I'm sorry, folks, but I just have to laugh at some of these parodies, especially when I HAVE heard the song being macked over... and over... and over. I don't appreciate the source song any less; it just makes me understand why the song is being sent up in the first place. On the other side of the fence, I'm not fond of people who have a condescending attitude toward those who request songs THEY'VE heard over and over... I've been on the receiving end of that at an 'open' session in Phoenix, and seen my friends get it in the teeth as well, from some supposedly professional musicians with decidedly unprofessional attitudes... luckily these were not local or permanent members of the Wednesday sessions, and when they left there was a bit more tolerance. In a similar vein, the band often at the center of these sessions, the Clare Voyants, has come up with a blistering response to Danny Boy. We all think it hilarious, but they've been asked not to sing it at one particular Irish pub because they offended a friend of the owner... The Sacred Cows strike again. Lastly, John, I can understand why you and your friends find Fields of Athenry an especially moving piece. I sorrow with you for your loss, and I understand that you don't particularly want to hear it parodied. I beg you, though, please don't think less of those of us who enjoy the send-up.

Daithi