Re John's post of 7.41 above. My own view is that when a full electric band (for example) takes traditional songs or music (from any tradition - this argument equally applies to all traditional musics) and cranks it up, works out new arrangements, takes it to a new audience etc, what they are doing is still playing traditional songs and music, but has nothing to do with folk. If this matters, which I really don't suspect it does. I also think if they are throwing some of their own tunes into the mix - written in a style of and displaying a deep understanding of and appreciation of the tradition they are working from (as opposed to in), this is a good thing and to be saluted and encouraged: especially if we accept that traditional musics are now about entertainment and enjoyment rather than a visible manifestation of some mystical process of transmission. Check out some of the brilliant French bands who create music based on their own regional traditions: they don't seem to have any difficulties with these issues (of course, there may be a French equivalent of Mudcat seething with conflicting passions about this...). I'd also say there was a world of difference between music written in the style of the tradition and most of the singer songwriter stuff and cover versions you hear at folk clubs (or other DFCs). Which is not a value judgement, just a statement.

Does anyone want some examples of what I'm talking about? It's all good stuff... Tenareze, for example