Don,

You analogy of the frame is perfect. Choosing the proper frame can draw attention to the picture and compliment the artists intention.

Too often musicians wrap songs in elaborate instrumental arrangements or add strange instruments, often just because "they can". It is the same thing with driving a traditional tune too fast... the music loses the subtext of the notes simply because the artists feels a need to show off their supposed skill, but often they play fast and skip the more difficult notes. The same with songs, it is very easy to hide a weak voice or a poorly written song in a lush arrangement.

By the same token, an artist like Donal Lunny who has a great respect for the traditions can put a song or a tune in a spotlight where the true beauty of the piece can shine through.

I guess the bottom line is you can't dismiss anything!

Ron