At the weekend, I will be leaving to drive to Queensland for the Woodford Folk Festival, a major Australian festival north of Brisbane. By the time I return home to Darwin in a few weeks time, I will have driven over 7000 km. As a result, I have been selecting a swag of 50 to 60 CDs to play in the car. I got to thinking about the releases in 2000 that have given me the most pleasure. I enjoy reading the critics lists in the January issue of Froots (Folk Roots) – I always find mention of a few gems that I was unaware of.

It would be good to hear what other 'Catters enjoyed most among the releases in 2000. Below is my baker's dozen in alphabetical order. It was a difficult selection because 2000 has been a great year. I restricted my choice to albums actually released in 2000 with the exception of 'Prayers From Hell' which was released late in 1999. My particular favourite for the year was Chris Smither's 'Live As I'll Ever Be' – superb!

I know lists like this are anathema to many, but it can't be a worse than Brendy and Praise hurling insults at each other. Have a great yuletide.

Jimmie Dale Gilmore 'One Endless Night' Windcharger
Kieran Kane & Kevin Welch '11/12/13: Live in Melbourne' Shock/Dead Reckoning
Jez Lowe with the Bad Pennies 'Live at the Davy Lamp' Tantobie
The Monroe Brothers 'What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul' Rounder
Chris Smither 'Live As I'll Ever Be' Hightone
Jody Stecher 'Going Up On the Mountain' Acoustic Disc (reissue)
Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin 'Songs of the Carter Family' Appleseed
Various Artists 'Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music Vol 4' Revenant
Various Artists 'Prayers From Hell: White Gospel & Sinners' Blues 1927-40' Trikont
Various Artists 'Slidin' On the Frets: The Hawaiian Steel Guitar Phenomenon' Yazoo
Various Artists 'Something the Crow Told Me Vols 1 & 2' Yazoo
Various Artists 'Soundtrack: O Brother Where Art Thou' Mercury
Norma Waterson 'Bright Shiny Morning' Topic

Stewie.