Album: Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band, Carols, Songs and Hymns (Park Records)

Like Vaughan Williams – who collected all of the Trad folk songs here – Maddy Prior and her band care more about the spirituality and heritage of a good tune than any religious sentiment behind it.

What that means for the listener is that while this album ticks the minstrel and maiden boxes, caution is needed if you're thinking of putting it on as you tuck into the turkey on Christmas Day – it might strike Wicker Man-like fear into the hearts of any non-folky visitors. Perfect for when you want them to leave, though...