Hi Lara,

The Joe Strummer version of Minstrel Boy is pretty good. He performs it faithfully and with feeling.

If your introduction to folk music is through that somewhat rock n roll influence, there are plenty of cds to check out. Among my cd collection are the following:

Great Big Sea - Newfoundland-based hard driving songs
The Pogues - The missing link between Irish folk and 1980's punk. All acoustic with some brilliant song-writing. "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" was their high-water mark.
Silly Wizard - Scottish. Anything by Andy M. Stewart is excellent
Christy Moore - Irish. The Man, The Music. Pick up Ride On or The Voyage for starters.
Richard Thompson - England. When he performs traditional music he's unbeatable. His recordings are a mix of rock, folk, original and traditional. Talk to a fan and you'll hear some live recordings. Alone with a guitar, Richard Thompson is a stunning performer.

That should get your busy. Most of my list involves acts attempting to bridge old songs with contemporary sensibilities.

Rich