I think at first it was the voices of certain singers - Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson, June Tabor. From there, a growing interest in British folk, seen primarily through a folk-rock lens to begin with, but widening out later to include assorted Watersons, Anne Briggs, etc. Always liked bluegrass too (those harmonies.....). The stories the songs tell intrigue me more & more, especially the bloodier end of the spectrum ! I suppose on balance I still respond more readily to music that develops traditions in interesting ways (Jim Moray, Rubus, Megson, Kris Drever), rather than stuff that is rigid about 'authenticity'.

And, perhaps because of that, I listen to folk & folk-based musics alongside other genres. Some '''''manufactured pop''''' is fine by me, as long as it the best of its kind. It is possible to like Karine Polwart AND the Sugababes, though I realise that saying this might make me a heretic on this board. I've never been a fan of puritans, in any field.