'there are just too many Bob Dylan soundalikes'

well they don't turn up round here very often, bert.

I go to a dozen or so folk clubs regularly and I can only think of one singer that comes within a mile of Dylan, and a thrill runs through the audience when he's known to be in the club.

Martin Carthy - his fans are usually too dim to grasp that what he does (accompanied and unaccompanied) is actually difficult. It takes a lot of practice and concentration - you can't do it reading the words. I've yet to see a Carthy wannabe really set an audience on its heels, like the man himself.

I suppose you could say that about every school of singer though. I've seen one bloke get a round of applause for reading the words of Crystal Chandeliers in a style that was modelled on singing, I suppose. And if I had a quid for every traddie audience that giggled politely through some git reading The MoleCatcher from an exercise book - I'd have more than a tenner. I don't tend to go back to those places too often, but they don't change - I have found.

Really though, whoever floats your boat, it doesn't matter. Its better for you spiritually than sitting at home watching telly. Take your exercise book......if you must.

Get up and sing us one, tonight!