An endless succession of folkier than thou elucidations punctuated by someone with a cod-mummetshire accent offering a 115 verse ballad and accusing those who turn off after the first twenty of 'killing folk music'.

I have been to a folk clubs, three sessions, one festival and watched a young performers competition since last a week ago Friday.

Never saw anything like that. Didn't see anyone in Aran sweaters signing in fake-Irish accents. Or indeed breathy women singers. Or even - goddamn - people with fingers in their ears.

I did see; a couple of concertinas; couple of mouth organs; couple of melodeons; about four fiddles; a string bass; a cello; a number of guitars and some singer-songwriters.

I wonder where you have been?