Folk Artists, Albums, and Music

Album Releases by Genre

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80	Band of Joy by Robert Plant September 14, 2010 The title of Plant's new album revives the name of his pre-Zeppelin psychedelic band from the '60s and combines folksy rock with his own solo work. User Score 7.8
74	Innundir Skinni by Ólöf Arnalds September 14, 2010 The Icelandic singer-songwriter's second album was produced by Sigur Ros' Kjartan Sveinsson. User Score tbd
74	No Ghost by The Acorn September 7, 2010 The second full-length album for the Canadian band is the conclusion to a trilogy of albums that began with the debut album The Pink Ghosts and the EPs Blankets and Tin Fist. User Score tbd
69	Junky Star by Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses August 31, 2010 Songwriter Ryan Bingham has grown tremendously on this third full-length. Barely 30 years old, his previous work showed promise but carried the excess expected of a novice. Bingham won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for "The Weary Kind," the theme song from the film Crazy Heart. The song was produced by T-Bone Burnett, creating a partnership extended on Junky Star. Bingham and his Dead Horses--drummer Matthew Smith, bassist Elijah Ford, and guitarist Corby Schaub, prove the song was no fluke. The sound is pure Americana; these 12 lyrically sophisticated yet direct songs, reflect a host of tense, lost, desperate, individuals dreaming the same dark dream, one that suggests that we are all growing tenser with the times. Bingham has trimmed his songwriting to the bone, while learing to use metaphor and metonomy like a veteran. A former rodeo rider, he wears his influences proudly: Guthrie, Dylan, Van Zandt, Ely, Earle, Clark, and Hubbard. He begins with a sandblasted vision of America in "the Poet." Amid acoustic guitars, a lonesome harmonica ,restrained electric and bass drum, Bingham's whiskey-smoked vocal offers a lyric theme the entire album turns on: "As I keep walking, people keep talking/About things they've never seen or done/Homeless sleep in the park, lovers kiss in the dark/Me, I keep moving on through time." Time is suspended as Bingham's protagonists tell stories from the road (some of them bone-chilling), from America's past and present, physically and psychologically. Rootlessness as peace of mind is portrayed via country rock in "The Wandering," but the feeling in "Strange Feeling In The Air," the title track, a deeply moving acoustic murder ballad (they are strewn throughout the album), and the angry uptempo "Depression," reflect a contradiction: constant movement is the key to survival, not necessarily peace. "Hallelujah" is another murder ballad with a disturbing twist. "Lay My Head On The Rail," is pure folk poetry illustrated by a lone acoustic guitar. The blues in "Hard Worn Trail," are rooted in poverty worry, strained, broken relationships resulting in the search for comfort. It doesn't come anywehre on Junky Star. "All Choked Up Again," set to Waylon Jennings' brand of outlaw country closes it out by mining the existential darkness deeper. Bingham is unflinching, but his songs hold out for a glimmer of something else. The only real consolation Junky Star offers is that no one need feel alone in her or his desperation-this is a true accomplishment. Bingham has delivered a set of songs that mirrors our uncertain times in a musical language that doesn't unduly distort or romanticise them. ~ Thom Jurek User Score tbd
77	Beautiful Dreamers by Bill Frisell August 31, 2010 The first album on new label Savoy Jazz has the guitarist joined by drummer Rudy Royston and violinist Eyvind Kang. User Score tbd

72	God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise by Ray LaMontagne August 17, 2010 Ray LaMontagne self-produced his fourth full-length, the first without producer Ethan Johns. User Score 8.6
68	Obadiah by Frazey Ford July 20, 2010 The Canadian singer-songwriter from the folk trio Be Good Tanyas includes soul music influences on her first solo album. User Score tbd
73	The Black Dirt Sessions by Deer Tick June 8, 2010 The latest album for the John McCauley's band Deer Tick is its first with former Titus Andronicus guitarist Ian O'Neil. User Score 7.5
71	Fossils And Other Phantoms by Peggy Sue June 1, 2010 Originally called Peggy Sue And The Pirates, the British trio shortened its name to just Peggy Sue for its debut full-length release. User Score tbd
70	The Big Black And The Blue by First Aid Kit May 25, 2010 This is the debut album for the Swedish teenage sisters. User Score 7.0

81	So Runs The World Away by Josh Ritter May 4, 2010 The fifth album for the singer-songwriter was produced by Sam Kassirer. User Score 8.1
63	The Age Of Miracles by Mary Chapin Carpenter April 27, 2010 The latest album for the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter features Vince Gill and Alison Krauss as guest singers. User Score 7.8
56	One Good Thing by Lou Rhodes April 20, 2010 The former singer for the electronic band Lamb releases her third solo album of folk music. User Score tbd
79	Wild Hunt by The Tallest Man on Earth April 13, 2010 After his well-received debut album released by Swedish label Gravitation, Kristian Matsson returns with his follow-up on the US-based label Dead Oceans. User Score 8.6
86	I See The Sign by Sam Amidon April 13, 2010 The singer-songwriter worked with Nico Muhly on his album of traditional and untraditional songs reworked into folk music. User Score 8.6

74	...And Then We Saw Land by Tunng April 6, 2010 The fourth album for the British group is its first without cofounder Sam Genders. User Score tbd
67	Man From Another Time by Seasick Steve March 30, 2010 The California-born singer-songwriter who has had much more success overseas, releases his fourth album. User Score tbd
66	Outbursts by Turin Brakes March 30, 2010 The British duo return to their folk rock roots with their debut on the Cooking Vinyl label. User Score tbd
80	Down The Way by Angus & Julia Stone March 30, 2010 This is the second album for the Australian brother and sister folk duo. User Score 8.9
74	Love To Live by The Living Sisters March 30, 2010 The debut album for the trio formed by The Bird And The Bee's Inara George, Lavender Diamond's Becky Stark, and Eleni Mandell. User Score tbd
81	Here's The Tender Coming by The Unthanks March 23, 2010 The British folk band changed its name from Rachel Unthank & the Winterset to its current (shorter) name after a lineup change. User Score tbd
80	The Wondershow Of The World by Bonnie "Prince" Billy & The Cairo Gang March 23, 2010 This is Will Oldham's first Bonnie "Prince" Billy album to credit the Cairo Gang, who performed on the previous three Billy albums. User Score 8.0
78	San Patricio by The Chieftains Featuring Ry Cooder March 9, 2010 The concept album about a group of Irish US soldiers who deserted to join the Mexican army during the Mexican-American War was an idea by The Chieftains' Paddy Moloney and co-producer Ry Cooder. User Score 7.4
75	El Turista by Josh Rouse March 9, 2010 The latest album for the Nebraska-born singer-songwriter features a track released on his Valencia EP. User Score 5.6
71	Mark The Hard Earth by Kris Drever March 8, 2010 This is the second album for the Scottish folk singer, who is also a member of Lau. User Score tbd
83	Luck In The Valley by Jack Rose February 23, 2010 The final album for the Pelt member, who passed away in December 2009, contains 10 instrumental tracks. User Score 5.7
68	Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons February 16, 2010 Produced by Markus Dravs, the debut album for the folk rock quartet went platinum in the UK. User Score 7.9
70	Minor Love by Adam Green February 16, 2010 Heavily influenced by the likes of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Adam Green (the alternative-folk singer/songwriter better known for his stint with the lo-fi indie group Moldy Peaches) returns with his sixth studio album. User Score 7.3
78	Genuine Negro Jig by Carolina Chocolate Drops February 16, 2010 With the help of Joe Thompson--one of the last of North Carolina's African-American string-band players--the trio seeks to continue the style with its third album. User Score 8.7
60	Talking To You, Talking To Me by The Watson Twins February 9, 2010 Hailing from Los Angeles by way of Kentucky, Chandra and Leigh Watson--aka the Watson Twins--follow up 2008's "Fire Songs" with "Talking to You, Talking to Me." It features members of Everest and My Morning Jacket's Bo Koster. User Score tbd
79	Crows by Allison Moorer February 9, 2010 Since 2009's covers collection "Mockingbird," Allison Moorer felt it was time to do something entirely different for her next record. The country-folk singer-songwriter releases her first collection of original material in four years. It features guitarist Joe McMahan, a former member of Moorer's road band for Miss Fortune; and bassist Brad Jones, who contributed to Getting Somewhere. User Score tbd
81	The Shadow Of An Empire by Fionn Regan February 8, 2010 The Irish singer-songwriter releases his follow-up to his 2006 Mercury Prize-nominated album "The End of History." User Score 8.3
72	Heart Of My Own by Basia Bulat January 26, 2010 The second album for the Canadian singer-songwriter was produced by Howard Bilerman. User Score 7.4
79	Downtown Church by Patty Griffin January 26, 2010 The latest album from the folk singer features gospel songs recorded in a church. User Score 8.7
82	Erland And The Carnival by Erland and the Carnival January 25, 2010 This is the debut album for the folk rock band that includes Simon Tong, David Nock, and Erland Cooper. User Score tbd
68	Graphic As A Star by Josephine Foster January 19, 2010 The latest album for the folk singer from Colorado was based on some of Emily Dickenson's poems. User Score tbd
81	A Friend Of A Friend by Dave Rawlings Machine November 17, 2009 The singer-songwriter's latest album was recorded with the help of Gillian Welch, Old Crow Medicine Show, Benmont Tench, and Nate Walcott. User Score tbd
69	What Will We Be by Devendra Banhart October 27, 2009 The first album on his new label for the folk singer was co-produced with Paul Butler. User Score 7.7
78	Hundreds Of Lions by Erin McKeown October 13, 2009 Alternative-folk singer-songwriter Erin McKeown releases her latest album on Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records. User Score tbd
75	Know Better Learn Faster by Thao With The Get Down Stay Down October 13, 2009 The San Francisco-based trio releases its fourth studio album. User Score tbd
72	Somewhere Gone by Exene Cervenka October 6, 2009 The lead singer of the punk rock band X releases her first solo album on the Bloodshot Records label. User Score tbd
73	Threadbare by Port O'Brien October 6, 2009 This is the latest album for the California-based indie rock trio. User Score 7.6
71	The First Days Of Spring by Noah and the Whale October 6, 2009 The second album for the band features a film directed by the band's lead singer, Charles Fink. User Score 8.6
66	Ask The Night by Orenda Fink October 6, 2009 This is Orenda Fink's second solo album, after stints with the bands Art In Manila and O+S. User Score tbd
60	Seconds by Gary Higgins September 29, 2009 This is the first album in over 30 years for the singer-songwriter. User Score tbd
73	I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers September 29, 2009 Rick Rubin produces the latest album for the North Carolina band. User Score 8.6
70	Through The Devil Softly by Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions September 29, 2009 This is the second album with ex-My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm O'Ciosoig for Hope Sandoval. User Score 8.6
64	Be Set Free by Langhorne Slim September 29, 2009 The latest album for the singer-songwriter was produced by the Decemberists' Chris Funk. User Score tbd
75	Build Me This by Joshua James September 22, 2009 This is the second full-length album for folk singer-songwriter Joshua James. User Score tbd
80	At The Cut by Vic Chesnutt September 22, 2009 Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra return for the Athens, GA-based singer-songwriter's latest album, the first of two album released this year [the live album, "Skitter On Take Off" was released October 6th]. User Score tbd
71	Blood Of Man by Mason Jennings September 15, 2009 The latest album for the singer-songwriter from Hawaii is said to be based on his childhood experiences. User Score tbd
74	Blood And Candle Smoke by Tom Russell September 15, 2009 The latest album for the California-born singer-songwriter was produced with Craig Schumacher and features members of Calexico. User Score tbd
68	Sort Of Revolution by Fink September 15, 2009 Fin Greenall releases his third album under the alias Fink. User Score 7.6
81	11:11 by Rodrigo y Gabriela September 8, 2009 The second album for the duo was produced by the two artists with John Leckie coproducing one song. User Score 7.0
75	When The Devil's Loose by A.A. Bondy September 1, 2009 This is the second solo album for the former Verbena lead singer. User Score 8.5
93	My Dusty Road by Woody Guthrie August 25, 2009 The four-disc set includes Woody Guthrie's recordings from the mid-1940s in a definitive collection. User Score 7.2
65	Welcome Joy by The Cave Singers August 18, 2009 The second album for the Seattle-based indie rock band was produced by Colin Stewart. User Score tbd
83	Hospice by The Antlers August 18, 2009 This is the second album for the Peter Silberman-led band. User Score 8.7
77	This Is For The White In Your Eye by Choir of Young Believers August 18, 2009 This is the debut full-length album for the Danish group. User Score tbd
62	Stupid Love by Mindy Smith August 11, 2009 The fourth album for the singer-songwriter was co-produced with Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks. User Score tbd
69	Running For The Drum by Buffy Sainte-Marie August 11, 2009 This is the first album in over 17 years for the native american singer-songwriter. User Score tbd
72	Folk Songs by James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players August 9, 2009 The Scottish singer-songwriter teams up with a different group of musicians for this folk song collection. User Score tbd
80	Gather, Form & Fly by Megafaun July 21, 2009 The sophomore album gathers music from two discs for the North Carolina-based band. User Score 8.4
71	Gorgeous Johnny by The Skygreen Leopards July 21, 2009 The duo from San Francisco releases their first album in three years. User Score tbd
73	Blue Roses by Blue Roses July 21, 2009 The debut album for Laura Groves was recorded in different places with her family and friends. User Score tbd
76	Upper Air by Bowerbirds July 7, 2009 This is the first album on the Dead Oceans imprint for the trio from Raleigh, North Carolina. User Score 8.5
72	Born On Flag Day by Deer Tick June 23, 2009 The second album for the rock band led by John J. McCauley III, now includes three new members. User Score 8.2
79	Song Up In Her Head by Sarah Jarosz June 16, 2009 This is the debut album for the 17-year-old singer. User Score tbd
80	Oh My God, Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem June 9, 2009 The first album on the Nonesuch label for the trio of Rhode Islanders. User Score 8.5
71	Of The Cathmawr Yards by The Horse's Ha June 9, 2009 The debut album for the Chicago-based group featuring The Zincs' James Elkington and Eleventh Dream Day's Janet Bean. User Score tbd
82	The Glass Bead Game by James Blackshaw May 26, 2009 The latest album for the British artist features singer Lavinia Blackwell, John Contreras on cello and Joolie Wood on violin. User Score tbd
78	'Em Are I by Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard May 19, 2009 Jeffrey Lewis' latest album is his first to be credited with his backing band, The Junkyard. User Score tbd
82	Townes by Steve Earle May 12, 2009 Steve Earle covers songs by the late Townes Van Zandt for his latest album. User Score 8.0
80	Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away by Slaid Cleaves April 21, 2009 The Texas based singer-songwriter releases his first album of new music in five years. User Score tbd
79	Songs Of Shame by Woods April 14, 2009 This is the fourth album for the folk band led by Jeremy Earl. User Score tbd
76	Carbeth by Trembling Bells April 14, 2009 The debut album for the English and Scottish quartet is led by Alex Neilson, who has worked as a drummer for Wil Oldham, Isobel Campbell, and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. User Score tbd
81	A Stranger Here by Ramblin' Jack Elliott April 7, 2009 Joe Henry produced the Grammy-winning folk singer's second album for the Anti- label. User Score 8.0
72	The Last Laugh by Joker's Daughter April 7, 2009 The debut album for the UK artist Helena Costas was produced by Danger Mouse. User Score tbd
73	Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers March 31, 2009 The fourth album for the Tony Dekker-led group. User Score tbd
91	Live In London by Leonard Cohen March 31, 2009 The Canadian singer returned from a Buddhist monastery to discover that his business manager had stolen his retirement money. The two-disc set recorded live at London's O2 Arena on July 17, 2008 was part of the tour to help rebuild his retirement. User Score 8.9
71	Who Was Changed And Who Was Dead by John Wesley Harding March 10, 2009 The English singer returns from a stinct of writing novels under the name Wesley Stace to record his latest album. User Score tbd
79	Songs From The Floodplain by Jon Boden March 2, 2009 The second solo album for the folk singer who was born in Chicago but is now based in Britain. User Score tbd
75	To Be Still by Alela Diane February 17, 2009 The California-born, Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter releases her follow-up to her debut album, "The Pirate’s Gospel." User Score 7.8
81	Animals In The Dark by William Elliott Whitmore February 17, 2009 The Iowan-born singer-songwriter releases his first album on the Anti label. User Score 7.4
74	First Love by Emmy the Great February 9, 2009 The debut album for the London, England-based singer who was featured in Brighton Port Authority's album "I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat." User Score tbd
78	To Willie by Phosphorescent February 3, 2009 Matthew Houck releases his cover album of Willie Nelson songs. User Score tbd
72	Lily Perdida by Clue To Kalo January 20, 2009 This is the third full-length album for the duo from Australia. User Score tbd
82	Love Is Overtaking Me by Arthur Russell October 28, 2008 The album features 21 tracks never before released by the late singer/songwriter Arthur Russell. User Score tbd
71	Hope For The Hopeless by Brett Dennen October 21, 2008 The third album for the California folk artist features Femi Kuti on one track. User Score 7.8
72	Little Honey by Lucinda Williams October 14, 2008 The latest album for the folk singer features a duet with Elvis Costello. User Score 7.5
71	The Living And The Dead by Jolie Holland October 7, 2008 The Texan singer's fourth album features M Ward and Marc Ribot as guest musicians. User Score tbd
79	Red Letter Year by Ani DiFranco September 30, 2008 The latest release for this folk singer was produced with Mike Napolitano and was recorded in Louisiana. User Score 7.8
72	At 89 by Pete Seeger September 30, 2008 This is the first studio album for the folk singer in more than 10 years. User Score tbd
74	Home by Peter Broderick September 23, 2008 The folk artist wrote, recorded, and produced the album of songs with the help of Mads Brauer. User Score tbd
77	Tennessee Pusher by Old Crow Medicine Show September 23, 2008 The seventh album for the Tennessee-based folk band was produced by Don Was. User Score 6.8
75	Day After Tomorrow by Joan Baez September 9, 2008 The folk singer from New York releases her latest album, which features songs written by Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, and T-Bone Burnett. User Score 8.5
62	Alphabutt by Kimya Dawson September 9, 2008 One half of The Moldy Peaches returns with her latest album of funny children's tunes. User Score 8.6
79	House With No Home by Horse Feathers September 9, 2008 The sophomore album for the folk band from Portland, Oregon. User Score 7.9
66	The Golden Mile by The Peth September 1, 2008 The Welsh indie rock band that includes Rhys Ifans and Super Furry Animals' Dafydd Ieuan releases its debut album. User Score tbd
79	The Rocky Road by Damien Dempsey August 26, 2008 The singer/songwriter's latest album contains Irish folk songs produced by John Reynolds. User Score tbd