the trouble some of us making the negative comments have is we can't fathom (well sort of) "the best in folk music".

Remarkably no-one on this thread has described them as such. They have been nominated for a number of awards - the results of which will be known on Monday night. If we believe John Lennard and Smooth Operations these are the distillations of over 150 judges - all of whom have connections with the world of folk music. I suspect RUATW will get best newcomers. But at the moment they have won nothing.

If people don't like their singing - then switch them off when they come on the radio, and don't buy their CD. But don't slag them off for wearing floaty dresses (in all pictures two do and two don't) or for signing a distribution deal with a major label. Martin Carthy's first record was on Fontana.

And go and read what Rachel says on Salut:Live.

Subject: RE: Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
From: Colin Randall - PM
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 01:25 AM

will take you there.