Tony Capstick in my book was a great singer, and some of that was because he was a great comedian. He could put such personality into a song like John Blunt. All the hesitations - all the spoken and half sung words. It was a sort of poetry - it weaved a spell.

I can understand Richard's point, but some people just have a great way with a funny song. Its a skill, part of the way we English use language - and though it may not fit your narrow definition - it is a folk art, and one we should be glad we have it.

Think of Derek Brimsone singing Jeremy Taylor's Young Paul or George Formby. What Formby did - must reach back centuries - its so English, so Lancashire.

Cosmotheka were, to my mind, one of the best acts on the folkscene ever. I miss them terribly.

I saw Mr Gladstone's Bag, and they didn't really excite me as much as Cosmotheka - but they were pretty sharp - they had their shit together.

Anyway I like someone who can do a funny song. Bernard Wrigley is great, and its not just material. Its almost exclusively skill. Your heart plummets when a floorsinger gets up and attempts The Mole Catcher. But when Bernard gets out the bass concertina and looks down and says, this covers a multitude of sins! Gets me every time.