This album is a grower, to some maybe like a wart. But that is its charm, warts & all. One listen, it's a 5, but after a few listens (and skipping '$100 groom') it truly is a heartfelt worthwhile collection of basement taped songs. Those looking for commercial polish go elsewhere. Those looking for an artist geniunely expressing himself see 'now i wonder', 'my dad', 'lookin up in heaven', and 'folk star'.… Expand

I would give this a 7.5 really. The album continues to grow on me. It's not as rocking as Come Feel Me Tremble or Stereo/Mono but it still has a fresh quality to it. Paul's still playing sloppy and the production is still lo-fi. However, Paul's got some killer songs on this disc. "My Dad" and "As Far As I Know" are both stellar. Highly recommended for fans of PW's last couple of albums.… Expand

I would give Stereo/Mono and Come Feel Me Tremble each a 10. Having said that, Folker has some gems and some filler, where the previous two records are end-to-end marvels. Gun Shy and My Dad are my favs. If you're just getting to know Paul, I wouldn't suggest this as your first purchase. With regards to the DIY stuff getting old (from a prior post), get used to it - he's not going back to the old way.… Expand

First of all, I'm a Mats/Westerberg fanatic, so it's a given that I'd buy this album. That being said, this "do it yourself" ethos is really starting to wear thin. A lot of the melodies on this record sound quite a bit like the ones on Stereo/Mono. And they're getting old. However, what redeems the record for me is the same thing that always brings me back. The lyrics. Westerberg, like Dylan is a poet who sets his verse to music. The commentary is always pithy, humorous and often heartbreaking. That's why I bought this and why I'll buy the next one.… Expand

The lowfi approach is not for everyone, but if you accept, you are in for a meaningful experience.

A terrific album, but a slow burner. Let it grow on you.

Once again, Paul Westerberg has created a masterpiece. He has given the music world what it has lacked for too long; honest-to-goodness music. Westerberg's whimsical and thought-provoking lyrics never let up on this album.

Man, is this guy on a roll.

Wanted this to be good. First track is enough for to abandon one of my favorite rockers of all time.... trying to be tongue and cheek? how about a refund?

It's amazing how much this album grew on me over the course of a year or so. It feels so natural and uncalculated, (forget self-consciously ramshackle!), and over time the vocals seem to become clearer, the guitars more purposeful, the melodies more memorable (the drums just as off!). As Far As I Know and What About Mine? are beautifully-conceived songs, but for me it's How Can You Like Him? and Gun Shy that bring about tears of joy that a human being can create and communicate such startling emotion through music. The man is frighteningly good.… Expand

how sweet would it be to get to hang out in your basement and put out great records. i knew studying too much would never get me anywhere.

A solid album; 2 classics on it -- they keep trying to bury the guy -- but he's still good.

How could you follow up Stereo/Mono with this? Very disappointing but there are still few worthwhile songs.