Thomas, I will confess that I'm not following you. If anyone cares (not sure I do), my last posting was responding to Thomas's disparaging remark about "chicks with guitars" as the epitome of self-absorbed, navel-gazing modern songwriters. I am a self-absorbed, navel-gazing modern songwriter (a guy with a guitar), who has a healthy respect and love for traditional music, but chooses not to be limited by it. I don't really care to categorize musics to any great extent, but I think that the "folk/traditional" category is broader than a lot of people recognize. It includes first person, second person, and third person narratives, about events, emotions, or (usually) both, and in some cases it is impressionistic enough to rival Dylan's most obscure work. I don't see a bold defining line between traditional music and modern "folk style" music -- the line is faint and fuzzy at best, and often disappears from view altogether. Others may feel differently, of course, but I do think it's ironic that some seem to have a very exclusive and proprietary view of "folk" music (which, by definition, would seem to be the most inclusive of categories).

Little Hawk, thank you for suggesting that I read Joan's autobiography. I don't mean to speak disparagingly of someone who is obviously regarded highly by many on this forum, but I can really only take her in small doses -- both her music and her politics. I don't think that it takes a great deal of courage for a famous singer to champion liberal causes -- I see lots of examples of real courage every day, and this just doesn't rise to the same level in my book. I have seen Joan in concert twice, and while I enjoyed both shows, I consider her a minor talent. But perhaps I will get to her autobiography at some point (like a lot of people, my list of "must reads" is a mile long), and maybe it will change my views. Thanks again.