Sam Lee releases his latest album, collecting traditional songs and bringing them kicking and screaming into the 21st century... well, that's the original intention, but then there's probably a reason why traditional songs belong in the past. A little like why old movies from the dawn of cinema shouldn't be remade and presented to a modern audience.

This is an album you'll love from the first play through, or totally hate. Sam Lee & Friends are a very acquired taste, and while this did start to grow on me (after a week of playing it - I think it may have just worn me down though to be honest), I have to admit that I was glad when I knew I'd never have to listen to it ever again.

Apparently, this album is based on Lee taking traditional songs he learnt from gypsy travelers and then repackaging them for the folk scene (so not really writing his own material in other words). He also incorporates snippets of, I assume, some of said gypsys giving us their rendition of the original, including one delightful performance from, it would appear, Mrs. Doubtfire.

The opening track 'Jonny O'The Brine' sounds like the work of a drunk beggar. For me, I think the main problem was that the majority of the tracks rest on the vocals of Sam Lee and he's just not got a strong enough voice to carry it off.

While I did enjoy 'Blackbird', I really can't recommend this album - even though, gathering by the mainstream press, I am in the minority.

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Nick Smithson