Haven't we been through all this (dynamics, compression etc) before?

To illustrate radio compression in the UK, if you've still got an analogue radio just switch between Radios 2 and 3. 3 is not always compressed whereas 2 always is and sounds like it is still broadcast on AM. Don't even bother with DAB!

Re dynamics in folk music, I'd agree with Suibhne about Peter Bellamy. Pity he wasn't always well served on his recordings. On the distaff side I hereby nominate Sandy Denny. See "She Moved through The Fair" for a good example, recorded by John Wood and produced by Joe "I prefer analogue" Boyd.