Had to do some clever finagling to plunk down the money for this, but I finally had my copy delivered the other day. Even though I swore to myself I would take it slow and not play the discs back to back to back I can't help myself. The music is just so good. I think some of that is down to there not being so many alternate versions of these songs, other than songs Martin has revisited, or that are on the Free Reed set. For example, I just heard disc 4 which has the origins of Brass Monkey with Martin, John Kirkpatrick and Howard Evans. Truly glorious stuff.

The box itself is well put together, and as this is my third Mad Fish box I expected it. The press kit reproduction is a treat, and the autographed photo will go on the music memorabilia wall as soon as possible, as will the one included in the press kit. I love the multi colored slip cases-the font and layout sort of remind me of guitar string packages. Thankful that once burned, as I don't have a CD player at present that I don't have to pull them out however, as they are a little snug. The photos are superb-wonderful quality and great to see little snippets of Martin's life. As to the text, I have only skimmed it so far. I know these things are subjective, but it seems like the end is very rushed. We go from Brass Monkey in the 80's to the reunion with Swarb, a few mentions of Eliza, none of Waterson:Carthy specifically in the space of a few concluding paragraphs. I did spot one doozy of an error though on page 40, proclaiming Ian Anderson lending his 'dulcet tones' to the Thompson's Down Where The Drunkards Roll. Oye...does Clinton Heylin not realize who that voice is, does he not recognize the voice of Trevor Lucas? Minor quibble but still!

Marillion at Liverpool Phil on Sunday night - first time I've seen them live and they were wonderful. Great musicians and some tremendous songs.

Tonight, 9pm 'til 11pm : Scattering The Roots with Dan Ogus...two hours of the finest folk, roots, blues, etc...plenty of etc...

I've rifled through my vaults to bring you some excellent music both new and vintage every Wednesday evening...

This week's show features the following artists :

Jinder, Suzanne Vega, Robert Plant, Rackhouse Pilfer, Beth Bombara, Adam Hastings, Justin Townes Earle, Steve McCormick, Al Stewart, Caitlin Canty, Underhill Rose, Faustus, Frank Turner, Rebekah Pahl, Skylor Brumbeloe, Todd Mendez, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Wilco, Alice Di Micele, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Big Star...

Listen tonight, 9pm 'til 11pm on Portsmouth's Express FM, on DAB and online here :

https://www.expressfm.com/programmes/scattering-the-roots/

True. Yet one would have thought that Simon and Peggy, at least, might be among the first to be asked.  RT & DM, being US-based, might not be so easily available.  Ashley of course is probably not available due to his stroke.

I would LOVE. The Ozzie Pink Floyd to play again… it one of my very favourite sets from many years of Cropredy… so was Alice Cooper’s set!

Oh, I agree. But it is their sandbox.

I agree it is very odd.  But, as Paul suggests, there is obviously still a chance they will end up being involved....

Yet...

Like Fairport, you mean (who have a very fixed - only a couple of minor tweaks on the last one - setlist per tour)?

I know they've played, what, two (or is it three) times but I seem to remember there was quite a lot of negativity from Fairport towards the Oysters at one point.  I can't remember the full details but I'm sure that Oysterband has been used as the punchline of a joke or two from FC at Cropredy before.

Fwiw, I think they're a marvellous band.  Like them or not, they certainly do not have a limited repertoire.

Whilst I imagine them being offered a slot is unlikely, I'd have thought the 3-piece mini-Oysters would have a reasonable chance of being on the bill...?