top 5 folk singers/groups
 

what are your top 5 folk singers/groups and why... what do they offer that the others dont. i have recently realized although i really like folk rock, i dont have much in my collection and need to expand my horizons.

Okkervil River is better than music itself.
Devendra Banhart, simply amazing
Daniel Johnston, an odd one, the music grows on you
Iron and Wine
Sufjan Stevens

^Some consider those two to be boring, but others don't, it's kinda hit or miss with them

if you want more than just say so.

Fairpost Convention
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
Nick Drake
Anything with Robert Wyatt involved
Current 93

Folk is a genre I like too, but have little of it in my collection.

I guess for starters, I like Simon and Garfunkel. I'd like to explore this genre more.

Pete Seeger
Woody Guthrie
Nick Drake
Page France
Charlie Poole

Nick Drake
Bob Dylan
Simon and Garfunkel
Woody Guthry
Pete Seeger

Anybody know much about Jonathan Edwards other then his mainstream hits...Love that Sunshine Song!

+Vashti Bunyan.

I'll type up my top five laters.


We have a folk forum you know.

Are you interested in folk rock or traditional folk music? They're two different animals.

Folk rock generally features electric guitars and drums (sometimes electric bass guitars), often blended with acoustic guitars.

Traditional folk music generally features acoustic instruments and no drums.

^both. i think the modern folk is more appealing as a whole, but they both offer great tunes.

i made a most in the indie thread not realizing that there was a folk forum but check out the rosewood thieves.
myspace.com/therosewoodthieves
another artist i found through the rosewood thieves
myspace.com/luketemple

Any one interested in finding out more about folk music all you have to do is enter Folk Music into google and you will have lots of choice. Look in your local paper and there will be concerts going on for you to get an idea of what you may and may not like. There is a good chance of a local folk society in your area that will be only to pleased to help you. If you are local to me (long shot) I am President of the Columbus Folk Music Society (Ohio)

John

^ usually if i don't have a well refined taste in something i prefer to have recommendations of the best around, this way i am more likely to learn to appreciate the music even more.

Here are some recommendations for 60's-early 70's folk rock cd's:

Creedence Clearwater Revival--"Chronicle, Vol. I: The 20 Greatest Hits"
Crosby, Stills and Nash--"So Far"
Simon and Garfunkel--"Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits"
The Byrds--"The Byrds Greatest Hits"
The Mamas & The Papas--"16 of Their Greatest Hits"
Buffalo Springfield--"Retrospective: The Best of Buffalo Springfield"

Right off the top of my head, I'd say:
Johnny Cash
Greg Brown
Iris DeMent
The Pozo Seco Singers----Folk group from mid 60's. Led by Don Williams.
Ian Tyson

There are so many more that I listen to. Just thought of Peter, Paul & Mary. For me they've got to be near the top of any list.

I've always enjoyed PP&M. However, quite a few of their most popular 60's hits were covers of songs by other artists.

They harmonized beautifully, but were somewhat lacking in the original material department.

In no particular order

Bright Eyes
Elliot Smith
Devendra Banhart
Beirut
Nick Drake

Elliott Smith

TWO TS

Folk groups geared toward a more traditional acoustic sound:

1. The New Christy Minstrels
2. The Kingston Trio
3. The Highwaymen
4. The Brothers Four
5. The Serendipity Singers

Folk rock groups, usually a mix of electric and acoustic instruments:

1. Simon & Garfunkel
2. Crosby, Stills & Nash
3. The Mamas & the Papas
4. The Byrds
5. Creedence Clearwater Revival

I'll never spell it right.





ever.

Sufjan Stevens, spectacular vocals and amazing sound
Devendra Banhart, simple yet catchy songs,
Elliott Smith, great music unique vocals
Ryan Adams, decent music unique accent or way of singing
Iron and Wine, excellent in all aspects