Fascinating programme,and it was great to have Eric Burdon presenting it.Enjoyable,I've just listened to it again,cos I missed a bit of it last time - but I seemed to hear quite a few howlers too.Obviously the song has nothing to do with Fairport's Matty Groves - this just borrows the tune of Shady Grove,as sung by Doc Watson and others,and the words have no connection whatsoever.Then you had an american commenting on how grateful he was to an english band doing a version of one of their own songs - dream on.Another expert asserted the song dates from 1790(perhaps one version has been found on a broadside from this date but this is like saying Scarborough Fair was recorded in 1965 or whenever so thats when it was written),and although it was great to hear Johnny Handle mentioned - surely he didnt originate the guitar riff did he?!Johnny has many talents but guitar riffery I dont think is one of them.
Eric Burdon was very restrained when he talked about the royalities! Sublime track anyway,and its amazing that they did it in two takes.