Hi all, This is my first post here; I just couldn't resist commenting on this: I'm really surprised there wasn't more mention of Gillian Welch. I don't mean to slight any of the other artists mentioned here, many of whom I deeply respect. But to my ear, Miss Welch is a cut above, as both a singer and songwriter. I think she has internalized the key elements of traditional folk music, yet put her own contemporary mark on it. Her influences are clearly audible, yet she has found her own way. Her voice and intonation perfectly fit the styles she sings, and her guitar & banjo work (along with that of her accompaniest David Rawlings) are also of note. I believe her music will be looked back on as some of the best from this era.