Scottish Folk Music

Today, we are going to be talking about Scottish Folk Music, or, the only folk music that is actually very good. I say this because I descend from a Scottish Highlanders, and because it is true. Normally when I think of folk music, it is that twangy, whiny, banjo-infested noise from Appalachia in the United States — or worse yet — that annoying 1960s protest music, usually played on solo guitars by very blase looking individuals of questionable body odor. Celtic folk music, however, is an entirely different style that emerged from a true, ancient culture with excellent taste and fidelity to the trials of the human condition.

Avett Brothers: Carrying on Folk

It is probably pretty safe to say that folk music is not one of the more mainstream genres of music out there right now. I have concluded that this is true for a number of reasons. First, kids today just don’t know what good music is. They would rather listen to auto-tuned and dubbed “pop” stars than someone with real talent. Second, there are not too many folk musical acts out there right now, and third, for those who do exist, they do not thrive on promoting massive world tours for their albums. These guys just want to play.

Fast Food Folk Song

Is it just me or does it seem like the holidays and the end of the year are way too busy?  I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off for days and days on end.  Needless to say, I am so ready for January 1st 2012 that I do not even know what to do with myself.  Seriously there is just too much to do this time of year, and I think next year I might end up boycotting some of it.  I did manage to stay out of stores this year (thank you online shopping), but it’s still too much for me.

Patriotic and Protest Songs

Occupy Wall Street is causing a stir in New York City, with the seeming revival of the hippy movement from the 1960s in full swing.  These protests have even trickled down to Charlotte, NC — once considered the banking capital of the United States — where 500 people gathered to sit out their consternation with wall street greed, the debt crisis, and corruption in all sectors of the financial industry.  Since we’re here to talk about folk music, we can’t help but recall the popularity of the protest songs of decades past, even as we brace ourselves for its unwanted resurgence.  Rather like bell bottoms, we appreciate that they existed, but we are thankful that no one is wearing them now.

The Best of Folk

Folk music soothes the soul and lifts the spirits.  Because of my role in teh music world, I often get asked the same question over and over, “what’s on your current playlist?”  Typically I have a variety of music to be found on my iPod playlist, but there is always some folk music on there for sure.  Right now I have three folk albums that are on my playlist.  Some of it’s new and some is old, but it is all folk.  Let’s take a look at what I’ve got here, shall we?

I Will “Sigh No More”

Thank you, Mumford & Sons.

If anyone ever asked me if I would be a lover of folk music just five years ago, I would have stood there perplexed ans thinking for quite sometime. I would then come to the conclusion that while I would have a respect for folk music, I may not be able to ever say that I would love it. Oh but that has all changed in the past couple of years thanks to the amazing English folk band Mumford & Sons.

I’ve Been Working On The RailRoad

Ever feel like you just put in the longer day ever at work? That was the lives of many African Americans and immigrants who spent their days building our country’s railroads. They passed the days with music, and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” has secured itself in American Folk Music History. We address some of that history in today’s blog post.

Seasons of Folk

If you have been around the dedicated folk music realm, you may have noticed, as I have, the seasons that this type of music goes through.  I have always been interested in finding new, unique artists to adjust to whatever mood I might be in at the time and that is exactly what folk music is about: personal expression of thoughts and interpretations.  This also seems to be the case of seasonal emotions.  In the summertime everyone wants a carefree environment where he or she can be outdoors and appreciate nature.  During the holiday season, family, friends and warmth are common threads that tie all human beings together, no matter what religion or beliefs.  Just as this cycle runs through our minds, so it does through the themes and festivals related to the folk music scene.

What is RickRolling?

Have you ever heard the term “rickrolling” and wondered to yourself, “What is Rickrolling?” Well, as a music blogger and trolling fanatic, I feel it’s my place to help you understand this important cultural concept.