I have to say that I find I get annoyed listening to folk music, unless I can pay total attention to it. I like the singing of Dick Gaughan or Ewan MacColl because they really tell the story of the song well - but I can't stand them if I'm trying to pay attention to something else. Musicality is of secondary importance in folk music, where the primary emphasis is conveying the meaning of the lyrics. And it you don't have time to listen to the lyrics, perhaps another genre of music would suit you better.

Now, if I were to choose musicians for their musicianship, among my top choices would be Peggy Lee and Dinah Shore and Jo Stafford. I could listen to them all day without paying attention to them, and I'd really enjoy it. Oh, and I wouldn't mind listening to Susan Boyle without paying attention to her, too.

-Joe-