The sleeve, with scrawl...

I hate to say it, but even if it could be guaranteed that the Cropredy weekend would have fantastic weather, the lineup doesn't make the considerable expense worth it for us.

And if, as appears to be the case, tickets just aren't selling in the numbers needed, a decent weather forecast might just make the difference in terms of last-minute ditherers/walk-ups.

On a wider note, it's been stated before that Cropredy is the engine of the band, providing the financial backing that supports them through the rest of the year. If it turns out that the festival just can't continue, what happens to FC?

Meant to say, Jim Moray did a very fine set supporting RT. He is really is a fine guitarist, always good to hear him playing Lord Douglas.

Would love to see Olivia.  Never heard of the Kimberley's so checked that video out.  It's amazing, and beautifully played but (I thought) really strangely sung/paced.

Off for a week in Cornwall with the sisters-in-law, which will include Julian Clary, Richard Trethewey (local musician) and the mighty Ian Prowse.

Yes, I actually like the cover. It is, and is surely intended to be, funny.

Two gigs this week. On Wednesday, the Sound of Springsteen at the Grand in Blackpool. Very enjoyable tribute band who caught the spirit of the Boss very well.

And then last night RT at Aviva International in Manchester. As all the reviews have said, he and the band are on great form. Very good mix of classics, rare old stuff, new material and a few surprises. Oh and no VBL but we did get Dimming of the Day in its place.

I haven't seen RT live since the 90s,  but  '1952 Vincent...' got far too many radio plays for my liking. I don't care if I never hear it again. 'Beeswing' is another matter.  I bought Mirror Blue blue vinyl reissue  and that track is a highlight for me.

A busy few days of gigs coming up.  Richard Thompson in Portsmouth, then Olivia Chaney and the Kimberleys in London.  If the latter are unfamiliar, then have a look at their amazingly inventive video of ‘Tam Lin'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h-NHeWHr6c

First spin via download on my commute home. Physical copy coming tomorrow. Musically it grabbed me more so than most of his recent efforts (with exceptions of course). Need to come to grips with it but I’d say 7.5 out of 10. I think the last true 10 was Mock Tudor, with Dream Attic just behind.

PS-I don’t utterly hate the cover. Deliberately cheesy I’d say!