Ahem.

I watched the show on catch-up this evening. The big-band stuff, typified by Jim Moray at the end, does nothing for me whatsoever. I thought he was straining. I've been a Shirley Collins completist for decades and her dignified and sensitive performance brought a tear to my eye. Ry Cooder was absolute genius, as was Billy Bragg on Woody. Daoiri Farrell, amazing singer, again blighted by big-band syndrome. Al Stewart, fantastic. I've just typed this and I've realised what my theme has accidentally been. Old stagers with nothing to prove carrying the day. Young bucks, a bit earnest, a bit future-career-minded, possibly a tad forced at times. Anyway, that's what I thought. Shoot me down. Don't give a monkey's mickey!