For those interested in the non-commercial aspects of folk music, Rounder has released "Songs and Ballads of the Bituminous Miners", a long-awaited companion to "Songs and Ballads of the Anthracite Miners." Both were recorded by George Korson in the 40s, and both are (IMO) important and entertaining collections. They're all field recordings.

CAMSCO Music, for the next couple of months, at least, is offering these two, along with Rounder's "Coal Mining Women" for the rather remarkable price of $33 for the three of them (plus $4.20 S&H for the three). Or you can buy them from Rounder, at $15.98 each plus S&H.