Music is good. All of it. Some I like better than others but I would not decry the bits I don't or the performers of it. I truly do not understand who these 'Folk Police' are supposed to be apart from the Manchester based company marketing all sorts of new and very good folk related music. I have never been told I cannot sing in a certain way or sing certain songs. Apart from here on Mudcat I have never been told what I am supposed to like and dislike. And then only by people who believe their likes are better than mine.

Ade Edmundson is, as was said earlier, a professional performer and I am pretty sure that these 'folk police' have not prevented him from earning any money in this field. Martin Carthy is, in my opinion, one of the best performers folk music and a fine guitarist to boot. This sinister organisation that, apparently, prevent people from singing what they like does not seem to have done any harm either. Ewan MacColl wrote some wonderful songs and performs them brilliantly on the recordings I have heard. Of the three I have only ever met Martin Carthy and he is a very pleasant and knowledgeable person.

I just cannot understand people who want to justify their dislikes and try to make other people believe that the performers or music they do not like are somehow inferior. Still, I live in the knowledge that those who resort to this invective and start to foam at the mouth cannot be happy with their lot. I am :-)

Cheers

DtG