On my first trip to the West of Ireland, about 15 years ago, I had a hard time finding traditional music. Everywhere we went, performers were singing American Country music, complete with the twang. We walked into one place, and the band leader said, "Uh-oh, here are some Americans. We'd better play some Irish music." So, they launched into "Black Velvet Band." At the time, the Big Hit seemed to be "Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal," by Goats Don't Shave. I didn't get traditional music until I met up with Martin Ryan in Dublin, and he took me to a vocal session (with Frank Harte singing), and to an instrumental session (lots of young, Asian fiddlers, but they were good).

On my second trip, I spent a long weekend in Dublin and sang with several Mudcatters at sessions. And I spent a great day birdwatching with Martin on Galway Bay, with an afternoon session at Kinvarra.

But that first experience of hearing country music all over the West of Ireland, was quite a surprise. The singers sounded very American when they sang, and very Irish when they spoke.

Stay away from that country music, Dick. It's not healthy for you. But hey, let the people sing how they want to sing. They seem to enjoy it, so what's the harm?

-Joe-
P.S. I sing with an American accent myself. It works for me, and I'm not very good at any of the other ones. I do try to speak German with a Berliner accent, though.