I like Tam Lin in theory, but it rarely works out in practise. That said, a singer called Roger (whose second name I do not know; he dances with Hexham Morris and has at least one beautiful daughter who is a fine singer too) made it come alive in The Cumberland Arms, Byker last October - and I recall being similarly thrilled by Mike Waterson's version but it must be 20 years since I last heard it.

My favourite spooky ballad right now (for the season, natch) is Child #79; Jim Eldon's variant is especially worthy of note:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsakSeVZV4

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I think that's one I reserve specially for you.

On a point of accuracy, Ruth, it's actually one you reserve specially for me when slagging me off to other Mudcatters in PMs, but we'll let that pass. Indebted to your obnoxious turn of phrase otherwise, I've used it as a title for a piece I did back in February for bass guitar, kaossilator & 5-string violin. Though I like it as a whole, it gets really good after the 11.20 mark.

Acres of Self-Regarding Wank