More suggestions? I still intend to compile this list shortly -- there is almost enough to even get a popularity rating out of it -- and at last there are some Aussie suggestions (a big hole in my knowledge). What would be nice is if people would describe the albums they pick in a sentence or two!!! What is on it, and why is it so influential/great?

yours, Peter T.
P.S. I discovered that Acoustic Guitar magazine had an article in September 1996 of 100 best CDs by category -- Some overlaps, but NO ONE MENTIONED ELIZABETH COTTEN BEFORE!!!(I mean, was that a close call or what?)
the 10 FOLK albums --

1. Joan Baez, Vol. 2 (Vanguard)
2. Ry Cooder, Boomer's Story (Reprise)
3. Elizabeth Cotten, Freight Train and other North Carolina Folk Songs and Tunes (Smithsonian/Folkways)
4. Rev. Gary Davis, Pure Religion and Bad Company (Smithsonian/Folkways)
5. Woody Guthrie, Dust Bowl Ballads (Rounder)
6. Ian and Sylvia, Four Strong Winds (Vanguard)
7. Peter, Paul, and MAry, In the Wind (Warner Bros.)
8. Harvey Reid, Steel Drivin' Man (Woodpecker)
9. Various artists, The Prestige/Folkore Years, Vol. 1 (dist. by Fantasy)
10. The Weavers, The Weavers at Carnegie Hall (1988).