Peter... I have more time to respond now. Trying to fix a crashing computer, and just didn't get a chance to write much before.

As Jerry pointed out, diplomacy is more constructive than confrontation. I do think the critic is making a statement that shows ignorance of all folk music, because he is defining folk music as being like the protest song in this example. I am reminded of our thread on song topics we hate... whining lyrics, narcissim, these are some of the things that were listed as un-favorite. I think those elements may be what some people, perhaps like this critic, associate with folk music.

Although I think he shows ignorance of folk music, I would not write to him lecturing him, and accusing him of being ignorant. As Jerry pointed out, the critic should be exposed to the larger history of folk music from around the world, and that a very small portion of what many Americans call 'folk' were the protest songs of the American 60's.

I find it interesting that he is a Canadian. What does he know about the great legacy of Canadian folk music, I wonder?

gotta go... wish I had time to write more...

alice in montana