Hey Folkies!! Lets get our heads out of our "asses" and stop the name dropping. I've been going to clubs and festivals for 48 years and have always found the singaround sessions to be reflective of the best in folk song. Ordinary people singing songs that make you laugh or make you sad; but usually songs which are written about the life and times of ordinary folk. Its not about selling records. Its about leaving a record of events for others to learn and pass on in song.
To me, folk is history in song! Songs about injustice and the struggle against it. Songs which lampoon political leaders. Songs that record great moments in history.
Ah! I hear you say "He's another sandal wearing traditionlist". Far from it! In my view the best folk songs are about whats going on now in the world and there are plenty of contemporary folk song writers to choose from----Now I'm going to have to name drop!!   Leon Rosselson, Si Khan, Roy Bailey, Mike Harding and my recent discovery Red Wedding! There now I've done it. Hope no one is offended.
Cheers Dan Kelly