The Cropredy Box cover

The Cropredy Box

Fairport Convention · 1998

191 min · 34 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of traditional folk and rock interwoven with storytelling and intricate musicianship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Matty Groves — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend narrative songwriting with compelling instrumentation, showcasing a classic tale of love and betrayal set against an energetic backdrop.
  • →
    Come all Ye — A defining anthem of the band, this song captures the spirit of community and celebration within folk music, resonating with audiences at festivals and gatherings.
  • →
    Meet on the Ledge — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and emotional depth, encapsulating themes of nostalgia and reflection that are central to Fairport's identity.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • rich storytelling through traditional melodies
  • for long reflective sessions
  • wave-like pacing invites deep listening
  • captures the essence of nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks quick, standalone tracks
  • prefers high-energy party music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, The Cropredy Box captures Fairport Convention's legacy as a pioneering force in British folk rock. This collection serves as a retrospective, celebrating their evolution since the late 1960s and their enduring influence on the genre. By this point, they had solidified their status, continuing to perform and inspire new generations while revisiting classic material.
Stylistic neighbors
Pentangle· Steeleye Span· The Albion Band

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Meet on the Ledge

    The verse shifts from a hopeful invitation to a more somber reflection on time and loss, emphasizing life's transient nature.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Intro 4:56
  • 2 Wings 4:30
  • 3 Jack O’Diamonds 3:37
  • 4 Time Will Show the Wiser 3:14
  • 5 Mr. Lacey 3:11
  • 6 Suzanne 7:05
  • 7 Genesis Hall 3:51
  • 8 Million Dollar Bash 4:27
  • 9 Come all Ye 5:23
  • 10 Reynardine 3:57
  • 11 Matty Groves 7:38

Disc 2

  • 1 Danny Boy 3:11
  • 2 Intro 8:24
  • 3 Walk Awhile 4:29
  • 4 Now Be Thankful 3:49
  • 5 Poor Will and the Jolly Hangman 7:32
  • 6 Angel Delight 4:38
  • 7 Rain 7:30
  • 8 Cut Across Shorty 5:41
  • 9 Sloth 13:06
  • 10 Rosie 6:02
  • 11 Solo 5:23

Disc 3

  • 1 John Barleycorn 11:29
  • 2 Wat Tyler 6:37
  • 3 Red and Gold 6:56
  • 4 Jewel in the Crown 4:13
  • 5 Woodworm Swing 5:10
  • 6 John Gaudie 5:38
  • 7 Fiddlestix 3:09
  • 8 Dirty Linen 6:36
  • 9 Si tu dois partir 4:10
  • 10 Meet on the Ledge 7:31
  • 11 Seventeen Come Sunday 3:07
  • 12 April Fool 5:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata