Red & Gold cover

Red & Gold

Fairport Convention · 1988

46 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of folk rock and traditional melodies infused with storytelling that captures the essence of British musical heritage.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Red and Gold — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and reflection through its rich instrumentation and poetic lyrics, serving as a centerpiece for the record.
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    The Noise Club — This track combines upbeat rhythms with witty lyrics, representing a playful side of the band while maintaining their signature folk sensibility.
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    Dark Eyed Molly — A reinterpretation of a traditional folk song that adds depth to the album; its haunting melody and narrative structure highlight Fairport's roots in storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • rich storytelling through melodies
  • for leisurely afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in December 1988, Red & Gold marked Fairport Convention's return after a hiatus following their previous album, Expletive Delighted. This album illustrated the band's commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their folk roots, highlighting both new songs and live performances from their extensive catalog.
Stylistic neighbors
Pentangle· Steeleye Span· The Albion Band

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Set Me Up 4:23
  • 2 The Noise Club 3:12
  • 3 Red and Gold 6:44
  • 4 The Beggar's Song 3:33
  • 5 The Battle 1:09
  • 6 Dark Eyed Molly 4:34
  • 7 The Rose Hip 4:24
  • 8 London River 2:59
  • 9 Summer Before the War 4:33
  • 10 Open the Door Richard 4:57
  • 11 Close to the Wind (live) 6:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata