The disagreement about vocal quality is perfectly respectable. But all the pretty lasses and floaty dresses stuff, though entertaining in its own way, is irrelevant to any question of merit.

So are the jibes about EMI marketing. As a journalist who reviewed the album (very favourably as it happens but, as I never tire of saying, I am just a fan with a platform), I can honestly say I was aware of no marketing campaign apart from John Crosby's. Living in France then, and subsequently in the Middle East (again writing about it, at my website Salut! Live ), doubtless protected me from this corrupting influence.

Am I so untypical of the album's reviewers in listening to John's customary enthusiasm but forming my own view? John is an excellent publicist but hardly earns his crust from corporate pop or pop/folk.

Oh, and how refreshing to see musicians (Unthanks and Hooley alike) giving frank explanations about breaking up instead of the usual dishonest gloss.