Uggh! The list!! Using that list to describe folk radio is like using the McDonalds menu to describe American cuisine!

First off, I am not a fan of "top", "best of" or "most played".   In my opinion, that list is not very scientific and it gives the wrong impression of what the individual shows are doing.

There is an electronic forum called FOLK-DJ where radio hosts post their playlists and discuss topics of interest to the radio community. Like Mudcat, it often veers off track.

The list in question is compiled by Richard Gillman. He compiles a montly list and then an annual list of "most played" recordings.

A few things to consider -

The albums that make that list are "new" recordings. Anytime a new recording comes to our attention we give it a listen and share what we feel will be appropriate to our show. New recordings will always receive more airplay WHEN TOTALED ACROSS ALL SHOWS.

If you read that list, you will notice an overwhelming majority of MAJOR record labels as well as MAJOR independent labels. Individual artists and small record labels do not distribute their recordings to all shows. They have to be selective as to where they are sent. I have hosted a radio program for 23 years and while I have built up something of a reputation I do not receive EVERY recording that is out there.

Not every "folk" show submits to that list.   I do, and I will explain why later.   What you are getting is a cross-section of folk program hosts, but not the whole picture.

As exists everywhere, there is a question about "what is considered folk music".   I had a discussion with a host at another radio station about a traditional folk musician. This person actually said to me "she isn't singing her own songs". I thought he was joking but he was serious - he felt that only singer-songwriters deserve to be played on his show.   Without getting into an arguement, I wished him luck.   To each their own.

It is dangerous to look at a list like that and make blanket statments on folk music.   Speaking for my own show, I tend to be very eclectic.   Based on the INDIVIDUAL playlists that I see posted, I feel that I play more what would be considered TRADITIONAL folk music than other shows. Again, I have not heard or read playlists from all the shows that are out there and I'm not trying to "sell" my program here. I am simply pointing out that if I am playing a traditional artist, my one or two spins will not show up on that folk-dj radar. That list is flawed by definition.

I submit my playlist to the group for a number of reasons. First of all, a number of artists read those lists and when they see I play recordings similar to what they are doing, they will send me their recordings to share.   While I don't agree with lists in principle, I do see where it helps an artist. If they can crack the list, especially the monthly list, it helps them with their publicity. To say that their recording appeared on the Folk-DJ list helps them get bookings.   For that alone, I ignore my own feelings about lists and submit my playlists.

So what is my point in all these ramblings? Well, to get back to the food analogy, everyone has their favorite restaurant. Some people love going to the McDonalds in every major city and suburban hamlet. Others have their favorite neighborhood spot where they will get a satisfying meal in a comfortable environment.

Pick and choose with folk radio programs. Check your local stations and find out what is available.   Read the playlists on FOLK-DJ (you can read them by going to the website - www.folkradio.org ) and you might find a show that interests you. Many stations STILL broadcast on the internet and you can tune in.

Speaking for myself (isnt' that what we all do?) I host a program called TRADITIONS that airs on WFDU-FM in Teaneck, NJ. I began the show in 1980 and about 10 years ago I took on a co-host, Bill Hahn, who also posts here at Mudcat.   We offer a diverse variety of music. I feel that I play more traditional music, but I also play a number of singer-songwriters (as opposed to singer-songwhiners) who write songs that I FEEL are in the folk tradition. You may not agree with all my choices, but I think you will enjoy the program. I am very proud of the guests that we've presented over the years - Pete Seeger, Cyril Tawney, Tommy Makem, Dave Van Ronk and many, many others. We've produced specials on the music of Rev.Gary Davis, Josh White, and Lead Belly to name a few. We've produced documentaries on Joe Heaney and Marais and Miranda, and I'm currently working on one about Bob Gibson. We've introduced acts to our audience such as Rod MacDonald, Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, and others (I'm not claiming to be the first to play them!). We continue to introduce new artists as well as present the NEW artists who are perpetuating traditional folk music.   I'm very proud and honored to bring this program to our audience. You can listen to Bill and myself every Sunday afternoon from 3 to 6pm on 89.1 in the NYC area, or listen via the internet at
www.wfdu.fm

Whew, enough of my soapbox! Send the slings and arrows!!   :)

Ron Olesko