The University of West Virginia Press occasionally publishes a CD--up till now they've been excellent (but not necessarily geared to popular tastes) recordings of fiddle music. The've just released a new one of black work songs and spirituals field recorded between 1949 and 1953. There are no big arrangements, and some of the material may be familiar, but the 38 tracks have some fine singing from some fine singers.

It's a good thing, I believe, to take a break from all the arrangers, interpreters and performers every once in a while, and give a listen to whhat folk music sounded like when the folk sang it. Available at CAMSCO, of course,