Hi guys,

Don't mind you going slightly off topic, especially as it's caused a flurry of interest in the thread! It just happens that I was planning to play something by Anahata and Mary Humphries next week anyway (not to say that blatent hints aren't a good idea, I'm always open to requests, even for your own stuff!). And of course we've already played three BELLOWhead tracks, and plan to get the other two in in the next few weeks, seeing as a) it was an exclusive and b) it's so damn good!

Sadly I haven't got a copy of 'No Roses', it's on the wishlist! It's on Topic isn't it? They've been good for sending me new releases (should have the new Martin Carthy and Bob Davenport's coming soon!) but haven't sounded too keen on sending me back catelogue. I'll mention it again at an opportune moment!

As for Ashley Hutchings, I tend to think of him as a great innovator and leader rather than a particularly notable musicians or songwriter in his own right. Early Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and Albion Band were all brilliant, but I always felt the brightest talents were the other members such as Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick and Sandy Denny in Fairport, Martin Carthy and Maddy Prior in Steeleye, John Tams in the Albion Band etc.

I get the impression he's gone a bit worn out and sentimental of late. Patchy is my verdict! I remember Grandson of Morris On instead of the John McCusker Band at Sidmouth one year and being bitterly disappointed. There were a few good moments but it needed some serious quality control, and reports from the John McCusker Band were great. I made a vow to stick with the fresh talent over the old farts from then on. Thank the lord I saw BELLOWhead over Steeleye Span this year.

Talking of Fairport, I'm hoping to get the live Richard Thompson-sung version of Matty Groves off House Full into next weeks show, got some great Swarb fiddling in there.

Don't have the Penguin Book of English Folk Songs (where do I blag a copy of that?!), what else is in it? I played a track by Fernhill the other day called 'Grey Cock' but I think it was more of an amalgam of several different songs. Don't have the Jez Lowe version.

Finally, I got an email offering me the New Scorpion Band album, and replied with my address, but haven't heard anything since.

So has anyone been to our new website, www.coolasfolk.co.uk
? It's got all our playlists on it if you're wondering where this week's one is. What do you think? It's still under construction but I think it's looking great. Thanks to Fee who has done it all without a jot of help from me.

Right, that's all, Chris