I think that in general, it's a mistake to talk about categories of music. Usually, that kind of topic ends up in a circular discussion, and you can talk in circles only so long before people start getting bored.

If you want to discuss American Traditional Music, talk about something specific - a specific song, a specific performer, a specific event - THEN you'd have a discussion topic that can go somewhere.

I'm sure other people have other opinions, but the most interesting Mudcat discussion for me are the ones in songs. I'm following two good threads right now - Sidney Allen and Wind That Shakes the Barley.

-Joe-