Apologies for the slow response - just wanted to clear something up though. My criticism of your Britney remark was meant as a criticism of music snobs in general; people who think that anything with a hint of popularity can be dismissed outright. It stems in particular from a cross-bar convo I had with a jazz…

That was kind of what I was referring to - that bars are often filled with self-styled music experts (or 'anything' experts, for that matter) who are happy to eulogise about the greatness of things after a beer or three. It wasn't even worth mentioning, to be fair - my point was comparing the albums - but Mr…

Firstly, thanks for the hefty dose of condescension. You've clearly spent most of your adult life honing THAT skill too. Especially the jibe about Britney at the end. I've overheard so many identical quips from smug guys to their dates/friends/fellow gig-attendees/anyone unlucky enough to listen that it actually made…

So what cocktail bars have you worked in? Cos the ones I've spent half my career in are usually staffed by band members, session musicians and music students. And certainly more than enough wannabe musos with an opinion they'll jump at the chance to share with anyone who'll listen.

I work in the cocktail industry - one which contains almost as many passionate music lovers as the actual music industry (and surrounding media) and I would liken this to comparing a Mojito to a Manhattan. Both are classics but it's impossible to rate one against the other. The mojito (see: Pet Sounds) is refreshing,…