Living in NJ, I listened to John Schafer and New Sounds reverently since its inception. But left USA for UK 10 years ago. Was bereft without New Sounds, as around eight years ago the NS archive was removed from the WNYC website which was my only way to listen. Just today 8th September 2012 happened to noodle around the WNYC website to find the entire archive all the way back to 1986 available!! And so easy to listen to! Sends shivers down my spine!! Awesome job WNYC I LOVE YOU JOHN SCHAFER! Ahh to have proper access to so many episodes I taped off crackly hissy late night radio in NJ back when New Sounds was a vital touchstone in my life. Trip down audio memory lane is startlingly emotional. And to top off the joy, I happened to be on holiday in Scotland on 15th August where glorious wide seas of ripe barley crops flowed in the fresh wind. And I thought nostalgically about John Schafer's John Barleycorn episode from maybe 25 yrs ago. Little did I know this was on the radio at the very very same time. Spooky and delightful coincidence indeed.

Denise said it all-I can only add that these shows just keep getting better and better!

Fabulous show -- a real treat to hear these two songs -- John Barleycorn and Matty Groves -- in their various manifestations (great to hear Fairport Convention and Traffic especially) -- and your comments enriched the experience of them as old, old folksongs of longstanding attraction up through the present day. Thank you for elucidating the role of Martin Carthy in the music of the '60s and 70s and for confirming that "John Barleycorn" is indeed about the transformation of grain for intoxicating drink--basically--and not something more horrible!

John Schaefer is a rarity--his breadth of musical understanding and investigative embrace of so many musical forms in "New Sounds" is a remarkable contribution--simultaneously educative and entertaining.