Yes they probably invented folk rock but also, on their landmark third album, Fairport Convention, presented a view of England that has now been lost... one of violent division along lines of class and gender but one that was also positive and questing, says Michael Hann
As much-loved club night A Love From Outer Space reaches its 15th anniversary, Sean Johnston – its co-founder alongside the much-missed Andrew Weatherall – picks 13 tracks that have soundtracked its journey from a Stoke Newington basement to an international community