The Anthology of American Folk Music

by Dan Murray

With the record sales of the sound track of the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and the pending release
of the Civil War drama “Cold Mountain,” there seems to be an intrest in folk and old-time music not seen
since the 1960’s. Although this newer generation of folk music has all the advantages of modern sound
equipment, earlier recordings still seem to have a strange draw. That’s why Folkways Records decided to
re-release “The Anthology of American Folk Music.”

Originally released in the 1950’s, the Anthology inspired the folk revival of the 1950s and ‘60s. It was a collection of old pirated folk songs recorded mostly in the later half of the ‘20s for this collection of folk, folk-blues, and Cajun music. The artists chosen, such as Uncle Dave Macon, the Carter Family, Mississippi John Hurt, and Blind Lemon Jefferson, were truly great musicians. They had already inspired modern country music, bluegrass, blues, rock-and-roll, and zydeco, and they would go on to inspire another generation to create folk-rock.

These were truly great musicians. As you see, the “Anthology of American Folk Music” is a great collection of music. If you want to know where modern American music comes from, you are a fan of old time music, or you just want to hear good old music, you should definitely think of the Anthology.

RATING: 4 out of 4 stars ****

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