Folkies VI

I’m pleasantly surprised at how what I assumed was only my passing interest in folk music has resulted in a sixth entry on the subject. In my opinion, the ingredients for a good folk song are not so different from any other genre: truth, sincerity, and a hook. Nobody wants to be preached at or dragged down into depression, so the song should offer at least a glimmer of hope or chance at resolution. Ah, but there is the rub as most of the pain of life comes from what appear to be hopeless situations without resolution. That’s maturity, for you, and if you haven’t figured out some way to help others live, or gained some valuable life lesson or insight into the human condition, then you probably should not attempt to write or play folk music- or should you? Here are some more of my favorite folk songs. Enjoy! 

The Civil Wars

01. James McMurtry – “Cold Dog Soup” (2011)

02. The Avett Brothers – “Murder in the City” (2008)

03. Ian Felice – “In the Kingdom of Dreams” (2017)

04. Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger – “This Land Is Your Land (Live)” (1993)

05. Jason Isbell and Elizabeth Cook – “Pancho & Lefty” (2013)

06. Simon & Garfunkel – “Blues Run the Game” (1965)
07. Simon & Garfunkel – “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” (1966)
08. James McMurtry – “You Got to Me” (2015)
09. The Civil Wars – “Same Old Same Old” (2013)
10. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “Will You Go Lassie Go (Live)” (1984)

11. Ryan Bingham – “Sunrise” (2007)
12. Simon & Garfunkel – “Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall” (1966)

Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...