"He didn't "always" ~~ at various times, I heard Pete describe Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, Paul Brady and Mike Waterson as the best revival singer. But, indeed, he certainly regarded Nic very highly."

Fair play, michael – I should have said "more than once". And we'd probably have to add Louis Killen to that list.

As for the "bleat". Cards on the table– I like the bleat. Love it, actually, and can't see why anyone has a problem with it. It adds something indefinable but essential. And I don't hear it as a tremolo effect but as a sort of chuckle, always inserted at exactly the appropriate point. It came from Harry cox, of course, but PB does something quintessentially..er.. Bellamyesque with it.

Let's hear it for the bleat!