Sweeping generalisations of course, Al. But where would we be without them.

PS - There's only two Merle Haggard songs I'd recognise and I listen to plenty of country and Americana, though not generally in UK folk clubs, it has to be said. I'd rather see it at a concert venue (and for the record I'd far rather listen to George Jones than Costello's rather boring covers). Talking of Americana, you might enjoy this feller: Charlie Parr - 1922 Blues

And I won't hear you carping at Peel. He was the soundtrack to my teenage years (77 - 82, for the record. No wonder Merle H is ancient history for me...).

Back to the point. I think I'd rather listen to Shirley Collins being Shirley Collins. I have a copy of FRNR and I think I've listened to it about twice. Still, I prefer it to Folk, Blues and Beyond.