Being a fond father, I can refuse my daughter (who works for Rhino Records - a creditable organization who re-issue lots of good stuff of one kind or another) nothing. She has asked me for advice on putting together a candidate track list for a Christmas Folk Music record. If you read her letter, which I have appended, you will see that it is a bit off the beaten track for us purists - but I would be grateful for any suggestions... Sarah's letter follows. I'll be grateful for any help she and I can get!

Hey Dad! I want to submit an idea to Rhino for a Folk Xmas CD. I was hoping that you could spread the word to your folk internet community, asking for track suggestions. I want LOTS of track suggestions, because there is always a weeding out process, resulting from compatibility of the tracks, and licensing issues.

There would be a few things to remember, in making submissions. Obviously, you and I would want to see the Young Tradition and obscure fiddle players from Nova Scotia on this thing. HOWEVER, this type of cd will have a much better chance of actually being approved, and actually selling units, if we all bear in mind what someone shopping in a WalMart in Illinois would think of as 'folk'. If we put enough tracks by people like Joan Baez, Bob Denver, Buffy Ste. Marie, Donovan, The New Seekers and The Limeliters, and beef it up with the Ewan MacColls, Richard Thompsons and Alison Kraus's, we can still have some room left to expose the Steeleye Spans, Fairport Conventions, Young Traditions, etc.

Christmas is about tradition, and we would want this record to feel familiar, respectful and beautiful. Sonicly (is that a word?) I'm thinking vocals, either with accoustic instruments or a capella arrangements.

Please let all your contacts know, or spread the word discreetly. Please let all that make submissions know that, if the record were to be released, that I would make best efforts to thank, in the liner notes, every person who submitted the idea for a track that was used.

And yes, I've already thought of Steeleye Span's "Gaudete." I've compiled some ideas already, but I would love to hear suggestions from the experts!