Joe, I agree totally with your comment about the 'negative attitude'. I agree that the competitive aspect is meaningless, but if the list draws attention to some fine music, well and good. To describe the output of excellent performers as 'crap', 'pop pap', 'introspective strummers', 'codswallop', 'commercial abuse of people's music' etc is simply ridiculous. Whatever label you care to hang on them, the recent albums by Lisa O'Neill, Stick in the Wheel, Ye Vagabonds, The Trials of Cato, Karine Polwart and Kris Drever are fine musically and lyrically and a source of enjoyment for many. Many of these artists have grown up within and remain a part of the folk scene. Several of the artists on the list are unknown to me, but I will see if I can find their music on Youtube. I am surprised that recent albums by Daoiri Farrell and The Gloaming were not mentioned.

--Stewie.