How To: Become a Folk Music Convert

Wonderful Recent Folk Finds

(check them out . . . even if you don't think you like folk . . . you may be surprised)

1) Alt-J, is a newish band from Leeds, England. They're "Indie-rock/Psychedelic folk." The sound of their new album, An Awesome Wave, has an excellently original sound to it. I've never heard a band like them, and so, I've been listening to their fabulous art on repeat for weeks! Personal favorites from the album are "Breezeblocks" and "Fitzpleasure" (although, the entire album is growing on me more as I listen to it more thoroughly, which means it's getting harder to choose favorites).

2) The Dave Matthews Band's new CD, Away From The World, has been a completely un-regretted folk rock purchase. I have fallen in love with almost every song on the album, one by one; it is an absolutely beautiful album. Personal favorites from the album are "Sweet," "The Riff,"and "If Only."

3) Of Monsters and Men, who describe themselves as "folkie pop" came out with a really great album called My Head Is An Animal recently, filled with lovely little folky songs that are both pleasant and fun. The most common song that you've probably heard on the radio is called "Little Talks." Highly recommend. Personal favorites from the album are "From Finner," "Dirty Paws," and "Numb Bears."

4) Fleet Foxes, though not "recently" acquired, is a fabulous band! I highly recommend their second album, which, simply enough, is called Fleet Foxes. For a sad, raw, and simplistic folk sound, they are perfect. Personal favorites from the album are "Meadowlarks," "Your Protector," and "White Winter Hymnal."

5) The Avett Brothers' new "indie folk pop" album, The Carpenter; if you have any Avett Brother fans within your circle of friends (I know I've got a whole herd of them), then you're bound to have heard about it already. It's wonderful. I'm not even a big Avett Brothers fan, but this album is quite nice and definitely worth listening to! Personal favorite songs from the album are "February Seven,"and "Live and Die."

Other Folk(ish) bands to check out and destroy any stigma the genre may have include:

Nickel Creek

Phillip Phillips

Sleepy Eyed Fox

The Vespers

The Weepies

William Fitzsimmons

Angus and Julia Stone