Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?

Subject: RE: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: Siochain
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:38 PM

Yikes! What ridicule? What failure to understand?

I took the original poster at his word - what do you relate to - what do you not relate to. There are certainly many genres within the very large realm of folk, and I know that they do not all resonate with me - I have my preferences and I suppose my dislikes as well.

Did I miss something?

I enjoy reading the 'Cat. I rarely post - I don't know many folks here - but I have noticed that sometimes there seem to be topics and/or posters that participate just to grind axes.

This topic looked interesting, but without clarity as to the intent of the posters, I believe I will withdraw to lurking again.

Siochain

(and siochain to you all)

Subject: RE: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: GUEST,SteveG
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:33 PM

For me it's something generated for and by the people as opposed to big business and the politicians. The less money and power are involved the more attractive 'it' is to me. That's lore, dance, song, music, the whole package.

Subject: RE: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:28 PM

Enjoy a lot: hearing and singing traditional songs (and a few others) in any setting, but especially in a singaround; playing and dancing to traditional music
Enjoy a bit: new songs & unfamiliar cover versions done well; listening to traditional music
Tolerate: familiar cover versions done well
Dislike: new songs & cover versions done badly
Dislike quite a lot: familiar covers done badly

"Is it trad?" is question 1, not because I'm a p*r*st but just because I've found over the years that I'm much more likely to enjoy the sound if the answer's Yes. (Obviously this is less to do with a mystical quality of traditionality and more to do with the alternatives usually available in a Designated Folk Venue.) If the answer is No, the questions are "is it being done well?" and "have I heard it a hundred times before?".

The subject matter doesn't bother me, with only one exception - anything that I feel is glorifying racism has me heading for the door. (Sometimes before I know I'm doing it - I must have right-on legs.)

Subject: RE: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:04 PM

I dislike people who ridicule Morris dancing and fail to understand the importance of music which upholds the struggles of ordinary people against oppression. discrimination and prejudice.

Subject: RE: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: mg
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 01:49 PM

For me it is first and foremost a sensory experience, and if it does not sound good I do not enjoy it. Historical stuff passed down through the ages is a big bonus. Nice people are a big bonus. But the sound is the most important thing to me. mg

Subject: Folk- how do you relate to 'it'?
From: Musket
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 01:42 PM

There have been many threads that have eventually become a "what is folk" discussion. Sometimes, serious, sometimes not. Sometimes both.

I don't want to get that discussion going again, there are a couple of current threads doing the rounds if you must...

I am curious about what YOUR folk means to you, and the degree you embrace it. For instance, for me..

I have a nostalgic liking for sitting in a pub being part of a singaround, getting up in a more concert type club and doing a quick turn and enjoy hearing various levels of talent on the basis of "having a go" and sharing your enjoyment for the music.

I personally don't enjoy traditional dance, overtly political rants disguised as providing enjoyment or living the stereotype.

What does YOUR folk mean to you, and which aspects of folk do you not personally relate to?