RE. Fairport, as per the thread title I've confined myself to the 70s - in my view, Fairport were already past their best by the end of 1969. Others may disagree. There were a couple of nice compilations during the 70s, notably the US A&M collection 'Fairport Chronicles'. The Fotheringay album just squeaks in from 1970, of course, as does 'Hark The Village Wait' by Steeleye Span. All of the first 4 Steeleye albums warrant inclusion, as do most of Ralph McTell's LPs from the early 70s.

Most of the Chieftains albums from the period hold up pretty well, none more so than 3 and 4. 'The Chanter's Tune' by Na Fili is a favourite of mine as well.

I still have a copy of the Woods Band album from 1971. Rare as hen's teeth - I bought it the day after seeing them playing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. I found myself sitting next to and chatting with a guy from Cork. Turned out to be Rory Gallagher. He bought me a beer in the interval. That's another story.