American Folk

This is an eclectic collection of folk-oriented or folk-identified artists, excluding folk-rooted genres listed elsewhere (old-time country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, cajun, celtic).

Asylum Street Spankers [1996–2014]

Spanker Madness [2000, Spanks-a-Lot], B+(***)
Mercurial [2004, Yellow Dog], B+(***)
What? And Give Up Show Biz? [2008, Yellow Dog, 2CD], B+(***)
The Last Laugh [2014, Yellow Dog], A–

Daniel Bachman (1989– )

When the Roses Come Again [2023, Three Lobed], B+(*)

Joan Baez (1941– )

Joan Baez Volume 1 [1960, Vanguard], C–
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Joan Baez [1971–75, A&M], C+
Greatest Hits [1972–76, A&M], D+

Sam Baker

Mercy [2003, Blue Lime Stone], A–
Pretty World [2006, Blue Lime Stone], B+(***)
Cotton [2009, Music Road], B+(***)
Say Grace [2013, self-released], B+(***)
Land of Doubt [2017, self-released], B+(*)
Horses and Stars [2018, self-released], B+(*)

Jeff Black

Tin Lily [2005, Dualtone], B+

Black Prairie [2010– ]

A Tear in the Eye Is a Wound in the Haeart [2012, Sugar Hill], B+(**)

Robert Sarazin Blake

w/Jefferson Hamer: Put It All Down in a Letter [2011, Same Room], A–
Robt Sarazin Blake: Recitative [2017, Same Room, 2CD], A–
One Summer Night: Live at the 2018 Subdued Stringband Jamboree [2023, Same Room], B+(**)

Jake Blount (1995– )

Spider Tales [2020, Free Dirt], B+(***)
The New Faith [2022, Smithsonian Folkways], B+(**)

Laura Boosinger

Down the Road [1998, Laura's Label], B+(***)

Kate Brislin

w/Katy Moffatt: Sleepless Nights [1996, Rounder], B

David Bromberg (1945– )

Wanted Dead or Alive [1974, Columbia], B
My Own House / You Should See the Rest of the Band [1978–80, Fantasy], B+
The Blues, the Whole Blues and Nothing but the Blues [2016, Red House], B+(***)

Richard Buckner

Since [1998, MCA], B–

Tré Burt

You, Yeah, You [2021, Oh Boy], B+(**)
Traffic Fiction [2023, Oh Boy], B+(*)

Terry Callier

Occasional Rain [1972, Verve], B
What Color Is Love [1973, Verve], B

Kate Campbell (1961– )

Songs From the Levee [1995, Compadre], B+
Moonpie Dreams [1997, Compass], B+
The Portable Kate Campbell [2004, Compadre], A–
Sing Me Out [2004, Compadre], B+
Blues and Lamentations [2005, Large River Music], A–
Two Nights in Texas [2010, Large River Music], B+(***)

Carolina Chocolate Drops [2005– ]

Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind [2005–2006, Music Maker], B+(*)
Genuine Negro Jig [2009, Nonesuch], B+(***)
Carolina Chocolate Drops / Luminescent Orchestrii [2011, Nonesuch, EP], B+(***)
Leaving Eden [2011, Nonesuch], B+(***)

Chuck & Albert

Énergie [2009, chuckandalbert.com], B+(**)

Lindsay Clark

Carpe Noctem [2022, Audio Sport], B

Slaid Cleaves (1964– )

Together Through the Dark [2023, Play Hard], B+(***)

Connie Converse (1924–74)

How Sad, How Lovely [1954, Squirrel Thing], B+(**)

Joachim Cooder (1978– )

Over That Road I'm Bound [2020, Nonesuch], B

Rose Cousins (1977– )

Natural Conclusion [2017, Old Farm Pony], B

Walter Crockett

Children So Long [2022, self-released], B+(**)

Buck Curran

One Evening and Other Folks Songs [2021–2022, Obsolete/ESP-Disk], B+(*)

Karen Dalton (1938–93)

1966 [1966, Delmore Recording Society], B
It's So Hard to Tell Who's Going to Love You the Best [1969, Koch International], B–
In My Own Time [1971, Light in the Attic], B+(**)

Barbara Dane (1927–2024)

Trouble in Mind [1957, Stardust], B+(*)
Anthology of American Folk Songs [1959, Empire Music Group], A–
w/Earl "Fatha" Hines: Livin' With the Blues [1959, Fresh Sound], B+(**)
On My Way [1962, Fresh Sound], B+(***)
w/Lightnin' Hopkins: Sometimes I Believe She Loves Me [1961–65, Arhoolie], B+(**)
w/The Chambers Brothers: Barbara Dane and the Chambers Brothers [1966, Folkways], B+(*)
FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance [1970, Paredon], B+(***)
I Hate the Capitalist System [1973, Paredon], B+(*)
w/Tammy Hall: Throw It Away . . . [2016, Dreadnaught Music], A–

Smoke Dawson (1935– )

Fiddle [1971, Tompkins Square], B+(***)

Iris Dement (1961– )

Infamous Angel [1992, Philo], A
My Life [1994, Warner Brothers], A+
The Way I Should [1996, Warner Brothers], A
Lifeline [2004, Flariella], A–
Sing the Delta [2012, Flariella], A–
The Trackless Woods [2015, Flariella], B+(*)
Working on a World [2023, Flariella], A–

Brett Dennen

So Much More [2006, Dualtone], B+(***)

Garry Dial

w/Terre Roche: Us an' Them [2008, Just Dial Roche], C

William Michael Dillon

Black Robes and Lawyers [2011, self-released], B+(**)

Willie Dunn (1942–2013)

Creation Never Sleeps, Creation Never Dies: The Willie Dunn Anthology [1968–84, Light in the Attic], B+(***)

Fred Eaglesmith (1957– )

Ralph's Last Show [2001, Signature Sounds, 2 CD], A–
6 Volt [2012, Bluewater Music], B+(*)

Erin Rae

Putting on Airs [2018, Single Lock], B+(*)
Lighten Up [2022, Good Memory], B+(*)

John Fahey (1939–2001)

The Dance of Death and Other Plantation Favorites [1964, Takoma], A–
The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death [1965, Takoma], A–
Of Rivers and Religion [1972, Collectors' Choice], A
After the Ball [1973, Collectors' Choice], A
The Best of John Fahey 1959–1977 [1967–77, Takoma], A–
The Best of John Fahey, Vol. 2: 1964–1983 [1964–83, Takoma], A–
Return of the Repressed: The John Fahey Anthology [1964–90, Rhino, 2 CD], B+

Ferron (1952– )

Testimony [1981, Philo], A–
Shadows on a Dime [1984, Redwood], B+

Dom Flemons

Prospect Hill [2014, Fat Possum], B+(**)

Four Bitchin' Babes [1991– ]

Beyond Bitchin' [2000, Shanachie], B

Jackson C. Frank (1943–99)

Jackson C. Frank [1965, EMI Columbia], B+(**)

Dori Freeman

Dori Freeman [2015, Free Dirt], A–
Letters Never Read [2017, MRI], A–
Every Single Star [2019, Blue Hens Music], B+(***)
Ten Thousand Roses [2021, Blue Hens Music], B+(*)

Myriam Gendron

Ma Délire: Songs of Love, Lost and Found [2021, self-released], B+(**)
Mayday [2024, Thrill Jockey], B+(**)

Otis Gibbs

Grandpa Walked a Picketline [2008, Thirty Tigers], B+(***)

Claudia Gibson

The Fields of Chazy [2024, self-released], B+(**)

Rhiannon Giddens (1977– )

Tomorrow Is My Turn [2015, Nonesuch], B+(**)
Freedom Highway [2017, Nonesuch], B+(**)
Our Native Daughters: Songs of Our Native Daughters [2019, Smithsonian Folkways], A–
w/Francesco Turrisi: There Is No Other [2019, Nonesuch], B+(***)
w/Francesco Turrisi: They're Calling Me Home [2021, Nonesuch], B+(***)
You're the One [2023, Nonesuch], B+(**)

Vance Gilbert

Nearness of You [2015, Disismye Music], B

Eliza Gilkyson (1950– )

Live From Austin TX [2001, New West], B+(***)

Beverly Glenn-Copeland (1944– )

Keyboard Fantasies [1986, Atlast], B+(**)
Live at Le Guess Who? 2018 [2018, Transgressive], B+(***)
Transmissions: The Music of Beverly Glenn-Copeland [1970–2019, Transgressive], A–

Charles Wesley Godwin

Seneca [2019, self-released], B+(*)

S.G. Goodman

Teeth Marks [2022, Verve Forecast], B+(***)

Steve Goodman (1948–84)

No Big Surprise: The Steve Goodman Anthology [(1994), Red Pajamas, 2 CD], B+

Patty Griffin (1964– )

Impossible Dream [2004, ATO], B+
Children Running Through [2007, ATO], B–
Downtown Church [2010, Credential], B+(*)
American Kid [2013, New West], B+(***)
Servant of Love [2015, PGM], B+(**)

Stefan Grossman (1945– )

Guitar Landscapes [1990, Shanachie], B+(*)

Arlo Guthrie (1947– )

Alice's Restaurant [1967, Reprise], A–
Hobo's Lullaby [1972, Reprise], B
Amigo [1976, Reprise], B+
The Best of Arlo Guthrie [(1977), Reprise], B+

Woody Guthrie (1912–67)

Dust Bowl Ballads [1940, Rounder], A–
The Library of Congress Recordings [1940, Rounder, 3 CD], B
This Land Is Your Land: The Asch Recordings, Vol. 1 [1944–47, Smithsonian/Folkways], A
Muleskinner Blues: The Asch Recordings, Vol. 2 [1944, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+(***)
Hard Travelin': The Asch Recordings, Vol. 3 [1944–49, Smithsonian/Folkways], A–
Buffalo Skinners: The Asch Recordings, Vol. 4 [1944–45, Smithsonian/Folkways], A–
Struggle [1946, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Brian Harnetty

American Winter [2007, Atavistic], A–
w/Bonnie "Prince" Billy: Silent City [2009, Atavistic], B+(**)
The Star-Faced One: From the Sun Ra/El Saturn Archives [2013, Atavistic], B+(*)
Rawhead and Bloodybones [2015, Dust-to-Digital], B+(**)

John Hartford (1937–2001)

RCA Country Legends [1967–70, Buddha], B+(***)
Me Oh My, How the Time Does Fly: A John Hartford Anthology [1976–84, Flying Fish], B+(**)

Kirby Heard

Mama's Biscuits [2019, self-released], B+(**)

The Henrys

Paydirt [2020, HR-2019], B+(*)

Tish Hinojosa (1955– )

Culture Swing [1990, A&M], B+
The Best of the Sandia: Watermelon 1991–1992 [1991–92, Watermelon], B
Dreaming of the Labyrinth / Soñar del Laberinto [1996, Warner Brothers], B+(***)

Robin Holcomb (1954– )

Robin Holcomb [1990, Elektra], B+(*)
w/Wayne Horvitz: Solos [2004, Songlines], B+

Roscoe Holcomb (1912–81)

The High Lonesome Sound [1961–74, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+(*)

Lonnie Holley (1950– )

Keeping a Record of It [2013, Dust-to-Digital], B+(**)
MITH [2018, Jagjaguwar], B
Oh Me Oh My [2023, Jagjaguwar], B+(*)

Holy Modal Rounders [1963– ]

Holy Modal Rounders 1 & 2 [1964, Fantasy], A
Live in 1965 [1965, HMR], B+
Indian War Whoop [1967, ESP], B
The Moray Eels Eat the Holy Modal Rounders [1969, Water], B+
Good Taste Is Timeless [1971, Sundazed], B+
Bird Song: Live 1971 [1971, Water], B+
Alleged in Their Own Time [1975, Rounder], A–
Unholy Modal Rounders: Unholier Than Thou 7/7/77 [1977, Don Giovanni, 2CD], A
Last Round [1979, Adelphi], B+
Too Much Fun [1999, Rounder], A–
I Make a Wish for a Potato [1975–99, Rounder], A

Cisco Houston (1918–61)

The Folkways Years 1944–1961 [1944–61, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Lena Hughes (1904–98)

Queen of the Flat Top Guitar [2013, Tompkins Square, EP], B+(**)

Michael Hurley (1941– )

First Songs [1964, Folkways], B
Armchair Boogie [1971, Warner Brothers], B+
w/Unholy Modal Rounders, Jeffrey Frederick and the Clamtones: Have Moicy! [1976, Rounder], A+
Long Journey [1976, Rounder], A–
Snockgrass [1980, Rounder], B+
Watertower [1988, Fundamental], B
Down in Dublin [2004, Blue Navigator], B+
Ancestral Swamp [2007, Gnomonsong], B+(**)
Ida Con Snock [2009, Gnomonsong], B+(**)
Time of the Foxgloves [2021, No Quarter], B+(**)

Hurray for the Riff Raff

My Dearest Darkest Neighbor [2013, Mod Mobillian/This Is American Music], B+(**)
Small Town Heroes [2014, ATO], B+(**)
The Navigator [2017, ATO], B+(*)
Life on Earth [2021, Nonesuch], B+(***)
The Past Is Still Alive [2024, Nonesuch], A–

Kara Jackson (2000– )

Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? [2023, September], B+(*)

Ella Jenkins (1924– )

Little Johnny Brown [1971, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+(***)

Joy Kills Sorrow

This Unknown Science [2011, Signature Sounds], B+(**)

Si Kahn (1941– )

New Wood [1974, Philo], A–
Home [1979, Flying Fish], B+

Robert Earl Keen Jr. (1956– )

Live From Austin TX [2001, New West], B+(*)
Ready for Confetti [2011, Lost Highway], B+(**)

Kingston Trio [1956–1968]

Capitol Collectors Series [1956–64, Capitol], B+

Leo Kottke (1945– )

Ice Water [1974, One Way], B–

John Kruth (1955– )

Banshee Mandolin [1992, Flying Fish], B+(***)
Eva Destruction [2006, Crustacean], B+(**)
Splitsville [2008, Smiling Fez], A–
The Drunken Wind of Life: The Poem/Songs of Tin Ujevic [2015, Smiling Fez], A–
w/La Società dei Musici: Forever Ago [2018, Ars Sploetium], A–
Love Letters From the Lazaretto [2020, self-released], B+(***)

Jim Kweskin (1940– )

Acoustic Swing and Jug [(1998), Vanguard], B+
Never Too Late: Duets With Friends [2024, Storysound], B+(***)

Pokey LaFarge

Middle of Everywhere [2011, Continental Song City], B+(**)

Stephanie Lambring

Autonomy [2020, self-released], B+(**)

Christine Lavin (1951– )

Future Fossils [1984, Philo], B+
Good Thing He Can't Read My Mind [1988, Philo], B+(**)
Compass [1991, Philo], B+

Eddy Lawrence

Up the Road [1988, Snowplow], B+
Whiskers and Scales and Other Tall Tales [1989, Snowplow], A–
Used Parts [1992, Snowplow], B+(**)

Jeffrey Lewis (1975– )

The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane and Other Favorites [2002, Rough Trade], B+(*)
It's the Ones Who've Cracked That the Light Shines Through [2003, Rough Trade/Sanctuary], B+(***)
12 Crass Songs [2007, Rough Trade], A–
'Em Are I [2009, Rough Trade], B+(**)
A Turn in the Dream-Songs [2011, Rough Trade], B+(***)
w/Peter Stampfel: Hey Hey It's . . . the Jeffrey Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band [2013, self-released], B+(*)
Jeffrey Lewis and the Jrams [2014, self-released], B+(***)
"A Loot-Beg Bootleg" [2014, self-released], B+(***)
Jeffrey Lewis and Los Bolts: Manhattan [2015, Rough Trade], A–
w/Peter Stampfel: Both Ways (The Great Lost 2017 Double-Album) [2017, self-released], B+(**)
Works by Tuli Kupferberg (1923–2010) [2018, Don Giovanni], A–
Jeffrey Lewis and the Voltage: Bad Wiring [2019, Don Giovanni], A–
When That Really Old Cat Dies [2014–2018, self-released, EP], B+(*)
Asides and B-Sides (2014–2018) [2014–2018, self-released], B+(***)

Gordon Lightfoot (1938–2023)

Gord's Gold [(1975), Reprise], B

Li'l Andy

Li'l Andy & Karaoke Cowboy: Home in Landfill Acres [2008, self-released], B+(**)
All Who Thirst Come to the Waters [2010, self-released], B+(*)
While the Engines Burn [2024, self-released], B
All the Love Songs Lied to Us [2019, self-released], B+(**)
The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter (1925–1930) [2022, Back-to-Wax], B+(***)

Bascom Lamar Lunsford (1882–1973)

Ballads, Banjo Tunes and Sacred Songs of Western North Carolina [1928–49, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+(*)

Mama's Broke

Count the Wicked [2017, self-released], B+(***)
Narrow Line [2022, Free Dirt], B+(**)

Leyla McCalla (1985– )

Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes [2013, Smithsonian Folkways], B+(***)
A Day for the Hunter, a Day for the Prey [2016, Jazz Village], B+(**)
Capitalist Blues [2019, Jazz Village], A–
Breaking the Thermometer [2022, Anti-], B+(***)
Sun Without the Heat [2024, Anti-], A–

Mary McCaslin (1946–2022)

Way Out West [1973, Philo], A–
Prairie in the Sky [1975, Philo], B+(***)
Old Friends [1977, Philo], A–
w/Jim Ringer: The Bramble and the Rose [1978, Philo], A–
Things We Said Today: The Best of Mary McCaslin [1973–78, Philo], A
A Life and Time [1981, Flying Fish], B+(***)
Broken Promises [1994, Philo], B+(**)
Better Late Than Never [2006, Mary McCaslin Music], B+(***)

Kate and Anna McGarrigle [1976– ]

Kate and Anna McGarrigle [1976, Hannibal], A
Dancer with Bruised Knees [1977, Hannibal], A+
Tell My Sister [1977–78, Nonesuch, 3CD], A
Pronto Monto [1978, Warner Brothers], B
French Record [1981, Hannibal], B+
Love Over and Over [1983, Polydor], A–
Heartbeats Accelerating [1990, Private], B–
Odditties [1973–90, Querbeservice], A–
Matapedia [1996, Hannibal], A–
The McGarrigle Hour [1998, Hannibal], B

Lori McKenna (1968– )

Paper Wings and Halo [2000, Orchard], B+(**)
The Kitchen Tapes [2001, Gyrox], B+(*)
Pieces of Me [2001, Signature Sounds], B+(***)
Bittertown [2004, Signature Sounds], B+(**)
Unglamorous [2007, Warner Brothers], B+(***)
Lorraine [2011, Signature Sounds], B+(*)
Massachusetts [2013, Liz Rose Music], B+(***)
The Bird and the Rifle [2016, CN/Thirty Tigers], A–
The Tree [2018, CN/Thirty Tigers], A–
The Balladeer [2020, CN], A–
Christmas Is Right Here [2021, CN, EP], B+(***)
1988 [2023, CN], A–

Loreena McKennitt (1957– )

An Ancient Muse [2006, Verve/Quinlan Road], B+(**)

Erin McKeown (1977– )

Sing Your Sinners [2006, Nettwerk], B+(***)

Anaïs Mitchell (1981– )

Hadestown [2010, Righteous Babe], B–
Young Man in America [2012, Wilderland], B+(*)
w/Jefferson Hamer: Child Ballads [2013, Wilderland], A–
Anaïs Mitchell [2022, BMG], B+(**)

Chad Mitchell (1939– )

The Chad Mitchell Trio Collection: The Original Kapp Recordings [1960–62, Varese], B

Hugh Moffatt (1948– )

w/Katy Moffatt: Dance Me Outside [1992, Philo], B

Katy Moffatt (1950– )

The Greatest Show on Earth [1993, Philo], A–

Bill Morrissey (1951–2011)

North [1986, Philo], B+(*)
Bill Morrissey [1991, Philo], B+(*)
w/Greg Brown: Friend of Mine [1993, Philo], B+(**)

Jenni Muldaur (1965– )

Jenni Muldaur [1992, Reprise], B
w/Teddy Thompson: Once More (Sing the Country Duets) [2021–2023, Sun], A–

Zoe Muth

Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers: Sarlight Hotel [2011, Signature Sounds], B+(***)

Fred Neil (1937–2001)

Fred Neil [1967, Water], A–

Kinloch Nelson (1950– )

Partly on Time: Recordings 1968–1970 [1968–70, Tompkins Square], B+(*)

Tara Nevins

Mule to Ride [1999, Sugar Hill], B+(*)

The New Lost City Ramblers [1958– ]

The Early Years 1958–1962 [1958–62, Smithsonian/Folkways], A–
Volume II: Out Standing in Their Field [1963–73, Smithsonian/Folkways], A–
There Ain't No Way Out [1997, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band [1965– ]

Will the Circle Be Unbroken [1972, EMI, 2 CD], A
Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2 [1989, MCA/Universal], B+

Phil Ochs (1940–76)

The War Is Over: The Best of Phil Ochs [1967–70, A&M], C–
There But for Fortune [(1989), Elektra], B

Odetta (1930– )

To Ella [1998, Silverwolf], B

Maura O'Connell (1958– )

Blue Is the Colour of Hope [1992, Warner Brothers], B

Ol' Savannah [2011– ]

They Lie in Wait [2022, Anticapital], B+(**)

J.S. Ondara

Folk N' Roll, Vol. 1: Tales of Isolation [2020, Verve Forecast], B
Spanish Villager No: 3 [2022, Verve Forecast], B+(*)

Charlie Parr (1967– )

Hollandale [2014, Chaperone], B+(*)
Stumpjumper [2015, Red House], B+(**)
Little Sun [2024, Smithsonian Folkways], B+(*)

Joel Paterson

Wheelhouse Rag: The Original Fingerstyle Guitar Instrumentals of Joel Paterson [2021, Jalopy], B+(**)

Peter, Paul and Mary [1961– ]

The Best of Peter, Paul and Mary: Ten Years Together [1962–69, Warner Brothers], B
The Very Best of Peter Paul and Mary [1962–2003, Warner Brothers/Rhino], C+

Utah Phillips (1935– )

I've Got to Know [1991, AK Press], B
w/Ani DiFranco: The Past Didn't Go Anywhere [1996, Righteous Babe], A–
w/Ani DiFranco: Fellow Workers [1999, Righteous Babe], B+

Phranc (1957– )

Folksinger [1985, Island], B

Rod Picott (1964– )

Welding Burns [2011, Welding Rod], A–
Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail [2014, Welding Rod], B+(***)
Fortune [2015, Welding Rod], B+(***)

Allison Pierce (1975– )

Year of the Rabbit [2017, Masterworks], B+(*)

Chris Pierce

American Silence [2021, Pierce], B+(*)

Jana Pochop

The Astronaut [2022, self-released], B+(**)

John Prine (1946–2020)

Chicago '70: The Early Sessions [1970, Hobo], B+(***)
The Singing Mailman Delivers [1970, Oh Boy, 2CD], B+(***)
John Prine [1971, Atlantic], A
Diamonds in the Rough [1972, Atlantic], A–
Sweet Revenge [1973, Atlantic], A
Common Sense [1975, Atlantic], A
Prime Prine: The Best of John Prine [1971–75, Atlantic], A–
Bruised Orange [1978, Asylum], B+
September 78 [1978, Oh Boy], B+(***)
Pink Cadillac [1979, Asylum], B
Storm Windows [1980, Oh Boy], A–
Aimless Love [1984, Oh Boy], A–
Live in Asheville '86 [1986, Oh Boy], B+(**)
German Afternoons [1988, Oh Boy], B+
John Prine Live [1988, Oh Boy], B+(*)
The Missing Years [1991, Oh Boy], A
Great Days: The John Prine Anthology [1971–91, Rhino, 2 CD], A+
Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings [1995, Oh Boy], A
Live on Tour [1997, Oh Boy], B+
In Spite of Ourselves [1999, Oh Boy], A
Souvenirs [2000, Oh Boy], B+
Fair and Square [2005, Oh Boy], A–
w/Mac Wiseman: Standard Songs for Average People [2007, Oh Boy], B+(*)
In Person & on Stage [2010, Oh Boy], B+(**)
For Better, or Worse [2016, Oh Boy], A–
The Tree of Forgiveness [2018, Oh Boy], A–

Joe Pug

Messenger [2010, Lightning Rod], B+(**)

The Ragpicker String Band

The Ragpicker String Band [2015, Yellow Dog], A–

Dave Rawlings

Dave Rawlings Machine: Nashville Obsolete [2015, Acony], B+(*)

Leon Redbone (1949–2019)

On the Track [1975, Warner Brothers], B+

Dan Reeder (1954– )

Dan Reeder [2004, Oh Boy], B–
Every Which Way [2020, Oh Boy], B

Jenny Reynolds

Any Kind of Angel [2020, Pretty Okay Music], B+(**)

Jim Ringer (1936–92)

Waitin' for the Hard Times to Go [1972, Folk-Legacy], B+(*)
The Band of Jesse James: Best of Jim Ringer [1973–81, Rounder], B+(*)

Jean Ritchie (1922–2015)

w/Doc Watson: Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson at Folk City [1963, Smithsonian/Folkways], A–

Emily Scott Robinson

Traveling Mercies [2019, Tone Tree Music], B+(***)

Terre Roche (1953– )

Inner Adult [2024, self-released], B+(**)

Stan Rogers (1949–83)

Fogarty's Cove [1977, Fogarty's Cove], B

Jack Rose (1971–2009)

Luck in the Valley [2009, Thrill Jockey], B+(*)

Kevin Roth (1957– )

Between the Notes [2006, Star Gazer], B

Mike Seeger (1933– )

Solo — Oldtime Country Music [1991, Rounder], B
Third Annual Farewell Reunion [1994, Rounder], B+
Southern Banjo Sounds: An Anthology of Style and Technique [1998, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Pete Seeger (1919–2014)

Darling Corey and Goofing-Off Suite [1950–55, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+
American Industrial Ballads [1957, Smithsonian/Folkways], B–
The Complete Bowdoin College Concert 1960 [1960, Smithsonian Folkways, 2CD], A–
The Essential Pete Seeger [1941–66, Columbia/Legacy], A–
If I Had a Hammer: Songs of Hope and Struggle [1955–98, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Joan Shelley (1985– )

Over and Even [2015, No Quarter], B+(*)
The Spur [2022, No Quarter], B+(**)

Shel Silverstein (1932–99)

The Best of Shel Silverstein: His Words His Songs His Friends [1965–85, Columbia/Legacy], B
Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook [2005, Harper Children's Audio], B–

Chris Smither (1944– )

I'm a Stranger Too! [1970, Poppy], B+(**)
Don't It Drag On [1972, Poppy], B+(***)
Honeysuckle Dog [1973, Okra-Tone], B
In Ain't Easy [1984, Adelphi], B+(**)
Another Way to Find You [1991, Flying Fish], B
Small Revelations [1997, Hightone], B+(***)
Drive You Home Again [1999, High Tone], B
Leave the Light On [2006, Signature Sounds], B+(***)
Time Stands Still [2009, Signature Sounds], B+(***)
Hundred Dollar Valentine [2012, Signature Sounds], B+(*)
Still on the Levee [2014, Signature Sounds, 2CD], B+(*)
All About the Bones [2024, Signature Sounds], A–

The Smothers Brothers

Sibling Revelry: The Best of the Smothers Brothers [1962–68, Rhino], B+(**)

Todd Snider (1966– )

Songs for the Daily Planet [1994, MCA], A–
Step Right Up [1996, MCA], B+(***)
Step Right Up [1996, MCA], B+(***)
Viva Satellite [1998, MCA], B+(**)
That Was Me 1994–1998 [1994–98, Hip-O], A–
Happy to Be Here [2000, Oh Boy], B+(***)
New Connection [2002, Oh Boy], B+(**)
Live: Near Truths and Hotel Rooms [2003, Oh Boy], A
East Nashville Skyline [2004, Oh Boy], A
Peace, Love and Anarchy (Rarities, B-Sides and Demos, Vol. 1) [2000–2004, Oh Boy], A–
The Devil You Know [2006, New Door], A
Crank It, We're Doomed [2007, Aimless], A–
Peace Queer [2008, Aimless, EP], A–
The Excitement Plan [2009, Yep Roc], A–
Live: The Storyteller [2010, Aimless, 2CD], A
Agnostic Hymns and Stoner Fables [2012, Aimless/Thirty Tigers], A
Time as We Know It: The Songs of Jerry Jeff Walker [2012, Aimless], B+(*)
Eastside Bulldog [2016, Aimless, EP], B+(***)
Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3 [2019, Aimless], A–
First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder [2021, Aimless], A–
Live: Return of the Storyteller [2021, Aimless, 2CD], A–
Songs for the Daily Planet (Purple Version) [2020, Aimless], B+(**)
Step Right Up (Purple Version) [2020, Aimless], B+(**)
Viva Satellite (Purple Version) [2020, Aimless], B+(*)

Peter Stampfel (1938– )

w/Steve Weber: Going Nowhere Fast [1981, Rounder], A–
Peter Stampfel and the Bottlecaps: Demo '84 [1984, Don Giovanni], A
Peter Stampfel and the Bottlecaps [1986, Rounder], B+
The People's Republic of Rock n' Roll [1989, Homestead], B+
You Must Remember This [1995, Gert Town], A–
w/The Dysfunctionells: Not in Our Wildest Dreams [1994–96, Don Giovanni], B+(*)
Dook of the Beatniks [1999, Piety Street Files & Archaic], B+(***)
The Jig Is Up [1984–99, Blue Navigator], A–
Antonia's 11 [1975–2006, Blue Navigator], A–
w/Baby Gramps: Outertainment [2010, Red Newt], B+(***)
w/Zoë Stampfel: Ass in the Air [2010, Jolly Olga], B+(**)
w/Jeffrey Lewis: Come on Board [2011, self-released], A–
A Sure Sign of Something [2011, KormDigitaal], B+(**)
The Sound of America [2013, Red Newt], A–
Peter Stampfel and the Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan Banjo Squadron: Better Than Expected [2014, Don Giovanni], B+(**)
Have Moicy 2: The Hoodoo Bash [2015, Red Newt], A–
Peter Stampfel and the Brooklyn & Lower Manhattan Fiddle/Mandolin Swarm: Holiday for Strings [2016, Don Giovanni], A–
Peter Stampfel and the Atomic Meta Pagans: The Ordovician Era [2019, Don Giovanni], B+(*)
Peter Stampfel's 20th Century in 100 Songs [2021, Louisiana Red Hot], B+(**)
w/Eli Smith, Walker Shepard: Wildernauts [2024, Don Giovanni], B+(**)

Andy Statman

The Hidden Light [1998, Sony], B+

Styrofoam Winos

Styrofoam Winos Play Their Favorite M. Hurley Songs [2022, Sophomore Lounge], B+(*)

Sweet Honey in the Rock [1973– ]

Still on the Journey [1993, Earthbeat], B+

3hattrio

Lord of the Desert [2018, Okehdokee], B+(**)

Anna Tivel

Small Believer [2017, Fluff and Gravy], A–

Trout Fishing in America

Safe House [2022, Trout], B+(*)

Two Nice Girls [1989–1992]

2 Nice Girls [1989, Rough Trade], B

William Tyler (1979– )

Behold the Spirit [2010, Tompkins Square], B+(**)
Impossible Truth [2013, Merge], B+(**)
Modern Country [2016, Merge], B+(*)
Goes West [2019, Merge], B+(**)

Dave Van Ronk (1937– )

The Folkways Years (1959–1961) [1959–61, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+

Townes Van Zandt (1944–97)

For the Sake of a Song [1968, Poppy], B
High, Low and In Between [1972, Tomato], B
Sky Blue [1973, Fat Possum], B+(*)

Loudon Wainwright III (1947– )

Album I [1970, Collectors' Choice Music], B+(*)
Album II [1971, Collectors' Choice Music], B
Album III [1972, Columbia], B+
Attempted Mustache [1973, Columbia/Legacy], A–
Unrequited [1975, Columbia/Legacy], A
Final Exam [1978, Arista], B
A Live One [1976–78, Rounder], B
Fame and Wealth [1983, Rounder], B
I'm Alright [1985, Rounder], B+
More Love Songs [1986, Rounder], B+
Therapy [1989, Silvertone], B
History [1992, Charisma], B+
Career Moves [1993, Virgin], A
BBC Sessions [1971–93, Fuel 2000], B+
Grown Man [1995, Virgin], A–
Little Ship [1998, Charisma], B
Social Studies [1999, Hannibal], B–
Last Man on Earth [2001, Red House], A–
So Damn Happy [2003, Sanctuary], B+
Recovery [2008, Yep Roc], A–
High Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project [2008–2009, 161, 2 CD], A
10 Songs for the New Depression [2010, 2nd Story Sound], A–
Older Than My Old Man Now [2012, 2nd Story Sound], A
Haven't Got the Blues (Yet) [2014, 429 Records], B+(*)
Surviving Twin [2017, StorySound], B+(*)
Years in the Making [1973–2018, StorySound, 2CD], B+(***)
w/Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks: I'd Rather Lead a Band [2019, Search Party], B+(**)
Lifetime Achievement [2022, StorySound], A–

Ryley Walker (1989– )

All Kinds of You [2014, Tompkins Square], B+(*)
Primrose Green [2015, Dead Oceans], B+(**)
Golden Sings That Have Been Sung [2016, Dead Oceans], B+(*)

Abigail Washburn (1979– )

City of Refuge [2011, Rounder], B

Doc Watson (1923–2012)

The Doc Watson Family [1963, Smithsonian/Folkways], B
Doc Watson [1964, Vanguard], A
The Essential Doc Watson [1963–64, Vanguard], B+
Doc Watson and Son [1965, Vanguard], B+
w/Clarence Ashley: The Original Folkways Recordings of Doc Watson and Clarence Ashley [1960–67, Smithsonian/Folkways, 2 CD], A–
The Best of Doc Watson 1964–1968 [1964–68, Vanguard], A–
Memories [1975, Sugar Hill], A–

Gillian Welch (1967– )

Revival [1996, Almo], A–
Hell Among the Yearlings [1998, Almo], B+
Time (The Revelator) [2001, Acony], A–
Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1 [2002, Acony], B+(*)
Soul Journey [2003, Acony], B+
The Harrow and the Harvest [2011, Acony], B+(**)
w/David Rawlings: All the Good Times Are Past and Gone [2020, Acony], B+(**)
w/David Rawlings: Woodland [2024, Acony], B+(***)

Don White

Live at the Somerville Theatre [1995, Lyric Moon], B+
Brown Eyes Shine [1998, Lumperboy], B+

The White Buffalo

Shadows, Greys and Evil Ways [2013, Unison Music], B+(**)

William Elliott Whitmore (1978– )

Field Songs [2011, Anti-], A–
Kilonova [2018, Bloodshot], B+(**)

The Whitmore Sisters [2022– ]

Ghost Stories [2022, Red House], B+(**)

Dar Williams (1967– )

End of the Summer [1997, Razor & Tie], B

Yasmin Williams

Urban Driftwood [2021, Spinster], B+(**)

Ann Zimmerman

Blue Wild Indigo [2004, A-Z Music], A–

Various Artists

American Polka [(2002), Trikont], B+
American Primitive Vol. II [1897–1939, Revenant, 2 CD], A–
Anthology of American Folk Music [(1997), Smithsonian Folkways, 6 CD], A
The Appalachians [1927–2003, Dualtone], B
Beat the Retreat: Songs by Richard Thompson [1994, Capitol], B+
Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster [2004, Emergent], B+(***)
The Best of Broadside 1961–1988 [1962–88, Smithsonian/Folkways, 5 CD], B
Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine [2010, Oh Boy], B+(**)
Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2 [2021, Oh Boy], A–
Close to Home: Old Time Music from Mike Seeger's Collection [1952–67, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+
Folkways: A Vision Shared — A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly [1988, Columbia], A–
Folkways: The Original Vision [(1989), Smithsonian/Folkways], A–
Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music, Volume 4 [1928–40, Revenant, 2 CD], A
The Harry Smith Connection: A Live Tribute [1998, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+
Let's Put the Axe to the Axis: Songs of World War II [1941–45, Smithsonian/Folkways], B–
Link of Chain: A Songwriters' Tribute to Chris Smither [2011, Signature Sounds], B+(**)
Alan Lomax's American Patchwork [1978–83, Mississippi], B+(***)
Native North America, Vol. 1: Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985 [1966–85, Light in the Attic, 2CD], B+(*)
Note of Hope: A Celebration of Woody Guthrie [2011, 429 Records], A–
On the Road: A Tribute to John Hartford [2020, Lo Hi], B+(***)
Putumayo Presents: Americana [2002–2005, Putumayo World Music], B
Putumayo Presents: Québec [1993–2007, Putumayo World Music], B
The Revenge of Blind Joe Death: The John Fahey Tribute Album [2006, Takoma], B+(**)
River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the Mississippi [1995–97, Smithsonian/Folkways, 2 CD], B–
The Rose and the Briar: Death, Love and Liberty in the American Ballad [1927–2004, Columbia/Legacy], B–
The Rough Guide to Americana [1984–2001, World Music Network], B–
Southern Journey, Vol. 2: Ballads and Breakdowns [1959, Rounder], A–
Southern Journey, Vol. 3: 61 Highway Mississippi [1959, Rounder], B+(***)
Tribute to JJ Cale, Volume 1: The Vocal Sessions [2010, Zoho Roots], B–
Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies From the Canyon [1969–76, Numero Group], B

Introduction