Sorry, Sam and others; I'd recommend La Mistrine over En Specticle any day; "Specs" was a distinct disappointment. And to try to justify that . . I'd pick up on Michael Miland's comments about the brass. As I understand it (and as my ears tell me), La Mistrine is where they'd really worked up a set featuring an extended brass section, essentially serving a "traditional" sound. To me "En Specticle" doesn't have the same edge and freshness - I suspect because the material has been RE-worked. And since then the brass have had a stronger influence on the overall sound of the band, giving them a more jazzy sound which I like somewhat less.

Just my 2p.

And anyone who particularly loves the way brass is used to augment traditional music on La Mistrine should also listen to Home Service's "Alright Jack" CD, which does the same sort of thing to UK folk (and UK folk as arranged by Percy Grainger with vocals reclaimed by Home Service).

G.