I doubt if an award based on votes would be any better system. It would simply go to the people with the best organised fans.

It isn't really about awards - any more than the Mercury Awards are. It is about getting publicity for a genre of music - having a shindig and slapping each other on the back. And making a radio programme.

And I am delighted that Flook got an award as Best Group and for Spiers and Boden who have done a lot to move music forward.

But don't take it too seriously is my advice.

Dave