Phil, you certainly haven't upset THIS 'purist'! When we recorded 'ITIIM', it was felt to be a means to an end, a way of getting our feet on the recording ladder. Saga, who released the album, wanted to capitalise on the popularity of Irish Folk Song, particularly the success enjoyed by The Dubliners with 'Seven Drunken Nights". We still included one or two Irish songs in our gigs, so recording an 'Irish' album wasn't too much of an artistic trauma! After we had established our Broadside repertoire, there was a feeling in the group that 'ITIIM' didn't represent the 'true spirit' of The Halliard, so we tended to dismiss the album as a sort of 'one off necessary evil'. Now, more than forty years on, I agree with you, it really isn't such a bad album at all. I can't speak for Nic & Dave, but I certainly view it with nostalgic affection & if I'm really honest, there's a bit of pride mixed in too. You never forget your first album!
                                     Nigel.