Thanks to the two people who posted links so that non UK 'catters could see and hear what people have been debating (sic)!

In the end I reckon its better to enjoy playing or hearing the music you can today 'cos you might not be around the next day to bitch about whether or not its really folk.

Definitions of "folk" are nothing more than constructs that people have assembled at one time or another and then use to control is what "acceptable" or otherwise in terms of the music. Religions use similar strategies to promote their world views too.

Whether or not SL's music is folk or not boils down to a matter of opinion and in my world everyone is entitled to that opinion. So if you like the music, then thats great, if you dont like it say so and then shut the f..k up and dont try to promote those views over those of other people by using academic or "rustic" definitions of what folk music might or might not be.

In the end the music just is, and time will decide if the music has any lasting qualities to be included in the public canon. The thing is that its likely that none of the contributors to this thread are likely to be around to see what happens.

In the meantime, I think that Seth Lakemans music is a breath of fresh air in a sargasso sea of old folk fogies. Good on him for doing something different and having a go! My 14 year old fiddling daughter will love it when I show her the clips tomorrow.

Cheers,

Andrez

PS: Reminds me of that old joke:

Q: How many folkies does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Change?