Folk

Woody Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land

Woody Guthrie, a true punk in the best way.

Astral Weeks - 1968

listen while laying in a meadow in the summertime with your eyes closed

The Boys of Summer (First Aid Kit)

Every time the OG version of this song played on the radio, my mother would always sing along--this was "her" song in a way that her other favorites were not. It belonged to her before me, before she was a mother, when she was just herself. This version is my version of the song.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor (2019 Remaster)

subtly a soft rock legend

Townes Van Zandt - Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas, July 1973

Your favorite songwriter’s favorite songwriter, Townes was unbelievably witty, soulful, and intelligent. Some standout tracks for me are Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold, Fraternity Blues, and Brand New Companion.

In The Garden - Michael Hurley - 1976

Every single Michael Hurley song feels like a warm hug. All of his lyrics are so special and his hand drawn album covers (!!!)

New Commute

a treasure trove of niche folk music.

Linda Ronstadt's Canciones de mi Padre (1987)

Linda Ronstadt made compilation of her father's favorite rancheras & Mexican anthems that are near and near to my abuelita & I <3

Pete Seeger sings Amazing Grace

In 1980 Pete Seeger led a crowd through a “long meter” version “Amazing Grace” at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre. The session was famously recorded live as part of Seeger’s Singalong Sanders Theatre. Seeger directed thousands of pickup choirs throughout his lifetime, as he believed passionately in the healing power of group singing. Hearing the voices of this group of strangers grow in strength until they’re suspended in perfect unity by the third verse fills me with optimism for the year ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!

Marlon Williams - Make Way For Love

New Zealand singer / songwriter. one of the few records i own. see him live if you can, it's a magical experience.

Polegnala e Todora (Love Song) - Le Mystére des Voix Bulgares

One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Textural perfection. Makes you feel like you’re floating.

Vicente Fernández- Hijo del Pueblo (1974)

king of mariachi on loop 👀

The Gardener by The Tallest Man On Earth

A beautiful song about facing and overcoming insecurity in love. I'll cry if I think about it too hard in an abstract way, forget about listening to it.

Joan Baez - Swing Low Sweet Chariot (Live in France, 1973)

Calliope Meets Frank

I grew up playing violin / fiddle, and I had gone to camp with the cellist from this track, Natalie Haas. When she released the album Fire + Grace with Scottish fiddle player Alasdair Fraser, this first track on the album had me in tears. I listened to it on repeat for years and years and learned to play it and it's ingrained in my DNA at this point.

Memories by Leonard Cohen (1977)

some songs are kind of an epic

Einstein's Idea (Johnny Flynn)

This lyrically beautiful stargazing lullaby perfectly and somewhat brutally holds the overwhelm of what love for your child feels like, simultaneous with a longing and nostalgia for childhood and wonder.

Harvest Moon (Neil Young)

‘Love song’ is a tricky category because if you’re including songs about lust, infatuation, codependence, love lost or admiration from afar — that’s like 90% of songs ever written. Harvest Moon, beyond being one of the best from one of the best, is an ode to long lasting true love.

Tracy Chapman & Luciano Pavarotti - Baby Can I Hold You Tonight (Live)

The voices of both these beautiful humans give me goosebumps. Oh, to have been in the crowd for this magical moment.

Whatever (Folk Song in C)

Art in the simplest terms. This is my favorite song in the universe since the moment I heard it.

The Windmills of Your Mind (Taylor Rowley)

Put this on while you’re making coffee- the whole hour is soooo goooood 🎶🎶

"Riki Tiki Tavi" by Donovan in Barbarian

I won't spoil exactly how this track is used in the film but suffice to say it is brilliantly used as a foundation that ultimately bridges the gap between what feels like two very different stories. At once a palate cleanser and a sharp forewarning that one must solve their own problems, the song sets up the rest of the (very intense) movie. Runner up goes to the inclusion of "Be My Baby" at the end of the film. One of the greatest songs ever recorded and if you've seen the movie — a great fit for other reasons.

Sanningens Silverflod by Träd – Gräs och Stenar

Sweden, 1970

Folk Alley radio

Was listening to Bad on Paper podcast and Olivia recommended this listener-funded website/app that serves as a folk music radio station. I never know about new music of any kind especially since I’ve become an audiobook/podcast listener, but this is lovely to play while puttering around the house, or with windows down driving around the country ❤️