re. I have always thought comparing apples and pears and bananas a particularly pointless exercise.

>>me too

re. They are very, very good and most importantly, brilliant to dance to. Not that there aren't a few dozen other English dance bands equally as good...

>>exactly - can't agree more Countess.
Which is why I made jocular (for it was merely thus) response to the opening gambit atop the thread.

re. (I like Madness too...)

>> I loved their cheery style - I love Whapweasel's output too - in much the same way.
But I can't see them as particularly inventive and groundbreaking.
I do applaud your enthusiasm for your favourites though Les.
Music is a wonderful thing.