Mike Harding was, and indeed is, a fine performer. His storytelling is as much a part of his act as his songs. I don't think anyone on this thread would say they don't like a particular song because they have heard it before would they? Then why criticise someones storytelling for the same reason? The album, 'Mrs 'Ardin's kid' must be at least 50% chat but it still gets a play in our house periodicaly. Classic tales are like classic songs - You can listen to them repeatedly.

"What are you doing? You're drunk!"

"I'm not drunk, I'm reading this book."

"Put that bloody suitcase down and get to bed..."

I agree however that not many people can get away with it to the extent he did. Carrot, Connely, Williamson, Wedlock are some. The Oldham Tinkers are masters of it as well - And it works ever so well as banter between them.

(Got to be a Lancashire accent)

"We called our dog Grieg."

"How come?"

"All he did were pee agin t'suite"

Fun thread.

:D