throughout
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- engaging storytelling through performance
- nostalgic reflections on tradition
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio polish and precision
- seek constant high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1982, Moat on the Ledge: Live at Broughton Castle captures Fairport Convention in a period of revitalization following lineup changes. The band had experienced significant shifts in personnel and musical direction since their formation in the late '60s, with this album showcasing their enduring commitment to blending folk traditions with contemporary sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pentangle· Steeleye Span· The Albion Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walk Awhile 4:08
- 2 Country Pie 3:23
- 3 Rosie 4:15
- 4 Matty Groves 9:30
- 5 Both Sides Now 3:25
- 6 Poor Will And The Hangman 5:37
- 7 The Brilliancy Medley / Cherokee Shuffle 2:37
- 8 Woman or a Man 3:20
- 9 High School Confidential 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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