from today's Guradian, in response to the reports this week that folk dance music is faster in the north of England:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,2253550,00.html

"The research in your article (Rhythm of life is quicker up north, February 5) mirrors what has been often observed historically, most famously by Keats 200 years ago. He went to a dance in Ireby in Cumberland, and said the local dancing compared to London as did beating up batter to stirring a cup of tea. This pattern applies to folk music to this day, just as much as to dance music in clubs. I find the fusion band Shooglenifty at full pelt in Scotland a bit overexciting, whereas if I go to Brighton and hear Dan Quinn and Will Duke play I often fall asleep while waiting for them to play the next note.
Greg Stephens
Stoke-on-Trent"


ooooh, handbags...