" Wouldn't it be great if everyone learned their songs from VOTP, but thus far not many do."

I'm not sure i entirely agree. I love VOTP, but I think it's important to keep the recordings in perspective. They consist of one person's interpretation of a song, which had a life long before that particular singer took it on. It's a snapshot, and not necessarily a definitive one.

I've learned lots of songs from revival singers, but i also like to know the source version if it's available because it gives me a different perspective on the song, and perhaps a connectiuon to its history. But for quality of interpretation, I'm not sure, for example, I could choose between Norma Waterson and Packie Manus Byrne's versions of The Holland Handkerchief.

And I like to think that I eventually create my own interpretation of a song, anyway, which is really the most important thing. I've heard singers whose vocal style has been "influenced" by that of traditional singers and they sound ridiculous, false, and in one case absolutely painful to listen to. Surely the thing to aim for is to find your own voice.