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Fairport Convention — I'll Keep It With Mine
Album: What We Did On Our Holidays
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1395









Released: 1969
Length: 5:46
Plays (last 30 days): 1
You may search at any cost
But how long can you search for what's not lost ?
Everybody will help you
Some people are very kind
But if I can save you any time.

Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine.

I can't help it, if you might think I'm odd
If I say I'm loving you, not for what you are but for what you're not
Everybody will help you
Discover what you set out to find
But if I can save you any time.

Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine.

The train leaves at half past ten
But I'll be back tomorrow at the same time again
The conductor, he's weary
He's still stuck on the line
But if I can save you any time.

Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine.
Comments (90)add comment
 jmo_rp wrote:

Is  it just me or does the music in this song sound so much like "Melissa" by the Allman brothers.  Or rather, does Melissa sound like this?  They're nearly identical




I'll keep it was mine was written by Bob Dylan in 1964 and first released as a single by Judy Collins in 1965. Melissa was written by Greg Allman in 1967, before the formation of the Allman Brothers (all refs Wikipedia). I love both songs / versions.
Is  it just me or does the music in this song sound so much like "Melissa" by the Allman brothers.  Or rather, does Melissa sound like this?  They're nearly identical
Lovely song, and beautifully covered many years later by Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar (aka Mike & Ruthy); worth looking for.
 indo wrote:

Awfull song.. nuff said hehe


Not to mention your spelling, sentence structure, punctuation or anything else that would lead to someone thinking that your opinion was important or interesting.  He he.
 ice-9 wrote:



Like you just did?

Music is subjective and different people have different tastes, but if RP played, say, three hours worth of someone scratching on a chalkboard, I'd laugh less at the guy who called it bad than I would at the self-righteous commenters who chime in with "you just don't get it" or "no comment would be preferable".  Guess I'm closed minded.

Why have comments at all?

Sounds like a new genre of music is needed, call it 'Avant Garde Classroom Folk' or something, eh? 

I'm going +1 to 8 on this one - Sandy's vocals are instantly recognizable and I really like her sound.  LLRP
Sandy, you gave us so much in such a short span.  Still brings tears of joy after countless listenings.  

Mr. Zimmerman, your boundaries know no limits.  Yet another jem from your vast catalogue.  I somehow missed your authorship,
Hot mic/mix on the vocals, nice version tho
 jhorton wrote:

Get a little perspective folks. This is not the best song ever written or recorded. The year was 1969. This was a ragtag group of kids trying to drag ancient traditional music into the twentieth century. When everyone else was trying to be the Beatles or the Stones, they were trying to do something different that they believed in.

In 1969 Sandy Denny was 22 years old, Richard Thompson was 20! 

Tell me all the mind-boggling things you did when you were twenty years old? 



Actually it was written by Bob Dylan and is an awesome song in his bootleg , old piano recording. Love Sandy Denny and FC but their arrangement doesn't really work that well, check out the original version.
ugh
What a fabulous voice Sandy Denny has - 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' has been used in a new UK indie film called "Typist Artist Pirate King'!
Dylan again
 jhorton wrote:

" Her voice is out of tune on this song?"

My candidate for the most ignorant comment ever on RP.

I mean like, too wetarded to ride the short bus ignorant. 

Why?  Her pitch is awful, and the adaptation from the original is awkward and inelegant.  We get that they are accomplished musicians, and lots of people like them, and hey, give them a break because they were young, etc., etc., but there's a lot of room for fair criticism here.  

I would suggest that this song is to Fairport Convention what, say, "The Pot Song" was to Neil Diamond.  He's...you know...probably not going to be remembered for that one.  
These low ratings gross me out! The 'convention' sound great. Sandy....come back!
 smg58 wrote:

I have to say I'm surprised by the negativity.  I've always loved Sandy Denny's voice personally.  I'd love to hear "Tam Lin" on RP.



Tam Lin has been played on Halloween here. Such a great song, and a fun song for Halloween.
 christineclaydon1 wrote:
Can't help but give a 10 ~ based purely on Sandy's beautiful voice! 



I agree. And she sounded like this live too. Beatific.
Can't help but give a 10 ~ based purely on Sandy's beautiful voice! 
 bam23 wrote:

Oh, "the song is bad". I guess that's some sort of comment. If that was the best I could do, no comment or silence would be preferable. But sure, make your opinion known...



Like you just did?

Music is subjective and different people have different tastes, but if RP played, say, three hours worth of someone scratching on a chalkboard, I'd laugh less at the guy who called it bad than I would at the self-righteous commenters who chime in with "you just don't get it" or "no comment would be preferable".  Guess I'm closed minded.

Why have comments at all?
Hands up of those who thought this was Christine McVie fronting Fairport Convention well before she joined Fleetwood Mac?
Two Fairport rel\ted books out recently. An autobiog from RT and a more general one called What We Did Instead of Holidays. 

Both a good read.
Thank you so much for putting this song in rotation.
 RabbitEars wrote:
Never heard this bobby d cover. Pretty, but doesn't deliver the feeeeeling of the original by a long shot. 

how long can you search for what's not lost? 

amazing line ... that's what makes bob bob.
 
Wow, I didn't even recognize it as the BD song, and I know a few versions of it. Have to agree, the lyrics are lost in this version. 
 h0n0rb wrote:
I feel bad, but this vocal style (Joni Mitchell sounds like this to me too - does it have a name?) is a major barrier to appreciating the song. I'm glad people find things here to love, but I can't do it.
 

Sopranos with a big range? That's the only thing they have in common to my ears.
 ice-9 wrote:

That happens when the song is bad.
 
Oh, "the song is bad". I guess that's some sort of comment. If that was the best I could do, no comment or silence would be preferable. But sure, make your opinion known...
 shellbella wrote:
What's up with the low ratings?
 
That happens when the song is bad.
 Matt_Maurer wrote:
More Wendy Matthews Please...
I went to find out more about her, but don't see the connection with Sandy, I'm afraid... No favourable comparison for me - I'll stick with Sandy.

More Wendy Matthews Please...
I feel bad too...just heard that we lost Eddie VH  h0n0rb wrote:
I feel bad, but this vocal style (Joni Mitchell sounds like this to me too - does it have a name?) is a major barrier to appreciating the song. I'm glad people find things here to love, but I can't do it.
 

I feel bad, but this vocal style (Joni Mitchell sounds like this to me too - does it have a name?) is a major barrier to appreciating the song. I'm glad people find things here to love, but I can't do it.
Never heard this bobby d cover. Pretty, but doesn't deliver the feeeeeling of the original by a long shot. 

how long can you search for what's not lost? 

amazing line ... that's what makes bob bob.
Early Bob
Her voice is absolutely unmistakable. Not everybody's cuppa, but hey.

Love this tune. And a song comment from a few years ago: 'what amazing things did YOU do at 20-22?'
Even when I think I know a lot of music, it takes RP to bring me something I have never heard before! Thank you.
"Where's" the playground Susie" Glenn Campbell would be proud or offended! I think the former.
Had never heard this one. So lovey. This crew never fails to bring the 100% bittersweet. Everything. 
Her voice is so beautiful. Wish Led Zep recruited her for more.
I'm not a fan of much of the beardy stuff, but this has a lovely, sad vibe to my ears, and I like it a lot.  Judging by the Darlingside tune from 2015 which follows it, they have left quite a legacy, too.  We all have to start somewhere and, considering the ages of the producers of this material, that was a pretty good effort.
Bobby D really knows how to write a song. šŸ˜Ž
This is soooooo what I needed just now. Thanks cosmic psychic Bill GšŸ™ And I think this is a really good song too!
Can't hit PSD fast enough. 
 hayduke2 wrote:
great song!

 

Agreed!  Love the British folk vibe.  Feels like summer in  park.
great song!
Get a little perspective folks. This is not the best song ever written or recorded. The year was 1969. This was a ragtag group of kids trying to drag ancient traditional music into the twentieth century. When everyone else was trying to be the Beatles or the Stones, they were trying to do something different that they believed in.

In 1969 Sandy Denny was 22 years old, Richard Thompson was 20! 

Tell me all the mind-boggling things you did when you were twenty years old? 
 Giselle62 wrote:
Okay, yes, I hear that her voice is out of tune on this song, and now that I think about it; I have noticed it before; but I can't help thinking to myself  that in a couple of years there will be even more converts to her music. I've seen it happen plenty of times —-people say they don't like someone's voice and then get totally into that artist. This whole album is good—though it definitely sounds 60's dated (a young person I knew once said it reminded them of the Partridge Family!! _ if you can deal with some of that or even love it because of that I highly recommend this album.

anyway, I was just feeling like I should finally show some financial support and when I heard Sandy Denny on that Groove Armada song and this one I finally got all the way ready to pay—-here I go....

(I just read that Bob Dylan wrote this song for Nico in "All Hopped Up and Ready to Go —-New York music" by Tony Fletcher and, if I remember right, she has done a version of it, too..this book is way better than I judged it by it's cover, by the way.)
 
" Her voice is out of tune on this song?"

My candidate for the most ignorant comment ever on RP.

I mean like, too wetarded to ride the short bus ignorant. 
This is not FC's (or Sandy Denny's) best, but when they're good they're awesome. I don't think this particular track was well recorded, but there are several songs on the same album that are some all-time favorites of mine (Fotheringay, She Moves Through the Fair). And Unfalfbricking is an even better album, with Denny's best songwriting/singing. She was amazing — this track isn't the best example by any stretch.
 shellbella wrote:
What's up with the low ratings?

 
it's awful?
Maybe the vocals are too forward in the mix so it's a bit to harsh sounding? :-/
 medoras wrote:
I wouldn't be too concerned about the low ratings.

I suspect that most of those making negative comments about Fairport Convention with Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny were born too late to see Cream, Blind Faith, The Doors, The Beatles, The Stones (prior to and including Sticky Fingers), Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and so many others perform live.

They are probably comparing music from the Fairport era with the synthetic Pablum that passes for real music today. 

 
Other than the general era, Fairport Convention had very little in common with any of those other bands you mentioned.  Not a bad tune, really, but I could see why it may not be appealing to a lot of other folks, regardless of whether or not they had "born to late" to have seen all those other bands.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the low ratings.

I suspect that most of those making negative comments about Fairport Convention with Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny were born too late to see Cream, Blind Faith, The Doors, The Beatles, The Stones (prior to and including Sticky Fingers), Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and so many others perform live.

They are probably comparing music from the Fairport era with the synthetic Pablum that passes for real music today. 
 ScottishWillie wrote:

This track is not one of the more obvious choices off this seminal album. I am firmly of the belief that perfection can become bland and it’s sometimes the mistakes that add character. I wouldn’t change a note a this track and warts and all it gets an emotion response from me every time I hear it. This isn’t a music exam it’s a piece of art and some of the “Haters” may get more enjoyment from life if they used another part of their brain to appreciate music.



 
Exactly. Precisely. I have always been aware that there are, ...ahem.., intonation problems with this piece. And yet, it's a Dylan song that somehow got lost everywhere except by Fairport Convention and regardless of its imperfections, there is a sort of majesty here. In some ways this song captures a moment in time. I wasn't there in England when they were active, but there is a spirit here that draws me in (possibly I would have ached to get out of there, but who knows? It's music and therefore not a subject of logical assessment).
 ScottishWillie wrote:

This track is not one of the more obvious choices off this seminal album. I am firmly of the belief that perfection can become bland and it’s sometimes the mistakes that add character. I wouldn’t change a note a this track and warts and all it gets an emotion response from me every time I hear it. This isn’t a music exam it’s a piece of art and some of the “Haters” may get more enjoyment from life if they used another part of their brain to appreciate music.



 
Amen to that, mate!

This track is not one of the more obvious choices off this seminal album. I am firmly of the belief that perfection can become bland and it’s sometimes the mistakes that add character. I wouldn’t change a note a this track and warts and all it gets an emotion response from me every time I hear it. This isn’t a music exam it’s a piece of art and some of the “Haters” may get more enjoyment from life if they used another part of their brain to appreciate music.


 bam23 wrote:
What is one to do? Sandy Denny was responsible for some remarkable work. Her (in tune) voice is unmistakable and beautiful. Yet, there is this particular instance, in which her singing is simply not in tune. I hope that this singular example of intonation issues does not stop any interested listened from trying more.

 
Still works for me.

I think the low ratings are due to the low-fi recording of a folk song from a different era. This isn't really a typical RP song and it's dated. But really, it's beautiful because it contrasts so much with the polished, brittle stuff we get these days. Her voice is amazing. After a first listen, I get the feeling that the band wasn't quite up to snuff on that take. 

This could very well be Sandy and some friends jamming a little raggedly in a living room on a summer evening. That's what makes this song really cool for me. 
 Dgradeworkunit wrote:
I must say I'm amazed by the low ratings.  Come on guys! Look at the stuff that gets no low ratings and compare with Fairport.  Oh well! there's no accounting for taste. I'm pretty easy going when it comes to taste - it takes all kinds to make a world and all that... But sorry, those of you who gave this the lowest rating are just nutz.  

I remember buying this album at long gone department store.  It was probably the result of some store-buyer's mistake.  Their normal selection was 100% top-40 junk.  BTW, the original LP had a different cover with no title.  We just called it "leaves" since it showed the band with a pile of autumn leaves.
What an incredible record.  It was like nothing you'd ever hear on the radio.  I still love it.  


 
What you said!
This is from the Bad Old Days when "Stereo" and "Hi Fidelity" were still news. Listening on a mediocre turntable no one would notice (what seem nowadays to be major) flaws in the recording. It's all about perspective.

Plus, what really matters to me: does it have emotional impact? If so, I would rather hear an old-tech mediocre recording of something moving than an impeccable but lifeless performance. 

Anyone curious: go view the Sound City movie (available online) for some insight into how it used to be done and why some old recordings are so classic: they were often recorded in the studio as if they were live on stage: one take all the way through, with all the performers in the same room recording at the same time. No fancy-shmancy computer editting mashing up 50 takes and mixing solo tracks to make it sound like the band played together when in fact they never did.
What's up with the low ratings?
 whomhow wrote:
Great song, great singer, great band. So sad to see low rate, especially comparing with a legion of mediocre songs and bands who really deserves it...

 
......... totally agree
Great song, great singer, great band. So sad to see low rate, especially comparing with a legion of mediocre songs and bands who really deserves it...
 Giselle62 wrote:
Okay, yes, I hear that her voice is out of tune on this song, and now that I think about it; I have noticed it before; but I can't help thinking to myself  that in a couple of years there will be even more converts to her music. I've seen it happen plenty of times —-people say they don't like someone's voice and then get totally into that artist. This whole album is good—though it definitely sounds 60's dated (a young person I knew once said it reminded them of the Partridge Family!! _ if you can deal with some of that or even love it because of that I highly recommend this album.

anyway, I was just feeling like I should finally show some financial support and when I heard Sandy Denny on that Groove Armada song and this one I finally got all the way ready to pay—-here I go....

(I just read that Bob Dylan wrote this song for Nico in "All Hopped Up and Ready to Go —-New York music" by Tony Fletcher and, if I remember right, she has done a version of it, too..this book is way better than I judged it by it's cover, by the

I love your post ! I went right to paypal...and thanks Bill, life at the lake is a little sweeter with RP
Yes, her voice is out of tune, but I thank FSM that there were no pitch correctors around in 1969* to "fix" it. I agree with the earlier commenter that the fact that she's out of tune is a feature, not a bug, in a lot of folk music. Chances are that the travelling bard stopping in at the local inn was also out of tune.

(*The Eventide Clockworks Harmonizer wasn't around in 1969, was it? I seem to remember** more like 1972 or so.) 

(**No, of course I don't actually remember 1972. I couldn't possibly.)


I must say I'm amazed by the low ratings.  Come on guys! Look at the stuff that gets no low ratings and compare with Fairport.  Oh well! there's no accounting for taste. I'm pretty easy going when it comes to taste - it takes all kinds to make a world and all that... But sorry, those of you who gave this the lowest rating are just nutz.  

I remember buying this album at long gone department store.  It was probably the result of some store-buyer's mistake.  Their normal selection was 100% top-40 junk.  BTW, the original LP had a different cover with no title.  We just called it "leaves" since it showed the band with a pile of autumn leaves.
What an incredible record.  It was like nothing you'd ever hear on the radio.  I still love it.  

Of course Bob recorded this himself! It's on Biograph with a tinny piano keeping the tune.
Just Love It! {#Music}
Okay, yes, I hear that her voice is out of tune on this song, and now that I think about it; I have noticed it before; but I can't help thinking to myself  that in a couple of years there will be even more converts to her music. I've seen it happen plenty of times —-people say they don't like someone's voice and then get totally into that artist. This whole album is good—though it definitely sounds 60's dated (a young person I knew once said it reminded them of the Partridge Family!! _ if you can deal with some of that or even love it because of that I highly recommend this album.

anyway, I was just feeling like I should finally show some financial support and when I heard Sandy Denny on that Groove Armada song and this one I finally got all the way ready to pay—-here I go....

(I just read that Bob Dylan wrote this song for Nico in "All Hopped Up and Ready to Go —-New York music" by Tony Fletcher and, if I remember right, she has done a version of it, too..this book is way better than I judged it by it's cover, by the way.)

I try to refrain. But seriously, this is horrible. Like aural metal claws on the chalkboard.
wtf?!?
Freight train...each car looks the same...
I have to say I'm surprised by the negativity.  I've always loved Sandy Denny's voice personally.  I'd love to hear "Tam Lin" on RP.
I think that some of the musically-trained people on here probably know what they are talking about when they say a voice is out of tune and I will say more clearly that I think a lot of what we love about folk music and rock music must be about it's brokenness. Is she bending the notes and just not bending them right? I don't know and I don't care. If it's off I must be liking the offness of it.
Do we want our folk and rock singers to sing like opera singers? Is there anyone else who is bored by that? 
Rant over.
What is one to do? Sandy Denny was responsible for some remarkable work. Her (in tune) voice is unmistakable and beautiful. Yet, there is this particular instance, in which her singing is simply not in tune. I hope that this singular example of intonation issues does not stop any interested listened from trying more.
Wow, I don't see (hear?) the problem. I love her voice, and this is nice. A bit more Baez-y or Collins-y than usual, but nice.

A great song from one of my all time favourite albums. I love Sandy Denny's voice.
I have a solo Sandy Denny disc that is quite good. This....not so much.
Not just a generational thing; bad singing is bad singing no matter what era it is from.
:headshake:
Oh my ears! My ears! Make it stop!! :headache.gif:
samiyam wrote:
Those of you idiots who 'dis' Sandy Denny are too young to know good music.
wow. what an ignorant statement.
i'd enjoy this more if not for the terrible singer.
davie70 wrote:
Some more of Fairport Convention's style of English folk rock would be great too. Fotheringay, Meet on the Ledge, Booksong, Autopsy, Percey's Song, Reynardine, Matty Groves. I could go on....

Sandy Denny's voice is much more, well... 'accomplished' I s'pose the word is; but I could listen to Judy Dyble any day of the week. Aaah.
Ƃ 
I love "Who Knows Where Time Goes", either by FC or the much more recent cover by the post-Natalie Merchant- 10,000 Maniacs. But I agree that this one leaves something to be desired.
Not personally my favorite song but it's very nice to hear Sandy Denny on RP. Some more of Fairport Convention's style of English folk rock would be great too. Fotheringay, Meet on the Ledge, Booksong, Autopsy, Percy's Song, Reynardine, Matty Groves. I could go on....
I really enjoy that RP would include a song like this to expand my listening horizons. It's also very cool to explore the AMG entry and learn the historical context of the song such as the band's origin and influences of the time. AND,(in today's playlist) bookended by two of my favorites: Joe Strummer and Collective Soul. It's ECLECTIC Baby, make the most of it!
Bill, thanks for playing and pointing this tune out. It isn't something that I might otherwise notice, but it is very expressive. All in all a nice addition to the mix. It is precisely this kind of variety that makes RP special. Thanks again.
You don't hear this every day: "I'd rather hear the Dylan version."
Bill, I listened to your into remarks. I don't think this stands the test of time.
Awfull song.. nuff said hehe
This song is right up there with "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" as one of my favorite songs with Sandy Denny singing. So sad to have her die so young. Those of you idiots who 'dis' Sandy Denny are too young to know good music.
Yegads. How\'d this warbling harpy ever manage to get her voice recorded in a presumably reputable studio? She\'s not that bad when she\'s all quiet-like, but when she winds up, she has all the vocal grace of Shane MacGowan, only not as in tune. Make it stop--I think my ears are gonna start bleeding.
Originally Posted by Enrique: Her voice is almost as horrible and pretentious as Grace Slick's.
At first I thought it WAS Grace Slick. Was surprised to see it was FC, who I usually like. 8-/
Her voice is almost as horrible and pretentious as Grace Slick\'s.