Was that the original topic, Dave? What you seem to be talking about there are Folk Records - i.e. commercial consumer commodities which aren't the inevitable outcome of the recording process, which is something very different.

In the Virgin Megastore in Newcastle (home of the Folk Degree course & one of the most thriving folk scenes in the UK) the 'folk section' has been reduced to a yard of shelving featuring only the most popular selling items.

Meanwhile, this particular FBWB is listening to Future Days by Can before heading off to his local folk club.