I was going to write something here about Thomas Walsh being one of the great Irish songwriters, beloved by those in the know but sadly not as recognised as he deserves to be, blah, blah, and blah. The truth is that Walsh is just a great songwriter full stop, whether it be on the seven albums that bear the Pugwash imprimatur or on the perhaps slightly better known pair of records from The Duckworth Lewis Method, his cricket-centric collaboration with good pal, Mr Divine Comedy, Neil Hannon. Walsh even shared an Ivor Novello nomination for his efforts with The 'Method, and those lads seem to know what they're talking about.

There's celebrity endorsements too, from Walsh idols like Jeff Lynne and Brian Wilson. Basically, if you're partial to a bit of clever pop music that knows more than three chords, then Thomas is your man. What his fanbase lack in numbers, they make up for in intensity, so the forthcoming limited vinyl run of 2005's Jollity - one of this finest records, featuring perhaps his best known song 'It's Nice To Be Nice' - probably won't hang around for long. The record, in both standard and picture disc configurations, is available to per-order here. Don't come crying to me when they're all gone, you have been warned. It is a thing of beauty altogether.

Mr Walsh is always good value when you ask him a question and it will surprise very few who know either of us to hear that we rambled all over the place, taking in the making of the album, Brian Wilson, drinking (No! - Ed), Jürgen Klopp - something to do with 'football', apparently, working at Abbey Road, the lads from XTC, the madness of record collecting, and a host of other topics, including my surprise windfall when we play Cash In The Attic. Thomas was also good enough to sing a few songs too. Viewers should note that Walsh did his own lighting and sound, so don't blame me when you have to squint or turn up the volume. We go on a bit, but sure where are you going? Stick the kettle on, have a biscuit, and click below for the full pow wow.

Should you be interested, here's the report from that gig in Bloody Mary's, and here is that full Jürgen Klopp story.