\"Maggie May\" has all the rock radio glory, but \"Mandolin Wind\" is every bit its equal, as effective a mixture of British folk and American rock (or, for that matter, American folk and British rock) as Fairport Convention's best work from the same period. Although the song never rises beyond a midtempo stroll, even during the comparatively rocking fadeout, it's nevertheless a masterpiece of dynamics. Almost entirely acoustic, the arrangement adds and subtracts instruments in waves, culminating in the thrilling wash of Martin Quittenton's mandolins in the final instrumental break. Over this, Stewart sings quite possibly the most emotionally direct lyrics of his career; sung from the point of view of an aging rural husband, it's a simple, sweet declaration of love and fidelity that's about a hundred times more believable than later efforts like \"You're in My Heart.\"
by Stewart Mason (AMG)
