As you can see, it depends what you like. If you were expecting the Watersons singing tradional songs unaccompanied it would come as a great shock (as it did to some at the time). But it showcases fine songs written (mostly) by Lal and Mike, and some excellent playing from some of Britains finest, and I liked it from day one.

As john c (good name for a sloop, john) says Fine Horseman and Scarecrow are amazing songs and brilliant performances. But as other Mudcatters have said, you either like Norma's voice or you don't, and you'll either like this album or you won't. If it does come out on CD, I for one will buy it to replace my ailing vinyl.

I suppose we were lucky that in Hull at the time we were treated to a wider repetoire of the Watersons than citizens of less fortunate cities.