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06 Aug 99 - 03:08 PM (#102858) Subject: From: Peter T. This is stolen from Havard's new thread, with apologies to Havard for snitching this -- and I hope Joe or Jeri can cross link this to that thread -- but I would be interested in the much bigger category of top 100 Folk/Blues albums of the century (any 1880's albums can be included of course). You can submit from 1-10 (no multiple postings please) and at the end of the year (or when we get really sick of this) give a cleaned up list on Mudcat to supplement Havard's. In order to assist people who might like to buy these to fill out their libraries, some description, and availability would be nice. What are not just the best, but the essential records one has to have!!!! I will kick this off with 3 basic folk records (maybe to save the other 7 for later):
1. The Carter Family: Anchored in Love (Complete Recordings, Rounder Vol. 1 -- CD)
2. The Carter Family: My Clinch Mountain Home
These records of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter are more or less the basic "big bang" records for the Appalachian and later folk/country boom. Volume 1 was recorded 72 years ago this week by Ralph Peer. Volume 2 months later. Volume 1 contains Wildwood Flower; Volume 2, I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes. All done over and over again by many artists in the next 72 years!!
3. The Essential Jimmie Rodgers (RCA - CD)
Among the other acts recorded by Ralph Peer in that famours week, was Jimmie Rodgers, who went on to be the most famous of all white country singers, including yodelling songs, hobo songs, blues, and others in his repertoire.
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06 Aug 99 - 03:15 PM (#102862) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. sorry about the boldface throughout. Always profreed. yours, Peter T. |
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06 Aug 99 - 04:17 PM (#102885) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Roger in Baltimore Peter T., You're not too ambitious are you? Any idea of criteria for the 100 best? Whatever the criteria "The Complete Recordings of Robert Johnson". Let me know about those 1880's recordings, they should be worth a pretty penny what with age and scarcity and all. Big Rib |
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06 Aug 99 - 04:29 PM (#102891) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. I don't know, just a basic library -- what should everyone have listened to at least once so as to get a sense of the whole sweep and scope of Mudcat territory (folk/blues mostly Anglo/Celtic/American/Aussie/Canadian? (Add others to suit your taste -- Belgian?) I am interested because I have all these horrible gaps that the Mudcat has helped to fill in for me, and I still have lots. For instance, I know nothing -- and I mean nothing -- about Australian folk music, and wouldn't know what the 10 best/basic albums would be. It is really depressing. Maybe other people would find such a list fruitful. We have had various threads along these lines -- but this might order some of it. Are these good criteria? yours, Peter T. |
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06 Aug 99 - 08:19 PM (#102934) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Rick Fielding OK, can we do this in increments? In NO particular order: "Leadbelly's Last Sessions" Folkways. "Blues Before Sunrise" Leroy Carr. "Man with a Rhyme" Archie Fisher. Folk-Legacy. Had I heard this when it first came out, it would have had a profound affect on my musical direction. Funny thing, I haven't really liked any of his other albums nearly as much. "The Golden Age of Bix Biederbeke" "Pete Seeger" The Bitter and the Sweet. Columbia. "Eric Darling" True Religion. Electra "Barbara Dane Sings the Blues" Folkways. Strange album. She's rudimentary in her playing, and somewhat derivative and unoriginal in her singing, but has the sexiest woman's voice I've ever heard. I've had this since I was 14, and it's never been off my "A" list! "Horton Barker, Ballad Singer" Folkways. Ten Stars! "The Guitar and Banjo of Rev. Gary Davis" Prestige. "Bob Dylan" Columbia. This album hit like a thunderbolt. It says "F**K You" to ALL the folk rule makers. The man could sing, play brilliantly and the record just explodes with energy. Perhaps the most truly political music I'd ever heard. I never found him anything but a sometimes interesting poet after this.
10 already? Hell, I've just gotten started! Oh well..long live the music! Rick (who me, opinionated?) Fielding |
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06 Aug 99 - 08:40 PM (#102936) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: annamill Wow Rick, I have "Blues Before Sunrise" by Leroy Carr. I love it, but I didn't know it would be on such a list...I mean, I'd put it there, but I had no idea. I'm sooo new. love, annap |
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06 Aug 99 - 09:37 PM (#102938) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: folk1234 Right up among the top must be the several albums of "The Golden Ring" series from Folk Legacy. These albums, which run from "The Golden Ring: A Gathering of Friends For the Making of Music" (1964); through "The New GR" Vol I & II; "The GR Reunion"; and "'Twas on a Night Like This" (1989, I think), are a true inspriation to lovers of traditional music. Mostly traditional, with a few selected more recent numbers, these songs are so artfully done that the listener is gently carried away into the time, place, and emotional state of each song. Over the 25 year period many artists have gone and others have taken their place, but the pure, honest comfort of a living room concert has remained unchanged. Speaking from my little corner of the traditional music world, I proudly admit that the songs of the Golden Ring have become a major part of what I now call 'my songs'. Bye the way Sandy, When is the next Golden Ring going to be presented. You're well overdue. |
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06 Aug 99 - 09:43 PM (#102939) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Mudjack Jim Ringer and Mary McCaslin's "Bramble and the Rose" and a bluegrass flavored NGDB's "Circle Be Un Broken" Pete Seegers Children's Concert at Carnege Hall. Mudjack |
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06 Aug 99 - 10:29 PM (#102945) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Rick Fielding I know I've already given my 10, but I'm going to be greedy.
A.L.Lloyd and Ewan MacColl. "Leviathin" Riverside. |
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06 Aug 99 - 10:59 PM (#102953) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: John Hindsill The top folk albums, I doubt it, but some I really, really like.
Pete Seeger - Goofing Off Suite - Folkways |
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06 Aug 99 - 11:09 PM (#102957) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: katlaughing I'll have to think some more, but off the top of my head, I'd have to say at least one of Harry Belafonte's early records. Can't remember the name of the one bet has, but I almsot wore it out and it is full of island folk songs that I love. kat |
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07 Aug 99 - 01:02 AM (#102977) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: bseed(charleskratz) "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"--the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, Vassar Clements, etc. Just a big old jam session with some of the real greats of folk and country music. The Essential Doc Watson Common Chord (David Grissman, classical violinist Daniel Kobialka, and a slew of great musicians--not traditional, but beautiful, anyway. Hand Picked, a double album bluegrass anthology from Rounder Live at Last, The Dry Branch Fire Squad. The Older I Get the Better I Was, Art Thieme (I keep going back to it) Just Banjo '99, Dwight Diller. Just banjo, but what a banjo: West Virginia mountain style clawhammer. Albums by Lightning Hopkins, by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee
Ask me again next week--a whole nother set of favorites. --seed |
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07 Aug 99 - 01:26 AM (#102980) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: OSh Wow, I love the Leadbellie suggestion. But how about a few of these: 1. The Clancy Brothers Live at Carnigie (sic) Hall 2. The Bob Dylan 25th Ana. Album w/ just about the best versions of Bob's songs by everyone fromn The Clancy Bros. to Kris Kristofferson to Tom Petty etc! 3. Anything by John Prine 4. Anything by Ewan McColl 5. The Weavers @ the Newport Folk Festival, 1966 (I believe. I ,ight be wrong on the year, but they played an extended set at the fest and I found it on CD - mindblowing) 6. Bill Bragg - The legend of Walt Whitmans Daughter -I think the name of the disk is. Now I will leave it open to others. OSh |
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07 Aug 99 - 03:15 PM (#103026) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Time to add more from my also emerging list: Very Early Joan Baez (Vanguard -- 2 records, CDs). There is lots of Joan Baez, but these are perhaps the ones I would put into a capsule, if people wanted to know. The First Ten Years is good too, but I would still shade towards this one. Harry Smith/Anthology of American Folk Music (re-released by Smithsonian Folkways on 5 CD's, original 1952 (I think, must check)). The original, crazed, utterly influential collection of Harry's choice of 1926-1936 records. Greil Marcus' tendentious, but riveting book, Invisible Republic (1997), is based on this -- the old, weird America. Those of you who can listen to Rick Fielding will remember Henry Lee from the last CIUT program (cut 1 on Vol. 1, the Ballads). yours, Peter T. |
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07 Aug 99 - 03:53 PM (#103033) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: bob schwarer You need to put a few of the Waterson's recordings in there. Looks like we'll be over 100 in a flash. Bob S. |
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07 Aug 99 - 05:31 PM (#103045) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: arkie Everything by Jimmie Rodgers
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07 Aug 99 - 07:35 PM (#103059) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D Jean Redpath's series on the "Songs of Robert Burns"...
the series from the School of Scottish Studies:Univ. of Edinburgh on Tangent Records.."Bothy Ballads", "The Muckle Sangs" etc..
the Peter Kennedy-Alan Lomax collection "The Folksongs of Britain" on Caedmon Records...absolute classics!!!! The "Folk Music of the World" series on Washington Records ..Sung by Ewan MacColl & A.L. Lloyd..Nine volumes of songs in...and not in...Child (there...that oughta use up a lot of the list!) |
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07 Aug 99 - 07:40 PM (#103060) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bugsy I think there should be room in there for one of the Bob Fox & Stu Luckley albums "Nowt So Good'll Pass" and "Wish We'd Never Parted", but definitely not the rerecorded version on CD, which sounds very lacklustre in comparison to the Original Vinyls. Bugsy |
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07 Aug 99 - 09:20 PM (#103070) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Arnie Naiman Yikes what a task. What makes a top album- well ones that we like I guess that will stand the test of time. County has issued cd's in old time music of classic recordings of Charlie Poole and of Uncle Dave Macon. -What would life be without listening to them I ask you! County issues of The Camp Creek Boys and Tommy Jarrell's record "June Apple". The East Texas Seranaders - (County 410) County issues of The Skillet Lickers, and of Riley Puckett (County 411) & on Old Homestead Records (OHCS-174). The Fuzzy Mountain String Band (2 records on Rounder). Airplang - Rodney Miller & Co. -wow! New England Chestnuts 2 - Rodney Miller & Co. - wow! Thunderhead - Grey Larsen & Malcolm Daglish (hope I spelled them right). The Watersons - "for pence and spicy ale" James Taylor - Sweet Baby James Joni Mitchell - Clouds - and Ladies of The Canyon Jackson Browne - For Everyman ( maybe not folk?) Carole King - Tapestry - (maybe not folk) Gordon Lightfoot - (His first few albums) This is getting stupid -so I'll quit now
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07 Aug 99 - 11:19 PM (#103085) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Lonesome EJ Some nominations: Ian and Sylvia Northern Journey Bob Dylan The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan Hank Williams 24 Greatest Hits Woody Guthrie A Legendary Performer Bill Monroe Bean Blossom The Carter Family Lonesome Pine Special Leadbelly Leadbelly's Last Sessions All three volumes Anthology of American Folk Music Jimmie Rodgers The Legendary Jimmie Rodgers Robert Johnson King of the Delta Blues Bobby Blue Bland Best of Bobby Blue Bland Anthology on Vanguard Great Bluesmen John Fahey Blind Joe Death Nitty Gritty Dirt Band/ Earl Scruggs Will the Circle be Unbroken |
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09 Aug 99 - 01:00 PM (#103383) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Another. Malvina Reynolds, "God Bless the Grass" (and other songs). yours, Peter T. |
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09 Aug 99 - 01:06 PM (#103390) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Paul G. Im more of a songer/songwriter guy than a traddy (gasp!), but my first nomination is the Kingston Trio "Live From The Hungry i"... Paul G. |
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10 Aug 99 - 03:45 AM (#103613) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Roger the zimmer This sort of thread drives me (more)crazy: how could I bear to whittle down my collection to 100 (I could never go to the mythical Desert Island with only 8 records!). Most of my 100 would be jazz or blues, only about half a dozen folk, but after a sleepless night deciding which of my babies to leave behind I've given up! We were listening to Bill Broonzy's "Big Bill's Blues" last night- that would be in there for sure, certainly the Weavers, McColl & Seeger,Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Kingston Trio, Ian Cambell Group with Swarbrick, but every disk, cassette or CD I look at calls to me ("pick me!"! |
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10 Aug 99 - 11:52 AM (#103706) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Colonel KC Just have to add one right now: Dave Van Ronk: Folksinger (I think it was on Vanguard) |
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10 Aug 99 - 12:19 PM (#103716) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: mahatmakanegee@hotmail.com The first two Holy Modal Rounders albums on on Prestige, the Folk Music of the Bahamas on Nonesuch with those beautiful Joseph Spence recordings, anything by Elmore James or Mississippi John Hurt. Also so any record by Michael Hurley, the purest folk artist of our time.
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10 Aug 99 - 12:20 PM (#103717) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: mahatmakanegee@hotmail.com The first two Holy Modal Rounders albums on Prestige, the Folk Music of the Bahamas on Nonesuch with those beautiful Joseph Spence recordings, anything by Elmore James or Mississippi John Hurt. Also so any record by Michael Hurley, the purest folk artist of our time.
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10 Aug 99 - 03:42 PM (#103779) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: tanyaw@world.std.com How about Jim Kweskin Jug Band- Garden of Joy
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10 Aug 99 - 04:23 PM (#103786) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Hasek How about : Aztec Two-Steps : First Album Bob Dylan : Blonde on Blonde Andrew Calhoun : Hope Eric Andersons : Blue River Bonnie Raitt : First Album Paul Siebel : ( Both of his albums ) John Prine : First Album Joni Mitchell : Blue Murray Mc Laughlins : First Album Dan Fogelberg : Home Free Bruce Coburn : His first 6 albums |
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10 Aug 99 - 05:36 PM (#103805) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: kendall morse (don't use) Being a member of the Folk Legacy family, I'm probably biased, but,everything they have done is the greatest!! |
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10 Aug 99 - 05:53 PM (#103810) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D tsk..like ANY list voted on by the public, including the baseball all-star game, it 'tends' to become a 'most famous'list, rather than a compilation of truly great, influential or seminal recordings...some of the very best will likely not even be mentioned...ah, well....Burl Ives "Wayfaring Stranger" album was quite a hit-- and part of my early fond memories, but I don't include it as 'Top' (right..*grin*..always the curmudgeon!) |
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10 Aug 99 - 09:55 PM (#103853) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: ddw in windsor Anything by Josh White, but particularly his 25th Anniversary album with that wonderful talking/multi-song version of John Henry. Bukka White would have to be in there somewhere, tho' I wouldn't want to choose a particular album. A compilation CD called Streamline Special or Special Streamline, I can't remember which that has a bunch of great slide guitar players on it. I'd second the nominations of Will The Circle Be Unbroken (NGDB) and the early Baez. For great vocal arrangements and pure energy, Joe and Eddie. I have a couple of their albums on tape, but I don't remember the names of them. And my all-time hero: Mance Lipscomb. Anything by him, but I've got about three hours of him live that I wouldn't take anything for. I think if I were home I could probably come up with at least 100 that I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT, so I'll just sorta fade out of here ...... ddw |
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10 Aug 99 - 11:06 PM (#103865) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: catspaw49 What a love/hate relationship I've got with this type of thread!!! Every time one of these suckers comes up (most significant, best,most underrated, etc.) I get real excited, read the first couple of posts and then start thinking about them. Add this, rule out that, well, maybe not, oh yeah, that, well maybe for sure this, but only if...............let's check that thread again.....already mentioned, yeah that's good, aw geez, how could I forget about that one, well that's interesting too, lemme' see here.......Then I think some more come up with an idea, check again, find it posted along with three things in three other veins........... FOLKS---------- This process about drives me nuts (short trip I know). By the time I get around to this point here and now I'm ready to chuck it all in and go to the Mudcat Tavern for a brewski!!!! The best thing is that we all get huge lists of wonderful songs, stories, albums, people, etc. to remember/discover and just plain enjoy. But, uh........I don't think anybody has mentioned Jean Ritchie yet and it always seems to be my job to plug for her, so....but which album? The latest "Mountain Born" compilation would be...no, almost too "clean" so I would say ...well wait, how about the stuff with Doc? No, well, maybe one of the earlier AND the one one with Watson....but which one best represents.........look, just ANY Jean Ritchie will do....but thinking of Appalachian dulcimers, you gotta' add in Niles...but which............... AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AH, TO HELL WITH IT!!! TO HELL WITH THIS THREAD!!! (I'll copy off the results later) Which way the Tavern....Oh yeah.......LEEJ!!! ... DRAW OFF A BIG ONE, I'M ON MY WAY.....(I'll be the guy in the back mumbling to himself) Spaw |
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11 Aug 99 - 01:53 AM (#103893) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Phil Fox Anything by Roscoe Holcomb, Muddy Waters' "Sail on", The Warner and Columbia live tribute pair to Woody w/ Studs Terkel,Ballads from Deep Gap by the good Doctor,The Wild Tchoupitoulas, Blues, Rags , and Hollers by Koerner, Ray,and Glover, and anything endorsed by the legendary Al "Captain Fun" Mckenney of Saratoga Springs, NY (any fans out there?), Michelle Shocked's Campfire tapes |
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11 Aug 99 - 09:02 AM (#103934) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: black walnut 2 at the top of the ladder: SALT, SUN AND TIME Bruce Cockburn (True North/TNBD 0016) COOL AND UNUSUAL Martin Simpson (Red House Records/RHR CD 110) (why? because i never ever ever tire of them, because they hang together as whole pieces of art, not just a collection of good songs or tunes, because both musicians are geniuses, because both albums and artists have influenced my way of thinking about folk music and about my life in this world....) ~black walnut
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11 Aug 99 - 10:52 AM (#103953) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Easy Rider I would certainly vote for: Harry Smith's "Anthology of American Folk Music" Mississippi John Hurt, "Complete 1928 Sessions" Dave Van Ronk, "In the Tradition" (out of print) Rev. Gary Davis, "Complete Early Recordings", "Harlem Street Singer" This album was a major influence on a whole generation of blues players. The Elektra "Blues Project", a collection of the best White, urban, blues players of the early sixties. EZR |
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11 Aug 99 - 11:55 AM (#103974) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GeorgeH Bill D . . I agree when you say: > ANY list voted on by the public 'tends' to become a 'most famous'list, > rather than a compilation of truly great, influential or seminal . . . and it seems to me that the lists for "seminal/influential" would be very different to the list of "truly great recordings by today's listening standards". And perhaps to my shame it's only that last category I could comment on from my own collection, but . . . There'd have to be something by Dick Gaughan . . and I think it should be either "World Turned Upside Down" or "Different Kind of Love Song" . . Similarly with Martin Simpson; hard to choose between "Live", "Smoke and Mirrors" and the much earlier (and less technically perfect) "Desperados waiting for a train" And June Tabor . . her best recording is usually whatever I listened to last (provided it's one of the recordings whose title starts with an 'A' and not that unexceptional recording with The Oyster Band . .) but I think I'd opt for the latest, "Aleyn". Nic Jones "Noah's Arc Trap" or "From the Devil to a stranger" Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick: "Byker Hill" - still the most enduring recording he's done, IMO . . . For Folk Rock I think I'll skip all the Steeleye/Fairport/Albion stuff and go straight to the top; Home Service "Alright Jack" (narrowly wins out over "The Mysteries") Bill Cadick's "Urban Legend" (only released on tape and I wish I had an unstretched copy) heavens, only 3 to go . . Well, Ry Cooder/Ale Fakar Toure's "Talking Timbuctoo" is certainly a must . . As is the virtually unobtanable Svart Kaffe CD . . And the "We died in Hell They called it Paschendaele" (which I still need to post some info about here . . ) And - to represent MacColl and as the only offering of mine which also belongs in ANY "seminal/influential" list - the Radio Ballad "Singing the Fishing" And something by Roy Bailey And Robb Johnson's "This is the UK talking" . . . Nah, it's utterly impossible. However, Bill D, are you sure you're not confusing two different things when you nominated: >"Folk Music of the World" series on Washington Records > ..Sung by Ewan MacColl & A.L. Lloyd. I THINK you're talking about US issues of earlier UK releases, and that you've got the wrong title for the MacColl/Lloyd issue you went on to describe. Regards G. |
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11 Aug 99 - 06:59 PM (#104064) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: northfolk/al cholger Hi, friends and folks, back again... Since you mentioned most of my favorites...but not all. let me share this. The most influential, in helping me get a grasp of the folk process, was a compilation from Elektra called the Folk Box, a four album set with eight distinct themes...I won't try to list them from memory...I played it until it sounded the same going frontwards or backwards...and would do about anything(short of kissing Art, full onthe mouth) to be able to find another... |
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11 Aug 99 - 09:55 PM (#104105) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D George H..yep, the Washington records series IS a re-issue of the original Riverside series, by Bill Grauer Productions...Riverside discontinued its folkmusic program, but the company later reinstituted a similar program on the Washington label, and brought back the records...WLP 715-WLP 723....it says "Folk Music of the World" at the top as a general title...with "The English & Scottish Popular Ballads" as the title for the MacColl-Lloyd series of 9 albums..(last one called 'Great British Ballads not included in the Child Collection') hard to keep track, huh?*grin*...I talked to Ewan MacColl once, and he rattled off 7 or 8 more series/albums he had done that I should have... |
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11 Aug 99 - 11:11 PM (#104135) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Lorne Brown You have to include albums by the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Ed McCurdy, and yes, Burl Ives - these were very influential recordings. One of my all time favourites, however, is Bascom Lumar Lunsford, who has a CD on Smithsonian-Folkways. LeRoy Carr, too. The Peggy Seeger/Ewan MacColl ballad records have got to be on the list. |
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12 Aug 99 - 09:01 AM (#104248) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GeorgeH Bill_D: Thanks for the clarification . . yes, that now makes a lot more sense; I'm not sure the "Folk Music of the World" title was used for those records over here - although as I recall (cloudily!!) "Folk Music of the World" was used as a series title for some Topic recordings (some of which were, I believe, collected by A L Lloyd). Also, there was a MacColl series entitled (IIRC) "The Long Harvest" which considered variants of a limited selection of ballads (mainly?) from Child; i.e. it gave a number of variants of each ballad. My wife had the copy which included Scarborough Fair as a teaching resource at her school . . (I think the S&G "hit" was current at the time) but our resources were too limited (didn't even have a record player). I continue to lament the fact that she didn't take that record with her as part of her leaving present from that school (it was closing down a year later, anyway . . ) Also - elswhere I invented a Dick Gaughan piece of vinyl called "World turned upside down" - the correct title of that recording is, of course, "Handful of Earth". Which demonstrates the reliability of my recollections, unfortunately! George |
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12 Aug 99 - 10:18 AM (#104275) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: catspaw49 FIRST..... Welcome to Mudcat George...I'll stick a welcome message to you on the "Confused" thread you alredy posted to...hop over later and you'll see. And I see you've already met Bill.......Don't let the "aw, shucks" fool you...he's a very knowledgable and intelligent 'Catter as you may alresy have noticed. Opinionated old fart too, and not afraid to give you his......The fact that he's often right REALLY pisses me off!!!
Now......... I guess I'll drive myself nuts today thinking of a few choices in that vein..............lessee' here, Bowers on autoharp...no, too great, well, sure he's great but is he representative like maybe Maybelle or...lemme' think fo amiddle ground.......... AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH Here we go again,,,Shapin' up as a real fine day.......hate these threads, well not really, but.... Spaw |
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12 Aug 99 - 11:38 AM (#104310) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D "The fact that he's often right REALLY pisses me off!!!" *grin*..well, you know what they say, 'spaw, "better to be pissed off than ****** **...." I DO try to be a lovable old opinionated fart...(puts 'em off guard and sets 'em up for the next time!) and George, I never DID manage to find "The Long Harvest"...I have a real nice bunch of stuff, with some glaring holes, having collected in random manner for almost 40 years.Now some of the music I really wanted is beginning to be released on CD. But the prices!! Wow! Those records I mentioned above....many of them were found in cut-out bins at $2-$3 apiece!! Others from 2 hand stores at maybe $1-$2...never had the cash to just order everything new...still, I spent the $$$ when I had it, so I guess I did ok...(managed to get the *ORIGINAL* Child collection of ballads [before editing] in the 'British Poets' series)....it's kept me busy...*sigh* |
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12 Aug 99 - 12:41 PM (#104331) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Gee, almost sorry I started this, cp, (not really). Does anyone have any Australian basic "must haves " for foreign novices? We seem to be a little low on Canadians too!!! yours, Peter T. P.S. Free the Mudcat 1! |
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12 Aug 99 - 01:05 PM (#104348) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Guy Wolff I go along with Rodger about the Robert Johnson CD Wow. I love "Music from Clarence Tom Ashley's" as everyone knows whos heard me pipe in.I'ts hard to say wich of June Tabors CD's is my faverite but I do love "A Cut Above" alot!Martin Carthy Is always getting better...For "Spice and Good Ale"[Is that right} by the Watersons..always warms my heart...ANything of Leadbellys..."Into the Perple Valley" is pure genius.. thank you RY Cooder ah this is inposable! I leave for smarter minds to fill in>>>><<>>><<<> |
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12 Aug 99 - 01:42 PM (#104362) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: CWhitt1788@aol.com Yes, any Gordon Bok, Whaling Songs sung by A. L. Lloyd and all of the recordings of Uncle Dave Macon, who exemplified the folk process of turning old pop material into personal folk expression,you should live so long. |
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13 Aug 99 - 06:37 AM (#104631) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GeorgeH Trouble with this is it all gets too complicated . . So Catspaw wrote . . >FIRST..... Welcome to Mudcat George.. for which I thank her . . and went on to say . . . >Are we talking representation here? If we look at this from the "total idiot" viewpoint...... (with a bit of the self-deprication she seems to go in for thrown in . . am I learning here??) So . . if we take the "total idiot" idea (and remember we're talking ten choices each here) I'd still have to go for stuff which hits them hard in modern performance terms, so they'd realise this music REALLY is SOMETHING. And then hope to lead them back to the roots of the music. 'Cause much of that early stuff isn't exactly approachable to an unfamiliar ear (esp. one from the "wrong" side of the Atlantic . .). Also - remember that YOUR roots and OUR roots are very different, and this will reflect in what we judge as "essential"! As an aside, at Sidmouth Roy Bailey and Norma Waterson nearly came to blows (in the friendliest of ways, of course) over the question of whether the "source" singers are listenable . . . And to Bill D: yes, I can't aford a tenth of what I'd like to buy, with good new stuff coming along AND all these 'classic' re-releases. But your collection sounds way ahead of mine. I recently related the tale of "our" only record from "The Long Harvest" so I share your woes there! For Peter T: I understand some of the early Martin Wyndham-Read stuff included Australian folk song, but that, too, is missing from my collection. However I'd strongly recommend you investigate the Mara! recordings which relate to the music of imigrant (mainly middle/eastern european) communities in Australia. Not quite what you were asking about, but still a fascinating strang in Australian Folk music. And who was it wrote "The Poison Train"? Guy Wolff: I think The Waterson's album you refer to is "For Pence and Spicy Ale" and it's certainly available on CD. But as for Carthy, I don't think anything of his recent work beats "Byker Hill", while "Crown of Horn" is the second "essential" record of his, if only for the working of "Palaces of Gold" - has me in tears every time I hear it! Oops, that's me rambling on again . . G. |
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13 Aug 99 - 08:37 AM (#104647) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: catspaw49 Well thank you George...in this day and age, I'm proud my feminine side shows through....I tried to tell that to the cop the other day when he threw me out of the ladies can, but he had no sense of humor......See actually I'm a guy George....wait a minute.............Yeah, still there..... Otherwise, you continue to make my "frustrative" point. Peter, the first time I get a chance to meet you, I'm gonna' kick your erudite ass for starting another one of these.......On the plus side, I through a bunch of stuff in the van to "evaluate" driving to and from Cumberland Falls this weekend to pick up the kids. And I gotta' call Sandy and order a couple things that I've been wanting................ Spaw-----a "nineties kind of guy" LMAO |
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13 Aug 99 - 10:03 AM (#104672) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: catspaw49 ....that'd be "I went through" Spaw |
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13 Aug 99 - 10:28 AM (#104678) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Gee, cp, that old feminine ass-kicking side of you is the one I have always admired. I think George should be admired for having revealed to us all that sweeter you. George, you also raise a meatier point: I tend to go personally for total coverage of material, because I want to know the history and background -- the academic in me coming out. So I personally find the original and authentic the most interesting to listen to. But what would get people hooked is also worthwhile considering: still, I would worry if the Lord of the Dance album was the Top 100 choice for Celtic. On to business: my next choice -- Pete Seeger, American Industrial Ballads. yours, Peter T. P.S. What has happened to all the Australians on this site? |
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13 Aug 99 - 11:03 AM (#104684) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Dan Evergreen I would like to print this whole thread. How does that work? Will every message come out on a separate page? |
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13 Aug 99 - 01:07 PM (#104742) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D Dan...no..If you have loaded the thread and simple tell it to 'print' everything, your printer will just struggle and break the messages when it has filled a page...better to highlight them and copy and paste to a wordprocessor where you can control & decide where you want the breaks...you can also eliminate the 'filler' stuff that way(ALL the text you see will be printed if you don't) |
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16 Aug 99 - 11:43 AM (#105497) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GeorgeH Oops, Catspaw - sorry about that . . Last person I did that to was Abby Sale . . (although I did manage to declare Kate Rusby as being the daugter of entirely the wrong Mr Rusby - to the great amusement of a large slice of the UK folk heirarchy!!). Regards, G. |
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17 Aug 99 - 10:40 AM (#105813) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Don't know what it is, but I would put Joni Mitchell's Blue on my top 10 list of anything. Let me see, how many do I have left.....Aaaack. yours, Peter T. |
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23 Aug 99 - 01:26 PM (#107727) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Refresh. Muddy Water's first two albums -- the one down on the farm (recorded by Alan Lomax), and the one not!!!Yours, Peter T. |
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23 Aug 99 - 01:52 PM (#107737) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: JedMarum I love the old stuff, but the point to which we have evolved folk music today is best, in my mind. People like Nancy Griffith, Bill Staines, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and many others, have taken their love for the old and expressed it through their contemporary songs. I also love the variety our modern folk based records have brought to us. My top ten folk recordings: Bridges - Bill Staines Other Voices/Other Rooms - Nancy Griffith Rear View Mirror - Townes Van Zandt Tradition - Doc Watson & Family Norman Blake & Tony Rice 2 The Model Church - JD Crowe Will the Circle be Unbroken - The Dirt Band (compilation First Million Miles, Vol II - Bill Staines Talking Timbuktu - Ry Cooder and Ali Farka Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
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23 Aug 99 - 04:50 PM (#107785) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: JedMarum I dont't understand why the format came out the way it did on my previous post (probably user error), so I will try again: - Bridges by Bill Staines - Other Voices/Other Rooms by Nancy Griffith - Rear View Mirror by Townes Van Zandt - Tradition by Doc Watson & Family - Norman Blake & Tony Rice 2 - The Model Church by JD Crowe - Will the Circle be Unbroken by The Dirt Band (compilation) - First Million Miles,Vol II by Bill Staines - Talking Timbuktu by Ry Cooder and Ali Farka - Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo by Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
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23 Aug 99 - 06:00 PM (#107796) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. At some point, I am going to clean up this list, so keep at it! Reminder to give us information on who these people are, and why this is a worthy addition. Everyone hasn't heard of your favourite!! yours, Peter T. |
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23 Aug 99 - 06:48 PM (#107808) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Jack (who is called Jack) This list is difficult, partly because so many compilations have been released by now that you can almost achieve better with a list of 'anthology' recordings than you can by listing original source recordings. Also, a lot of the good old stuff was released in short play single format and not on LP album format. So listing an old recording from its original source limits you to a single song. On the other hand, while its important that 'complete collections' exist, I don't necessarily think that (for example) 'The complete recordings of Robert Johnson' is more important in the current context just by virtue of its completeness. Yea, yea, your right, I am putting off choosing. Here's what I think. There are a few specific albums that should be included. The Anthology of American Folk Music edited by Harry Smith. It may not be the most comprehesive collection. It may not be the most literate collection. It certainly was not the first collection. However, now as it did then, Smith's work, more than any other rings out across the landscape of American Folk Music with the cry of GOLD! THERE"S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS!. LOOK! LISTEN! HUNDREDS OF SONGS OF EVERY KIND, AND PLENTY MORE WHERE THEY CAME FROM! While the Lomax's and their kind may have built a priceless library of recordings, Smith in this one effort may have done something even more important. He mailed us all our own private treasure map, where each song marks an 'X' labeled DIG HERE FOR THE TREASURE. Let the Circle Be Unbroken, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. (If nothing else this album is indispensible for the opportinity it gives to hear the musicians talking about the music between takes. To hear Watson and Travis talking about what they like about each other, to just hear Maybelle Carter, or Roy Acuffs admonitions about 'getting it right the first time'... priceless ) After that you can probably just pick one album each from the following artists. Blues Robert Johnson Blind Blake Elmore James Mississippi John Hurt Rev Gary Davis (Also under Gospel) Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee Big Bill Broonzy Folk Skillet Likkers Joseph Spence Jean Ritchie McColl & Lloyd (heck, take two, they're big) Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers or Memphis Jug Band DL Maynard & Dewey Balfa Gospel Blind Boys of Alabama Any Sacred Harp collection (Lomax will do) Mahalia Jackson Thomas (the indispensable) Dorsey Man, I'm running out of steam. There's just too much. I haven't even got to the Celtic, African, Slavic, Greek, South American, or Asian traditions. |
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24 Aug 99 - 01:42 PM (#108077) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: steve hergert MY pick for the top of the heap is Doc Watson on Stage. Some really timeless stuff and my inspiration to play guitar. |
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24 Aug 99 - 02:39 PM (#108091) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Doc Watson is reviewed in today's New York Times as performing in the Lincoln Center Outdoor Voices programme, and as expected, it is rapturous about his timeless appeal. It is right beside a piece on summer festivals in the Berkshires, and how the graying of the Berkshire's audiences is prompting desperate attempts to appeal to the young by getting young performers. Amusing juxtaposition. yours,Peter T. |
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29 Aug 99 - 12:10 AM (#109416) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Kathy Carter-White Perhaps it is too obscure, but what about Robert Hoyt's "As American As You." |
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02 Jan 01 - 08:10 PM (#367406) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Dale Rose Any additions to the list, now that the 20th Century is over again? (Depends on which theory you ascribe to) I think the thread ended rather prematurely anyway. I've got to think on a list myself. |
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02 Jan 01 - 09:26 PM (#367447) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: catspaw49 Frankly, I still hate these things as much as I did then, but I'm waiting for PT's composite list to come out so that I can trash it. I might not HAVE an opinion, but I'll be glad to crap on yours!(:<)) Spaw |
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02 Jan 01 - 09:53 PM (#367468) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST Folk Legacy..'nuff said |
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03 Jan 01 - 12:28 AM (#367541) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Bill D no one published anything in the last year to make me change my mind....and I could easily find 100 good albums in this list to keep me listening for a long time... Hey! Let's all meet at my house and take turns playing selections from these till we drop!...Bring beer and cookies! |
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03 Jan 01 - 01:03 AM (#367562) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Mark Clark Several folks mentioned Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, who certainly should be included, but I think the little Folkways 10" record with Brownie by himself remains one of the most satisfying and soulful recordings of country blues I've ever heard. I can only add another voice to one of Rick's picks, "The Weavers At Carnegie Hall." Certainly one of the greatest recordings in any genre. And speaking of little Folkways 10" records, no one mentioned Cisco Houston's recording of railroad and hobo songs. If you've never heard that one, you've missed a lot. Come to think of it, no one mentioned Cisco at all until now. - Mark |
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03 Jan 01 - 02:01 AM (#367579) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter Kasin "The Bothy Band: 1975." One of the great recordings of Irish music, and very influential. "Noel Hill and Tony Linnane." Another classic recording of trad. Irish music. Second Bill D.'s inclusion of the School Of Scottish Studies recordings of source singers and instrumentalists. Over 40 years of field collecting went into this project. "Pete Seeger, At The Village Gate: Vol. I." It captures the energy of his live performance, his rapport with his audiences, and he was in great form. Much better than volume II, in my opinion. "Leadbelly: The Midnight Special, with the Golden Gate Quartet." RCA Victor Vintage Series LP reissue. "Tommy Peoples: An Exciting Session With One Of Ireland's Leading Traditional Fiddlers." Incredible. His earliest, and his most powerful. One of the greatest fiddlers ever. Sadly out of print. Comhaltas label. There's so much - Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Bill Monroe - so many genres, so many influential recordings. -chanteyranger
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03 Jan 01 - 04:16 AM (#367615) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Seth I'm 7000 miles away from my collection , so I'll have to draw on what I really like and have played many, many times: Woody Guthrie Dust Bowl Ballads, Folkways LP;Muddy Waters: Real Folk Blues, Chess LP; The Blues Box: Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Lightin'Hopkins 4 record boxed set, Folkways LP; Johnny Cash: His Hot and BLue Guitar; Sun LP; Champion Jack Dupree: Blues from the Gutter:Atlantic Lp; Ray Charles at Newport:Atlantic Lp; The Mendoza Sisters? on Arhoolie LP; Violetta Parra: Gracias a la Vida; Chilean RCA lp, Bob Dylan: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, Columbia Lp in mono; Pete Seeger: Playing the Five String Banjo LP on unknown label; Flatt and Scruggs: Songs of the Carter Family on Columbia Lp. But if I actually had to pull the records out and look at them, I'd never get done.... Seth from China |
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03 Jan 01 - 04:46 AM (#367627) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Jon Freeman I would say that my most played tape is "The Irish Concertina" by Noel Hill and is an excellent example of that style of Anglo playing at its best. A couple more I would suggest are "Ye Jacobites By Name" (which I believe is also sold as "The Barleycorn") by the Johnstones and a record by Christy Moore that is called "Christy Moore" - I believe it is also known as the "black record" or something like that. Jon |
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03 Jan 01 - 06:23 AM (#367660) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,Chris/Darwin I agree with at least 50 of the suggestions above. Some of the best Australian albums would be:
Dave deHugard - Freedom on the Wallaby (essential) ChrisP |
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03 Jan 01 - 06:34 AM (#367663) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Jon Freeman Yes, far too many.
Jon |
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03 Jan 01 - 07:13 AM (#367672) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Chris/Darwin Am I allowed another 10??
Any Sirocco (a wonderful classically trained Australian folk group that palys a huge range of world folk music) Oops! I've run out again! Chris |
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03 Jan 01 - 07:52 AM (#367681) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: rube1 good luck finding it: TRUE STORY OF DIXIE-ABNER JAY Earl Scruggs Revue-Anniversary Special |
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03 Jan 01 - 09:08 AM (#367727) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,Gary in Fredericksburg Norman Blake's Back in Sulphur Springs Doc Watson and Clarence Ashleys collaboration Mississippi John Hurt's Okeh recordings Pete Seeger's God Bless the Grass, Dangerous Songs and Labor and Industrial Ballads The Essential Doc Watson Anything by Woody Guthrie and most early Dylan Im not a Bill Monroe fan per se but since this is folk and Bluegrass then someone else can pick which of his records are most representative. |
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03 Jan 01 - 09:15 AM (#367732) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Midchuck Okay: My purely personal favorites over 40+ years: Joan Baez - first Vanguard album (self-titled) Doc Watson - ditto Ian & Sylvia - Four Strong Winds Ian & Sylvia - Northern Journey Ian Tyson - Cowboyography Tom Russell - The Long Way Around Tom Russell - Song of the West Tom Russell - The Man From God Knows Where Tim O'Brien - The Crossing Flatt and Scruggs w/Doc Watson - Strictly Instrumental Subject to change next week. Peter. |
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03 Jan 01 - 10:38 AM (#367775) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST There is a great deal of grand stuff listed here..I will list my ten favourite Canadian releases Ian and Sylvia..Northern Journey. Bruce Cockburn..Circles in The Stream (many of his early albums are equally good]Joni Mitchell...Blue. All of Figgy Duff's Records..and all of Mary Jane Lammond...Laura Smith..Vanity Presses. Buddy Macmaster...truly magficicent music...and truly folk. Natalie Macmasters record, My Roots are Showing.Many of Ian Tysons coyboy records. And for influence over the years, In Canada at least..Edith Butler and Alan Mills. |
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03 Jan 01 - 10:59 AM (#367785) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: SINSULL The Dillards would have to be in there. And to satisfy Matt - Oasis. |
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03 Jan 01 - 11:03 AM (#367786) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Rick Fielding Wow. I look at the list I made back then, and if I was making it now, it would be about 60% different. Guess it depends on the time of day and your particular mood. I sure add Sister Rosetta Tharpe to that list. Also Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley's Place. R |
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03 Jan 01 - 11:55 AM (#367817) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. 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). |
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03 Jan 01 - 01:53 PM (#367902) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Melani "Andy Irvine & Paul Brady" |
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03 Jan 01 - 02:57 PM (#367936) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,Mark. West Sussex. UK From the look of the replies so far you have well and truly opened up the transatlantic divide. The trouble is that on this side of the pond "Folk" is a tradition traced back at least a thousand years so by the time we've covered that we've used the 100 without really bothering with the last century. Maybe best 100 Folk and best 100 blues would sort out the truffles from the caviare. And anyway, what about Sandy Denny, Dick Gaughan, Nic Jones, Jo Ann Kelly, Maria Barton, The McCalmans, Planxty, oh heck, now you've got ME going... |
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03 Jan 01 - 03:27 PM (#367949) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter Kasin Yes, Mark. So many countries, so many genres, styles, it's hard to make an objective list. English music alone would account for a huge list, as would the U.S., Ireland, etc. Are we comparing apples and oranges with such a list? Maybe, but maybe it's possible to pick out the greatest, most influential recordings, taking all that into account. As with others, I come up with more artists than can fit into one list. Don't know how I left Dick Gaughan's "Handful Of Earth" off my list. In trying to sort out essential recordings from just personal favorites, it would be necessary to go into types of music one normally doesn't listen to, but with an awareness that a particular recording was highly influential. I don't listen to alot of country music, and couldn't name a particular Carter family collection, or a Bill Monroe record, but am aware that they were pioneers in country and bluegrass music, respectively. I would guess that there were particular recordings by those artists that were very influential. -chanteyranger |
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03 Jan 01 - 03:31 PM (#367953) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter Kasin Well, I couldn't name Carter family recordings, but just went back and saw that Peter T. did, early in the thread. |
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03 Jan 01 - 05:21 PM (#368004) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Jon Freeman OK Peter T, "Ye Jacobites By Name", by the Johnstones: I feel it is an example of changing styles in Irish music and the influence of Paul Brady (not to mention the superb banjo playing of Mick Maloney). "Christy Moore" by Christy Moore: I believe Cristy Moore is one of the finest Irish singers and this one happens to be my favourite I have heard of his. Incientally, it was produced by Donal Luny who is quite a force in Irish music. I guess if I carry on down that route, the Bothy Band and Planxty have to be included too.. Eric Bogle: I will go for the Song Book (1). Eric Bogle is IMO one of the greatest song writers we have had and, at least to me, he seems to be able to put so much power and emotion in few words. This Album happens to open with my favourite of his songs: "A Reason For It All". Jon |
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03 Jan 01 - 08:00 PM (#368103) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) What about good old Minnie Moore? She's on every festival I ever attended. Did she ever make a record, though? |
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03 Jan 01 - 10:26 PM (#368169) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,CraigS 1. Nic Jones Penguins' Eggs 2. The Progressive Blues Experiment Johnny Winter 3. Pink Moon Nick Drake 4. Elephantasia Dave Evans 5. They Call Me Muddy Waters 6. Bix Beiderbecke's greatest hits 7. Django Reinhardt's greatest hits 8. Martin Carthy's greatest hits 9. Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry's greatest hits 10. The Beatles No.1 album |
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04 Jan 01 - 11:14 AM (#368427) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Thank you guys from "What Used to Be Great Britain But Is Now A Decentralized Federation of Legislatures Linked By A Common Contempt for London". I especially appreciate the sentences of explanation!!!!! yours, Peter T. |
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04 Jan 01 - 06:45 PM (#368684) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall) Arcady "Many Happy Returns" Carole King "Tapestry" NGDB "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill "The Lonesome Touch" Dick Gaughan "Handful of Earth" Woody Guthrie "This Land IS Your Land-The Asch? Recordings" Mary Bergin "Feadóga Stáin" Joe Craven "Camptown" Rich |
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05 Jan 01 - 12:07 AM (#368901) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Tom D. I'm still partial to "Blues, Rags and Hollers" by Kerner, Ray and Glover. These guys were young then (weren't we all?) You can get the CD on Red Housse records, I believe. Tom D. |
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05 Jan 01 - 10:41 AM (#369075) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: LR Mole PHIL OCHS, dammit. First four albums anyway, and more gems turning up all the time. Also Richard Farina, for adroitly straddling the archivist/rogue/heatrbreak line so many of us wander. |
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07 Jul 03 - 05:32 AM (#978147) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST hey now! howzit? was reading some of the commentaries (i.e. e-mail). Could not help but notice that not only do you have hateful people sending messages, but your personal staff (and others) respond ill- manneredly.You know it's much easier to be enamoured with your own opinion (opinions are like belly buttons - we all have one). Now,to get down to business. Was wondering if someone could help me - as I am interested in a particular rendition of "let the circle go unbroken". However, this particular take on the above mentioned song has different lyrics. Something about Mr. Driver and a hurse (yes I know they are called removal cars now, and come in white as well.) My people are from the south USA, and I've rarely heard that rendition, somehow it's always been a part of me. Can you or someone else help me w/this part of the puzzle? Additionally, realizing this is a folk/blues site, still I wonder why I have yet to see Mr. Al green mentioned. Yep, he's considered soul alright. I'll give you that, but he certainly borders it ALL. If stuck on a small island -hope I'd have Al Green and Bill Monroe C'd's and a method to play them. Flowers of fine thoughts to you and of you! Ms. parker |
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07 Jul 03 - 09:10 AM (#978225) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Janie I am not particularly familiar with a lot of old recordings, and I have a mind like a sieve so alot has slipped through. But here is a stab, in no particular order. Dave Van Ronk, "No Dirty Names" cuz its classic van Ronk. Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerard, "Hazel & Alice" wonderful old-time vocal style, beautiful harmonies, and a good mix of traditional songs and their own writing. John McCutcheon, "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" just because I love it. Norman Blake, "Whiskey Before Breakfast" great song selection, and of course, his guitar playing. An album called "Jug Band Music of the South" on which Marie Muldaur sang, mostly back-up. I could not turn up the actual group with a google search. It was a late 60's or early 70's album which I recorded onto cassette from a friend. Would love more info if anybody has it, cuz the tape is long worn out and the friend is long gone. Gotta go think some more. Janie |
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07 Jul 03 - 09:45 AM (#978247) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Amos You gotta include at least one of Frank Warner's collections, and one of Marais and Miranda, and Theo Bikel, who were very influential. The early Weavers is definitely a basic, and I am with PT on "Industrial Ballads", a childhood favorite. A |
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07 Jul 03 - 09:50 AM (#978252) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST Dave Van Ronk's "No Dirty Names"? Isn't there something about an elephant in one of the songs? Ian an Sylvia's complete works is worth the investment. CD #2 has "Northern Journey" and "Early Morning Rain" back to back. Best single CD ever, if you look at it that way. No politics! Please include Bill Clifton somewhere! His taste in music is unequalled. Nothing out except box set and even he can't afford it! |
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07 Jul 03 - 03:00 PM (#978474) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Janie Thanks to Nathan from Texas who pm'd with more info on the Jug band LP. It was by the Even Dozen Jug Band, the tape I had was "Jug Band Music & Rags of the South" and had a whole slew of fine musicians. I don't remember an elephant mentioned on that van Ronk LP--I'll have to go back and listen again. |
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08 Jul 03 - 07:07 AM (#978909) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Hrothgar For Australian stuff - look at the goodies put out by Larrikin in the late 70s and early 80s, such as "A Man of the Earth" and "The Steps of the Dole Office Door," both with a range of artists. Then throw in Declan Affley's "Rake and a Rambling Man," Harry Robertson's "Whale Chasing Men" (now re-released on CD, I'm very pleased to say), Phyl Lobl's "On My Selection" and "Broadmeadow Thistle," and (just to keep Bob Bolton happy) the Bush Music Club's "Songs from the Shearing Sheds." And if you want to get up to date, there's Bogle, Judy Small, and John Warner as singer/songwriters, plus heaps of performers. |
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08 Jul 03 - 09:06 AM (#978955) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Willie-O A rather startling omission from the listings thus far: Stan Rogers "Songs From Fogarty's Cove". I have heard David Woodhead reminisce that the nights they recorded those songs, they felt like they were participating in something really important, and they were: revitalizing Canadian folk music! Looking at music of the Canadian Atlantic Provinces, there is so much great stuff to choose from in many sub-genres: singer-songwriters like Ron Hynes and Lennie Gallant, bands like Figgy Duff, the Barra McNeils and Rawlins Cross, and the great fiddlers of Cape Breton and PEI. But if I were to pick a "seminal" album, I think it would be Alan Mills "Folk Songs of Newfoundland". This LP from the 50's contained the core of the Newfoundland repertoire. A few years ago a bunch of contemporary artists from the Rock released a CD of Newfoundland favourites which sounded like a contemporary remake of the Mills album--the songs were the same! As in, Kelligrews Soiree, Tickle Cove Pond, Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor, etc. For an instrumental album from the region I would have to go with Natalie MacMaster "Road to the Isle". Her second recording, made at the tender age of 17. Fifty tunes, this is how a fiddle album should sound. Now re-released as part of a compilation of her first two recordings. |
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08 Jul 03 - 11:10 AM (#979049) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST (guest of 7/7: 9:50 posting only) Janie: If you like Norman Blake's guitar playing you must get "Blackberry Blossom". Rounder put it on CD in 2000. It was the peak of his art. Scary if you are a guitar-slinger wannabe like many out here. Norman Blake & Rich O'Brien did one for Shanachie called "Be Ready Boys", in 1999. Great! Very folky, great songs, recorded like you are sitting in an old barn watching two master at work! PS: Find the elephant yet? |
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08 Jul 03 - 12:51 PM (#979116) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: PoppaGator Best BLUES album ever,IMHO: Buddy Guy, "A Man and the Blues," Vanguard, appx 1966(?) This is a rare "solo" recording by Buddy during the years he was teamed with Junior Wells. Actually, it is really a set of duets with pianist Otis Spann, normally a member of Muddy Waters' band, backed with bass, drums (Fred Below), 2d guitar (Wayne Bennet) and, on some numbers, a horn section. There are a couple of nice lively uptempo numbers (notably "Mary Had a Little Lamb"), but what makes this album really special are the deeply spooky slow blues, where the interplay between the two main instrumenalists is simply unbelievable & downright scary. |
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08 Jul 03 - 05:54 PM (#979297) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST (guest of 7/7: 9:50 and one other) I found a referance to an all-acoustic record called "Buddy and the Juniors" with Guy, Wells and "Buddy" #2 is Mance. Offered good money for it. He said I made it up. I did not. FYI |
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08 Jul 03 - 07:56 PM (#979375) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter T. Nice to see this thread recurring. I admit that I was promising to compile a master list, but that was in my more obsessive list making days. No one seems to have answered kytrad's long ago question about Minnie Moore. A few new additions: (1) there are now two volumes of Pete Seeger's American Favourite Ballads (recastings of his original 5) from Smithsonian Folkways which are pretty obviously essential; (2) Judy Collins' first two albums are now available from Wildflower; (3) The Greenbriar Boys "Best of the Vanguard Years" is a good compilation disk. I am currently fond of a collection called "O Brothers Where Art Thou" of brother, sister, and family acts from the 1930s. yours, Peter T. |
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08 Jul 03 - 11:01 PM (#979458) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST (guest of 7/7: 9:50 and 2 others) Even I do not get my last post. I meant: look for another Buddy Guy album. An all-acoustic effort by "Buddy" Guy, "Junior" Wells, and "Junior" Mance. It is called "Buddy and the Juniors". I assume it is good but I cannot find anyone who has seen it. Buddy Guy does great acoustic guitar on "Muddy Waters: Flolksinger", which was reissued in an audiophile-quality CD. A "must -have" for all Blues, Jazz, Folk and Audiophile camps. |
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09 Jul 03 - 12:58 AM (#979519) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Peter Kasin I have to add louis Killen to the list. If I had to pick just one of his many recordings for this list, "The Rose In June" may be best representative of his art. To add a sea music recording to the list, MacColl and lloyd's "Whaling Ballads" is, IMHO, their masterpiece. Sadly out of circulation, though. Chanteyranger |
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09 Jul 03 - 01:45 AM (#979531) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Stewie Guest, I haven't seen the one you mention, but there is a fine Guy and Wells acoustic album on Alligator: Buddy Guy & Junior Wells 'Alone and Acoustic' Alligator D30709. It was recorded in Paris in 1981. --Stewie. |
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09 Jul 03 - 06:01 AM (#979612) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: strongwood Judy Mayhan's classic traditional folk album "Rockin' The Cradle" has finally been reissued on limited edition CD by Shayomi Productions, which is owned by members of Judy's family. Judy's later LPs "Moments" and "Judy Mayhan" are also now available on CD from Shayomi. The place to find out more is Judy's new website at http://www.judymayhan.com "Rockin' The Cradle" was nominated way back in this thread as one of the Top 100. It was first released as an LP album on Horizon Records in 1962. Soon after it was reissued on the Everest/Tradition label under the title "Folk Songs of Olde Eire," which they mostly are not. The album has been out of print for decades and has become a rare collectible. Judy is living in Mendocino County, California, and she autographs each of the Shayomi CDs. She is in poor health, and has been unable to perform since 1986 due to a hearing problem that makes her hypersensitive to sound. |
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09 Jul 03 - 10:54 PM (#980271) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST (guest of 7/7: 9:50 and all others so far) Stewie: Thanks for the tip. I do have a John Jackson effort on Alligator and know a place that will order any one I want. My post was for PappaGator primarily. A lifetime favorite record is something special, and more of the same man is worth trying. Lonnie Johnson and Elmer Snowden album of about 1960 is another for Jazz, Blues, Folk and audiophile ears alike. Lonnie plays electric here, Snowden acoustic. Proves the best don't usually sell the most records. |
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10 Jul 03 - 12:45 PM (#980671) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: fsharpdim7 I didn't go thru the whole thread, but my choice for #1 best- sounding folk cd of all time is Kate Wolf's Poet's Heart. With Kate's words and Nina's playing - wow..... #2 would be Ian and Sylvia's Play One More. #3 - Goodman, Words You Can Dance To. IMHO --- Chris in Chicago |
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15 Jul 03 - 11:00 PM (#984178) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: pdq To whom it may concern, guest of 7/7: 9:50 (et al) is now a real member! As for another pick, the Grateful Dead's American Beauty. No arguement, I'm serious obout that one! |
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15 Jun 04 - 11:20 AM (#1207788) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,AdamD Mississipi John Hurt - The Complete 1928 Recordings Robert Johnson - The Complete Leadbelly - Last Sessions Woody Guthrie - Dust Bowl Ballads Woody Guthrie - Columbia River Songs Almanac Singers - Talking Union Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A Changin Bob Dylan - The Freewhelin Bob Dylan Simon and Garfunkel - Bookends Bowie and Hutch - The Bedroom Demos The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy and the Lash The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace With God |
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15 Jun 04 - 11:35 AM (#1207801) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Once Famous Two albums that had significant impact were the first two by the Kingston Trio: * The Kingston Trio the album that had Tom Dooley sold over a million copies and is credited with starting the whole folk boom. * The Kingston Trio at Large this album had the MTA on it, the song that turned many on to what a banjo was. An overall superb second effort by the group that exposed more people and was the entry way into the world of folk music. |
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15 Jun 04 - 12:19 PM (#1207835) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: Big Al Whittle there is no way I could even contemplate such a proposition. I probably hum extracts from over a hundred albums as I'm driving along every day. and another hundred the next day........not to mention all the singers I'vr heard who never made an album......crazy stuff! |
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16 Jun 04 - 07:52 AM (#1208437) Subject: RE: 100 Top Folk/Blue Albums of the Century From: GUEST,noddy Im surprised it took so long for "A Handfull of Earth" to appear. Runrig and Cappercaillie seem to be missing as does anything by Dougie McClean and James TAylor. That should please Dougie being mentioned together in the same sentance. What about Joni Mitchell or does she not count. Lots to chose from there. The Strawbs lots there as well on offer. Crosby Stills Nash and Young or is that to main stream like the above.Plus any combination of them. Someone called Dylan did some good stuff as well But cant remember his first name.I think he has been mentioned though! The Everly Bros. Taj Mahal. John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers again lots on offer. God my brain hurts. |