I think that so far 2007 has been a pretty dull year for folk music. I haven't heard Prodigal Son yet but Mr Keelaghan's album, while it remains listenable, is clearly a filler release and not up to his usual high standard. (He's recorded so few of his own songs recently, that I wonder whether he has writer's block). The Bairns is okay but just sticks to that pop/folk groove that blights so many albums these days.

One album that does warrant a mention is Sharron Kraus' Right Wantonly A Mumming (Bo Weavil25cd)which is a fresh and exciting look at that hoary old subject, the seasons. Her own songs feel as old as church yews and the singing is magnificent but this is the only folk album this year to really make me play on repeat. Sad days.

By the way, Mr Randall, I don't always or even often agree with your opinions (although we're both fond of Seth Lakeman's music) but thank you for promoting folk music in a national newspaper. You're practically a one man band!