I picked up a copy from the Leeds branch of Borders today.

The first thing that hit me was how glossy and professional looking it was and I was a bit conderned that it wouldn't be as eclectic and interesting as in days of yore but, in fact, Sean and his team have stuck to their guns and produced an issue that is as well written and genre crossing as it ever was.Tremendous! (By the way, if I can stick my oar into the cover controversy, I think it's a deliciosly provocative portrait of one of the great folk icons.)

The free cd is a joy too. It's not all to my taste but even the crap stuff is interesting and it's introduced me to some stunning performers that I'd never previously heard of (Jon Auer, Dennisn Witmer, Die Hunns).

This first issue of the reborn R'n'R has set the benchmark confidently high. I truly hope it sells in decent quantities. Sean and Richard Ellin deserve it.

Diolch

Wayne