Reviews and Blog Posts: Folk

Underappreciated Songwriters (Spotify playlist included!)

Submitted by Bobby on March 8, 2013 - 8:32am
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Damien Jurado

On the unique occasions that I listen to contemporary pop radio (usually caused by CPR pledge drives), I'm always struck by the superficiality of the songwriting. The songs aren't always of bad quality, but their priorities lie more with fun, sugary sounds. That's okay, but much like a nutritional diet, balance is key. In case your portion of substantial songwriting is meager, here are ten underappreciated artists just waiting to be discovered at the library.

I go through phases of saturating myself in the canon of older songwriters; Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Nick Drake, Gillian Welch, and Patty Griffin are among my favorites. But I've been fortunate enough to come across great young songwriters of different genres whose words stick with me long after I've turned off the stereo.

To be still

by Alela Diane

DPL Rating:
4
Reviewer:
Zac
Reviewed on:
January 13, 2013
Tags:

I have a crush on Alela Diane. Hailing from Portland, OR, she’s a stunning storyteller, her songs painting gentle landscapes of love and nature. Her voice is lilting, both slick and scuffed, and is layered amidst steel strings and mandolin melodies. It's difficult to label her musical style, but she's...

Woody Guthrie : An Okie Centennial

Submitted by Bobby on September 14, 2012 - 3:22pm
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Woody Guthrie

July 14th, 2012 marked what would've been Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday. Although he passed away in 1967, his legacy is as vibrant as ever.

Like many of my generation, I was introduced to Woody in my elementary school music class. Along with songs such as "And the Green Grass Grew All Around" and "Rainbow Connection," "This Land Is Your Land" was a staple of our teacher's singing selections. Of course we sang the sanitized version which excluded the political verses. I don't remember knowing who actually wrote it but it just went into the mental category of "Songs Everyone Knows."

Regina Spektor Alert

Submitted by KristinG on June 13, 2012 - 12:43pm
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Cover of Regina Spektor's 2012 album, What We Saw from the Cheap Seats

Maybe it's her background as a child immigrant from the former Soviet Union to America in the late '80s that informs her fascinating lyrics, but as for Regina Spektor's interesting musical compositions and gemlike vocals, it's got to be raw talent. Get on the library's hold list sooner rather than later for her new album hot off the press, What We Saw from the Cheap Seats.

After recently coming across Spektor's performances of the songs "Small Town Moon" and "Ballad of a Politician" from this album, aired on the Colbert Report, I immediately regretted having previously put off listening to her music.

Folky Songstresses

Submitted by Bobby on October 26, 2011 - 2:18pm
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Laura Marling

I'm using the term "folky" somewhat liberally here, but I didn't know how else to group this contingent of amazing female artists whose siren songs have been dominating my music listening as of late.

Here's a Spotify* playlist with some sample tracks or order their albums to be sent to your local library if you're interested in full listen.

Avoiding the Sophomore Slump?

Submitted by Bobby on May 2, 2011 - 9:10am
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Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

It must be a daunting prospect. Your debut album exceeds all expectations of acclaim and now you're faced with trying to follow it up? Can you avoid the "sophomore slump" that plagues so many bands who find themselves in this situation. A batch of young artists are now releasing their second efforts with thick anticipation from the music world.

Here are some notable ones:

Harpist Star Edwards

Submitted by Tara on December 1, 2010 - 9:30am
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Holiday madness got you down? Take an hour off from your busy schedule and join harpist, Star Edwards in our Beehive. Relax and enjoy her soothing sounds on Saturday, December 4, at 2 p.m. at the Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library.
 

In addition to being a renowned harpist, Star Edwards is the author of Learn to Play Celtic Harp: Four Levels of Learning, Learn One Hand at a Time, One Clef at a Time. You can even sign up to take lessons from her at the Swallow Hill Music School.

More Celtic Harp Music:

Happy Birthday Ani DiFranco!

Submitted by Tara on September 23, 2010 - 8:01am
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Ani DiFranco

Born today in 1970, Ani DiFranco is a Grammy-winning songstress, guitarist and songwriter. In 1989, she started her own record company, Righteous Babe Records. Her music is raw, empowering and brilliant.

Selected discography as owned by Denver Public Library:

Folk: Music of the People

Submitted by Tara on September 14, 2010 - 9:17pm
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Folk is a music of the people. While its history lies in the word of mouth conveyance of folklore, its present remains rooted in traditional music. Popularized in the 60s, Folk continues to thrive as new generations find their voice.

Mile High Music Festival

Submitted by Tara on August 12, 2010 - 6:09pm
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Mile High Music Festival (poster)

If you hear a ruckus coming from The Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park this weekend, it's just the Mile High Music Festival. 45 musical artists will be playing August 14 and 15, including some of the hottest bands out there!

The lineup is stellar. Many have released a new album this year!

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