Off-Genre: The Lady Is a Tramp

Fairport Convention: The Lady Is a Tramp

[purchase]

In the late '60s, Fairport Convention were a pretty eclectic bunch. Still, it's a bit of a shock to hear the originators of British folk-rock tackling one of Frank Sinatra's signature songs. This track was recorded in 1969 for a BCC Top Gear session (though didn't see official release until 2002), with guitarist Richard Thompson on lead vocals, drummer Dave Mattacks on piano, and rhythm guitarist Simon Nicol on drums.

No, Richard doesn't give Frank a run for his money. But considering how long it took Thompson to "find" his singing voice, he acquits himself rather nicely. And it's just a hint of the musical eclecticism that would lead him to the "1000 Years of Popular Music" project more than thirty years later.