Well, Frank, I started reading your message, and my first response was, "Oooh, that smarts!" You did soften the blow a little later, though; so now I don't feel so bad. Yeah, I think Bruce and I are probably in basic agreement. Although we may have different perspectives, I'll bet we'd be able to get together and have a great time singing the night away.
My training is in theology and languages, and I've encountered similar problems with the scriptures. I've learned a lot by studying early texts of the Bible in Hebrew and Greek and Latin and King James English and Martin Luther German. However, I read those texts for study, not for inspiration. I prefer something in more modern language for everyday use. I find the most satisfying translations are the ones that don't get too modern, the ones that preserve the tone and dignity of the earlier texts. I guess I feel most comfortable with the Revised Standard Version, although there are may other good translations.
Same goes for modernizing folk songs - I think we have to be careful that our adaptations respect the original tone. I have to say, though, that Bruce's Bawdy Ballads don't need any adaptation. They're great just the way he presents them. Keep 'em coming, Bruce!

Now, Frank, "flavour of the month pop songs"? C'mon! I'm not that bad, am I?

-Joe Offer-