.....am aware that it is regarded as good manners to do so, also that there is no way a composer can actually prevent someone recording their song, but how would you react if you asked for "permission" and were denied ? .....

If you are registered with PRS (as I would advise ALL songwriter to be) you can have "first rights of recording" as the copyright holder.. as such No One can record the song as long as you haven't without being liable... and MCPS will not give permission for the duplicating of CDs that have such tracks - of course in this day and age singist etc are recording their own CDs and duplicating them without registering with MCPS and as such robbing the people who's songs they admire!

Seeking and obtaining permission to record a song doesn't relinquish you from paying for the right to do so (this is why you should obtain the forms from MCPS fill them in and pay your dues - your making money from others work - they deserve a share!)

If the writer hasn't registered their work with PRS or if it is traditional - you will have nothing to pay!! - If you know or can contact the composer a nice touch (if they're not registered with PRS) is to send them a copy of the CD.. as a thank you.

We're all in this business together and to those who rob their fellow musicians / composers by not paying their dues to MCPS et al - may your loft collapse under the weight of unsold CDs!