WLD, why pick on people who have managed to do well if your problem is that people are unable to do well? It is not MC's fault that the people you admire have not gotten the work that they undoubtedly deserve. Anyway, Dad isn't a folk singer, he's a singer of traditional songs, and sometimes he writes more contemporary material but it isn't his strength. He believes that traditional music has lessons to offer, that's all, nothing to do with imagining he's being pressganged; contemporary echoes in arcane poetry and experience.
Making a meritocracy between two different genres is disingenuous. He works hard to have the small amount of recognition he gets in the field he has chosen, is a committed musician and humanist, as as such has inspired people, not playing at some foolish, whimsical costume drama in his head. I know there are people out there that do that, but he isn't one of them and as a rule has trouble understanding those that do, just the same as you.
I like George Jones, and Brad Paisley, and Vince Gill, and the more modern country stars like Gillian Welch. In all seriousness, modern folk music is to be found in the likes of the Arctic Monkeys or Reverend and the Makers,
x e Dizzie Rascal, the Gorillaz, or Scroobius Pip. My generation still hasn't quite engaged with current politics but there are people like Karine Polwart around with a keen eye on what's going on if you like things more acoustic, and the scene is much more geared towards making a career these days if you are prepared to work hard and make a professional product that people want to buy. Which is a weird old trap in itself, there's not a great deal of room for real traditional music, but then it's a commercial scene these days and that's what happens.
Back on topic, sorry everybody, I hadn't heard that song before either, and it is gorgeous. Thanks Lizzie.