Yes, all those Radio Ballads were great works of art on their particular subjects.

The song "Morissey And The Russian Sailor" is truly one of the best of the lot.

Also, do try to find a wonderful old LP on Riverside Records called Champions And Sporting Blades by Ewan MacColl and Bert Lloyd. "The Russian Sailor" is on it---as is "Heenan And Sayers" and a wonderful ballad about the monumental fight between Sugar Ray Robinson and Randy Turpin. Also songs of other sports.

And the amazing walking folklore archive, Joe Heaney, did a grand version of "The Russian Sailor".

Art Thieme