Why are folkies scruffy

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: dwditty
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 05:13 PM

because singing folk songs in a Neil Diamond shirt is just plain silly.

dw

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 05:18 PM

True. It interferes with the sound quality and it's very crowded. Better in the tent or on the stage.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 05:22 PM

I once made a general statement without thinking and my wife said, "Right, and all Indians walk single file too."

I said "What? why do you say that"? she said, "Because I saw an Indian once, and he was walking single file."

I've since been more careful about generalities.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 07:03 PM

ANYTHING to avoid being taken for a Republican!

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 07:06 PM

LOLOL

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,John Huggen
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 07:48 PM

Who really gives a brass monkey's left ball on what a 'folkie' should or should not wear. Back in the days of Haratio Nelson we officers were expected to wear our Bicorns while on the deck. Haw, haw, could you imagine the likes of Mr. Christian abiding by this rule of conformity now days. We never put the damned things on our heads while on the high seas.

Anyway, to hell with all this trivial nonsense. Let's all lay down our swords and all indulge in a drink.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:04 PM

Scruffy!?? Me? Scruffy???

Hell, woman, these are my pajamas!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:13 PM

John. I met you on the Help forum. I love ya! LOLOLOL

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:18 PM

Yeah, but who's that fine figure of a man IN your pajamas?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:23 PM

You don't buy that that's me?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:27 PM

C'mon - if that's you and you're a folkie, where's the scruffy beard?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 08:29 PM

Dang, Don. Where DID you get my picture?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 09:27 PM

"Why are folkies scruffy"

I ain't a folkie. I'm just a slob. I'm scruffy because I am. No excuse.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:19 AM

Why do so many slobs sing folk music?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:23 AM

Because when we hum it, people bitch and say they want the words. DOH!

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:53 AM

Ba-da-da bing!

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:55 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 09:07 AM

I've been giving this subject some thought (note to self - must get out more) and I think that it basically comes down to the fact the most of the true folkies I know are quite comfortable in their skins and whatever clothing they choose to wear and do not seek approval or acceptance from their peers or the general public. Therefore, they see no need to dress to impress in any way whatsoever.

I think that the instigator of this thread is not what I would term a true folkie as she obviuously has issues with her own self image and worries about what others will think of her, thus Non folkies just think we look ridiculous and I do however think we should take pride in our appearance. The scruffy people do Folk Music no favours. Non folkies think we are a joke and that opinion has a knock on effect on the music..

I get the impression that this lady is ashamed to be seen with all these scruffy people, in case the general public think that she is of the same ilk. If that is so why keep associating with them? Anyone who is truly into the music won't give a rat's arse what the performers are wearing. If appearance is more important to you go find another interest. I doubt that you will be missed.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: AWG
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 10:12 AM

Yeah, I agree. If they want to look like filthy bums, that's up to them. It's not their fault they can't earn a dime at their craft. Stop being so judgemental ! ...Sheesh.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 02:12 PM

First things first! That's it in a nutshell.

As an old Beatnik, I learned long ago that the cheap seats at the concert let you hear all the music. Being "fancy" in dress and demeanor was "too much monkey business for me to be involved in. (Chuck Berry) My hard-earned folksinging cash went for stuff important to me and those I loved, not for natty personal paint jobs.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 02:25 PM

Years ago someone asked why I used a certain tuning for a song I sang often. That's a difficult question to answer because the answer is seldom accepted by the person who asks the question. I said I used that tuning because to my ear it sounded better than straight tuning (EADGBE). The reply was, "Oh. But why does it sound better?" It went from 'why that' to 'explain how sound works' in fewer than 15 seconds. Now my answer is simple: "I'll figure that out and get back to you."

The inaneness of positing that people who dress a certain way are more caring of their appearance is claptrap. This thread was started by a member trolling. I know it was trolling because it isn't possible for any thinking being to be so fucking stupid. Have a nice day everyone, and don't forget to wear your Guccis.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 02:34 PM

Trust me Peace, it's possible and I've met quite a few - once. When I worked in insurance claims I got the theory that 80% of the population share a brain cell and most of them have never seen it. Even today that rule seems to stand true quite often. Mudcat seems to be one of the exceptions to the rule. :0)

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 02:49 PM

"C'mon - if that's you and you're a folkie, where's the scruffy beard?"

I don't necessarily consider myself a "folkie," even though other people probably do. I'm a singer-guitarist. But as I said, most of the songs I like to sing just happen to be folk songs.

When I was performing actively during the Fifties and Sixties, I didn't have a beard. I was clean-shaven. Same now. I had a beard for about a year and a half during the early Eighties, but this was while I was working for the telephone company ("One ringy-dingy . . . two ringy-dingies. . . ."). When I finally shaved the beard (one morning, while eating pancakes for breakfast, I manage to dribble syrup into the beard about three times, and decided "That does it!" Besides, the damned thing was starting to itch), I left the moustache. Nobody at work commented when I showed up Monday morning without my beard, but a year and a half later, the unit supervisor looked at me kinda funny and she asked, "When did you grow the moustache?" Sharp as a tack!

No facial hair. I shave regularly (except, of course, for my eyebrows).

Here's something to play with (sorta like dropping a lit firecracker into a bowl of Jell-O):    define "folkie."

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 03:34 PM

Don, we musta had the same boss.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Stringsinger
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 03:54 PM

I appeal to a sense of balance. I don't think you have to appear like a derelict to sing folk songs. I don't think you need to be in a three-piece suit either. But if you look nice (that is acceptable to a large number of people) you are doing folk music performers a favor.

Some of the folkies take the view that they have to dress down to maintain their image.
I think a criticism of this idea is legitimate. Blues players from the twenties and thirties have always appeared on record labels with a tie. Check it out.

I have mentioned this before. Alan Lomax presented Leadbelly in prison stripes to sell him to a large audience. I think that backfired. Leadbelly's success meant he could dress the way he thought he ought to, in a suit and tie. It didn't hurt his artistry one bit.

Yes it does matter how you look. If you look like you haven't taken a bath in a while, there's no reason that you should automatically assume acceptance for your "art".
That kind of image is a distraction from the communication that you are trying to establish.

The fact that this question is asked should give some people pause to consider why maybe folk music doesn't have a larger audience.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 05:10 PM

"I don't necessarily consider myself a "folkie," even though other people probably do. I'm a singer-guitarist."

Okay - that would explain why you wear a tux to bed!

'define "folkie."'

Singer-guitarist slob with a scruffy beard.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Rasener
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 05:37 PM

I am not a singer or guitarist, neither do I have a beard, but I do run a folk club.

Is that allowed

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 05:40 PM

And for my last post to this very sad thread, in answer to "Why are folkies scruffy", they aren't. The premise was full of shit to begin with.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 06:57 PM

"I am not a singer or guitarist, neither do I have a beard, but I do run a folk club.

Is that allowed "

Depends - are you a slob?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: gnomad
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 07:58 PM

Frankly, if my appearance was the only thing in which I had pride, I would consider suicide was not merely an option, more a duty. I have much better things to do than dress up to appease the fashion fascists [sleeping for a start].

Hygiene is clearly a requirement, possibly protection too, but the rest can go hang.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,Scoville
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 11:13 PM

I'm protesting the wastefulness, shallowness, and female-objectification of the clothing industry.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 12:30 AM

>>Depends - are you a slob?<<

No, but that wasn't the thread question, was it?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 12:48 AM

No - but YOU had a question, remember? "Is that allowed" Which I took to mean, are you allowed in the ranks of the folkies ...

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: AWG
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 01:06 AM

Folkies are only scruffy because they can never afford to be 'not scruffy'. They have to 'sell out' and then they will be rich, and can afford to 'clean up a bit'. Simple, enough. Everyone else does it.(eventually)

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 07:45 AM

Folkies are only scruffy because they can never afford to be 'not scruffy'.

Not so. That is another generalisation. I am aware of quite a few folkies of my acquaintance who are adequately provided for, if not well off.

They have to 'sell out' and then they will be rich, and can afford to 'clean up a bit'. Simple, enough. Everyone else does it.(eventually)

Not everybody 'sells out' and mostly it's not a matter of being able to afford to clean up. These people tend to have a different set of values, which do not include the need to dress to please anyone but themselves, or to slavishly follow the mores of the so-called respectability of the general population, most of whom have been brainwashed into their behaviour by the media and religious or commercial organisations or because that was the way their parents did it.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 08:03 AM

I agree.

Lets get naked.....

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 08:24 AM

I'm often reminded why I married this woman.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 09:05 AM

As opposed to, say, weelittledrummer?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 09:15 AM

No contest

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: AWG
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 10:04 AM

Hi Jacqui.c, glad we met. P.S. Do you always take everything soooooooo literally ?? I was mostly speaking 'tongue-in-cheek' when saying they have to 'sell out' to get money so they can clean up. Good Morning to all !!!

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 11:25 AM

Since, on line, it is difficult to tell a serious comment from a flip one it is customary to show, in some way, that you are speaking tongue in cheek, if that was what you were doing.

Maybe you ought to sit back and read a few more threads before contributing, so that you can get the general idea of this site.

And I'm serious, OK?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: AWG
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 11:27 AM

nudge nudge wink wink, gotcha.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 06:46 PM

Sruffy? SCRUFFY?

And this is important in some way?

Since when has fashion ever been functional? Call me an engineer and a folkie but I want my apparel to work for me not for sartorially crippled onlookers. Likewise the people I consort with need to be halfway tolerant of MY dress sense - lets face it. As has been said - beauty (definitions?) is only skin deep - or should we say shallow?

I personally have never danced in high heels and you don't see many such footwearers at ceilidhs, and you don't see the wearers more than once. same goes for mini skirts and tight dresses and baggy trousers that the fashinista have to scuff right through by walking on the hems. Now just how scruffy is that?

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Peace
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 06:53 PM

"I personally have never danced in high heels"

Then you have an experience awaiting you, Mr Red.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 07:24 PM

Engineer! Folkie!

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Captain Ginger
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 04:37 PM

I don't know about 'scruffy', but there do seem to be a lot of people who see sessions and festivals as an excuse to raid the dressing-up box and don stuff that they wouldn't dream of wearing otherwise. Hence the number of teachers, IT staff and local governmetn officers wearing tie-dye shirts and indian cotton trousers, and the affected headgear and general :LOUDNESS: of the clothing. It smacks of attention-seeking and the "Hey, I'm totally mad, I am!" attitude of the otherwise terminally conformist.
For many, though, I'd guess that festivals are a chance to let their hair down and indulge in a little make-believe. As such, if 'scruffy' is what floats their boats, then who's to deny them that? OK, it adds to the stereotype, but it's a true stereotype.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 08:00 AM

Seems to me that a lot of folkies realise what many die-hard rock and pop fans (and the original poster) do not: that image is no substitute for musical substance and ability. If you can play/sing, why do you need to dress up? If a person judges all other people by appearance, then they have a depleted life.

Wesley S: "Folks here in America do a lot of things better than the folks in England. Building guitars for instence [sic]. I'll assume that dressing nicely is one of them also." Wesley, you have obviously never heard of George Lowden (Irish) or Rob Armstrong (English), both of whom make guitars that have timbre, projection and subtlety that make any US-made guitar seem like a toy. Just my opinion. Also, bragging about themselves is one talent Americans in general have in much, much more abundance than the English in general. To the English, this self-aggrandisement makes those who do it look like arses. Sorry, asses. I prefer the English way, thank you.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 08:14 AM

Fighting talk, cookieless Ian. Behave youself and be nice to our American cousins, otherwise they won't let us join them on the next search for weapons of mass destruction.

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: guitar
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:03 PM

because we are

Subject: RE: Why are folkies scruffy
From: dianavan
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:39 PM

Guest peas&chips - Do you collect Martins? Do you like to shop at WalMart? Do you live in Chicago?