I want to amplify on what Andy G. and Jon F. mentioned about folk music having to be actively listened (italics) to vs. today where it is often passively heard. THAT problem is a general cultural problem involving the multi-tasking phenomenom (due to increases expectations of activity in a shorter period of time--this comes from the workforce, but has spilled over into our lives generally). It is now NOT even considered rude to divide one's attention while someone is talking to you (hardly the buddhist Be Here Now); it is considered quite normal in pubs to have anywhere from 1-10 TV screens turned on, music from the stereo playing, blenders whirring, all the while trying to have a conversation; and of course cell phone conversers who drive or eat dinner in restaurants. The multi-tasking is related to the passive listening because if you are no longer trained (italics) or expected to give undivided attention to someone or something, you probably won't!

Tom B.