# Suggestions for modern (and maybe not-so-modern) folk music? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 28, 2008, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325 "2008-01-28T17:19:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/1 "2008-01-28T17:19:44Z")
Okay, I know that’s probably a pretty broad category, so what I’m referring to is basically the stuff I hear on [this show](http://www.geneshay.com/index2.html) (link to playlists). I find myself liking a lot more of that music than I dislike, which is pretty good for me, but the genre is obscure enough in popular culture that the artists they play are unknown to me and I don’t know where to start. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/2 "2008-01-28T17:39:31Z")
I’ve been listening to Patty Griffin a lot lately. Her song “Heavenly Day” is simply beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/3 "2008-01-28T17:46:05Z")
Your link is blocked on my computer, so maybe you can explain what type of folk music you like. There are so many types. For example I like traditional American (Jean Ritchie for one); lots of Irish/Celtic stuff (not that Celtic Woman glurge that’s on PBS specials tho); and folky singer/songwriters (Stan Rogers, Eric Bogle, Steve Goodman, John Prine); and many many others (Fairport Convention, Judy Collins’ “In My Life” album, Peggy Seeger). It will be interesting to read the recommendations. Suddenly with internet radio I can find folk music more easily. My favorite folk radio show tho is from right here in Wisconsin, Sunday nights on Wis Public Radio - “Simply Folk” ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/4 "2008-01-28T17:51:48Z")
With all the “recommend me some music” threads showing up in Cafe Society, it might be well to remind people of the Essential Music Library threads that **ultrafilter** started a couple of years ago. [Here’s](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=350231) the one for folk music (not necessarily modern), though it didn’t generate as many suggestions as some of the others in the series (which are linked to in its OP). ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/5 "2008-01-28T17:56:30Z")
[QUOTE=neutron star] Okay, I know that’s probably a pretty broad category, so what I’m referring to is basically the stuff I hear on [this show](http://www.geneshay.com/index2.html) (link to playlists). I find myself liking a lot more of that music than I dislike, which is pretty good for me, but the genre is obscure enough in popular culture that the artists they play are unknown to me and I don’t know where to start. [/QUOTE] I’m kind of a fan of [Andrew McKnight](http://www.andrewmcknight.net/), ever since I worked with him at a mundane job years ago before he became a full-time entertainer. If you dig around, his site has names of other folks he’s worked with. Andrew recently got his own domain. Before that, his internet presence was supported by [Shenandoah Acoustics](http://www.shenandoahacoustics.com/), along with lots of other up-and-coming folk artists. You could look there and see if there’s anything you like. Sailboat ---
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/6 "2008-01-28T19:40:48Z")
I just stumbled on a brilliant young fiddle player named Brittany Haas. You can hear some of her stuff [here](http://www.myspace.com/brittanyhaas) and [here](http://www.brittanyhaas.com/). Her sister Natalie often plays cello with her, and it’s a great combination. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/7 "2008-01-28T20:11:42Z")
**Christine Lavin** Her latest album has a song called “Tom Cruise Scares Me”. , and between her songs about relationships she’s also written one about the demotion of Pluto from a planet, and a book (and song) called “Amoeba Hop” that got this endorsement from the AAAS: > [@](#): > > Amoeba Hop is an imaginary story about a young girl and her dog, who see a puddle of water inhabited by microscopic organisms. Upon closer observation, they see the delightful, vividly illustrated puddle creatures attending a dance called the “amoeba hop.” The lyrics describe the different members of the Protist family, the characteristics of their cell structure, and how a shy paramecium finds a partner for this dance through binary fission. Also included in the book are real photographs of protozoa. > Information about the first use of the microscope to study pond water and how to find protozoa in outside water is provided. This book is recommended for children in kindergarten through second grade." > **[CLICK BELOW FOR FOLK MUSIC 24/7 - Christine Lavin](https://christinelavin.com/)** > > Christine Lavin started her professional life as a waitress/bread baker at the Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1975 where she met Dave Van Ronk who encouraged her to study guitar with him in NYC. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/8 "2008-01-28T20:43:29Z")
You can go to the music down load sites, and click on the folk categories. You’ll get some previews that end after half a minute. It’s a good way to see if you like the style music and voices enough to research later. Take the names of those you liked and search for the persons official web site. Often they have full samples to listen to. They also have links to other folk links. [ Here is a good site to listen to full songs.](http://radio3.cbc.ca/) Near the bottom is the search window you use. [I’ll start you off with a direct link to a Corb Lund Band song.](http://radio3.cbc.ca/play/band/Corb-Lund-Band/I-Wanna-Be-in-the-Calvalry/) [Here’s another direct link to one of their songs.](http://radio3.cbc.ca/play/band/Corb-Lund-Band/Horse-Soldier-Horse-Soldier/) Under the play list they often have bands the artist likes. I try them to see how I like them. I want to say do not miss out on Stan Rogers. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Gordon Lightfoot too. ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/9 "2008-01-28T21:05:18Z")
It may be stretching the definition of Folk a bit, but I discovered Xavier Rudd at a Folk festival… ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/10 "2008-01-28T21:29:35Z")
[QUOTE=CalMeacham] …and between her songs about relationships she’s also written one about the demotion of Pluto from a planet, and a book (and song) called “Amoeba Hop” that got this endorsement from the AAAS: [/QUOTE] I have that book. And has there been an update on the Pluto song since the official decision was made? The copy I have describes it as an active debate, and is very pro-planet. Much as I like some of her songs, I wouldn’t necessarily put her forward as a generic folk music recommendation. She’s definitely in the satiric/humorous sub-genre. If the OP (or anyone else) is leaning in that direction, I’d heartily recommend **Uncle Bonsai** , a folk music trio with lyrics worthy of Tom Lehrer. ---
**Author:** ![Mahna\_Mahna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e47c2d/32.png) [@Mahna\_Mahna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahna_Mahna)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/11 "2008-01-28T21:52:22Z")
While she’s not specifically folk (and is more oft described as “Americana” or “neo-country”), \*\*Neko Case \*\* is really something else. I’d highly recommend any of her work. I also very much like **Iron and Wine** , which again doesn’t fit the folk mold specifically, but is somewhere in the general neighbourhood of it. ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/12 "2008-01-28T21:53:12Z")
of the many I didn’t mention earlier, I’m coming back to recommend singers Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith. ---
**Author:** ![JustThinkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@JustThinkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustThinkin)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/13 "2008-01-28T22:09:39Z")
Here’s a few to check out (just glancing through my iTunes collection): Claudia Schmidt (tho’ she’s been leaning more jazz lately, her early stuff is awesome) The Wailin’ Jennys (my current modern favorite) Fred Small (stories in song, I had to stop listening to him 'cause he always makes me cry) Bill Staines (look up “All God’s Critters” if nothing else) Natalie McMaster (for hot fiddle music) Stoney Lonesome (bluegrass) Laurie Lewis (also bluegrass) Cheryl Wheeler Andrea Zonn (another modern singer, I’ve liked what I’ve heard so far) Cherish the Ladies (awesome celtic) Connie Caldor (check out “Wood River”) Lucy Kaplansky Metamora Pat Donahue (one of the country’s best guitarists) ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2008, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/14 "2008-01-28T22:16:04Z")
I’m a big fan of **Clive Gregson and Christine Collister** as a duo. I’m trying to get into her solo stuff, but it’s the records they made together that I’ve been listening to for almost 20 years. Still sound fresh, too! ---
**Author:** ![essell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/34f0e0/32.png) [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/15 "2008-01-29T00:20:30Z")
I’ve just gotten my hands on a John Denver Discography. Some very old stuff. Some great stuff. Some very old great stuff. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/16 "2008-01-29T00:34:44Z")
Try [Generic Up-Tempo Folk Song](http://play.rhapsody.com/thelimeliters/untilwegetitright/genericuptempofolksong?didAutoplayBounce=true) by the Limelighters. [Never Did No Wanderin’](http://www.rhapsody.com/thefolksmen) by The Folksmen [A Mighty Wind](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOM7mUaOgtI) 😃 ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/17 "2008-01-29T00:42:51Z")
I’ll start this off by saying that I don’t like folk music. _Really_ don’t like it. Granted, I haven’t heard much, but nearly all of what I’ve heard has turned me off in a big way. However. I love Greg Brown. His arrangements, his melodies, his lyrics are all fantastic, and all anchored by an incredibly rich, deep voice. Granted, it helps that my first exposure to him was seeing him live in a little tiny club, but I just adore his music. His album “The Iowa Waltz” is one of my all-time favorites, and I catch myself singing songs from it all the time. Here’s his [Web site](http://www.gregbrown.org/) (with a page where you can listen to [song clips](http://www.gregbrown.org/gbsound.html)), and here’s his [Wikipedia page](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Brown_(folk_musician)). ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/18 "2008-01-29T05:24:28Z")
[QUOTE=jackelope] I’ll start this off by saying that I don’t like folk music. _Really_ don’t like it. Granted, I haven’t heard much, but nearly all of what I’ve heard has turned me off in a big way… [/QUOTE] Heh. I remember an anti-folk music essay in _The New Republic_ that was titled, “If _ **I** _ had A Hammer.” Some other suggestions: “From a Distance” by Nancy Griffith (much better than the Bette Midler version) “Garden Song” by David Mallett “Hughie Shortie’s/Trip to Windsor/Barrowburn” by Childsplay (an instrumental group, mostly violins and piano, that plays rollicking reels, waltzes and ballads from the past, giving them a modern spin. Irresistible) ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/19 "2008-01-29T07:55:09Z")
A friend dragged me to **Carbon Leaf** this summer, and they turned out to be surprisingly good. She’s sometimes called alt country instead, but I like Lucinda Williams. And I haven’t heard much by her yet, but Gillian Welch’s song “Everything is Free” is really worth listening to. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2008, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325/20 "2008-01-29T14:12:45Z")
John Prine is my favorite. I saw him in concert last summer and Patty Griffin opened for him. She was incredible. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-modern-and-maybe-not-so-modern-folk-music/435325.md?page=2)