Of course we should be grateful that the majority of The Watersons' recordings aren't gathering dust in Topic's archives (unlike many other fine albums), but I really don't understand some of the alterations that have been made to the CD reissues

I can think of no good reason to replace the original artwork. I suppose there's nothing wrong with the CD sleeve of Green Fields, but then there was nothing wrong with the LP sleeve, so why not leave it? And the reissue of the Mike Waterson solo album seems to be trying desperately to look modern. Perhaps the original photo of Mike with the geese lacks coolness? Would you buy a used wheelbarrow from this man?

Bonus tracks are welcome, of course, but the usual practice is to add them on to the end of a CD. Most of the Watersons CDs have additional tracks inserted seemingly at random. I don't think I'm alone in wanting to hear the album as it was presented on vinyl, without these scattered extras breaking up the original sequence

I know I sound rather churlish, but it's worth noting that despite this apparently generous helping of bonus cuts, even if you combine them with the Early Days compilation you're STILL missing a song each from "The Watersons" and "A Yorkshire Garland". A coincidence? Perhaps, but then it does leave the way clear for each of these albums to be reissued in the future. And if you want all their songs you'll have to pick up both CDs

OK, I'll stop moaning now. It was actually reading disappointed comments about the "revamped" Deep Lancashire CD that got me thinking about this. Strange practices such as these do little to further Topic's deserved reputation as a fine folk label