Ledge

Fairport Convention have had their fair share of anthologies, but the double-disc set Meet on the Ledge: The Classic Years (1967-1975) is arguably the best yet, rivaling the classic Fairport Chronicles, which was released just as the classic lineup was splitting apart. Meet on the Ledge is more exhaustive than that collection, and it also boasts a number of rarities, including the previously unreleased "Bonny Bunch of Roses" and "Poor Will and the Jolly Hangman." Undoubtedly, those will be of interest to collectors, but the 32-track set is still primarily targeted at neophytes and casual fans. Happily, it fulfills its goal of offering a flawless introduction – not only does it provide a concise history of the band, but it's also tremendously entertaining. Which means that even if it satiates some appetites, it will whet others. But the best thing is that the compilation works well enough to remain entertaining, even if you know the albums inside out.

For long-time Island fans the most fun way to celebrate this hugelytrumpeted anniversary would be reissuing the two budget-price samplers which introduced so many cash-strapped kids to the label in 1969. The wide range of musical strains presented was packed with avenues to explore, but You Can All Join In’s Side Two, Track One was Fairport Convention’s hauntingly anthemic Meet On The Ledge, heralding the label’s oncoming “quiet revolution” combining folk and electric rock forms, examined here over three CDs.

A highly original and poetic self-portrait from one of America's most acclaimed writers.

In this stunning memoir of grief and survival, one woman confronts her family’s secrets in the aftermath of her mother’s suicide, asking a seemingly impossible question: How do you mourn a loved one as you repair the injuries they inflicted?