Folkies V

Spring is here and growing up in New York I never trusted it since from the very first day of spring the weather remained dreary and unpredictable; everything was scarred, ugly, and soiled from winter's grip; and even on warm, sunny days in April there remained a chill in the air as the bare trees and bushes struggled to be reborn. To this day I am usually anxious between St. Patrick’s Day and the first of May. Folk helps me maintain my sanity in changing and unpredictable times- like springtime- and there is much to learn about the history and joy of folk music. We can even share it with our children.

Loudon Wainwright III

For most people life is a struggle for survival and folk songs help to brighten days and soften the blows of daily living. In the twentieth century folk music became associated with leftist causes and politics since at its roots folk is the music of the common people. Folk records for posterity the stories of the common people- stories which they think should survive and be taught to the next generation who will have their own struggles. Here are some more of my favorite folk songs including British folk, Celtic folk, Scottish folk, traditional folk, new folk, folk pop, folk revival, Americana, and political folk & protest songs. That’s right, folks, the folk tunes just keep on comin’. Enjoy- and Happy Spring! 

01. Burl Ives – “Fooba Wooba John” (1950)

02. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “Mountain Dew (Live)” (1961)

03. The Clancy Brothers – “Beer, Beer, Beer” (1970)

04. Burl Ives – “Buckeye Jim” (1956)

05. Loudon Wainwright III – “Presidents’ Day” (2018) 

06. John Gorka – “The Water Is Wide” (1998)

07. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “I’ll Tell My Ma (Live)” (1962)

08. The Chieftains – “Dochas” (1977)

09. Joan Baez – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright (Live)” (1963)

10. James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards – “Lights of Cheyenne (Live)” (2003) 

11. Billy Bragg – “Lay Down Your Weary Tune” (2012) 

12. June Tabor and Oysterband – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (2011)

13. Dick Gaughan – “Ruby Tuesday” (1996)

14. Arlo Guthrie – “Victor Jara” (1976)

15. Billy Bragg and Wilco – “California Stars” (1998)

16. Simon & Garfunkel - “April Come She Will” (1966)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

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