Back in the Dark Ages, before Lonnie came along, so-called "popular" song in Britain was dominated by men in tuxedos and women in sequinned dresses, who sang turgid ballads about "Luuuaaaahhhvve" with a slushy orchestal backing. They were usually loyal members of the Musicians' Union, and seemed to treat their work as just another job (apart from the slightly unusual hours), putting no soul or zest into it. Of course there were a few honorable exceptions, like George Formby, but what I've described was the default option.

And then Lonnie did "Rock Island Line", and suddenly,it all changed ... most of us who were around at the time felt like prisoners who had been unexpectedly let out of jail ahead of time. Thanks for that, Lonnie, and a belated happy birthday for yesterday.

Wassail!