it matters Mike because thats what it is, and the traditionalists have perverted and taken possession of an artform, which they don't understand.


compare and contrast the economy of language in real folksongs and the florid style of most 'in the tradition' songwriters. they don't get it and, they are leading young people in the wrong direction.

as musket says - both dylan and donovan used traditional forms and used them correctly. one of the reasons being they had been influenced by Guthrie, rather than MacColl and his disciples.

anyway what the hell -as you say Bellamy is influential. its a pity other people never got to be just as influential.