Warning: darkness and anger may vary. No terms or conditions apply.
Folk music is the original DIY music, and thus it reflects the reality of the average citizen. It's telling that the subject matter is usually full of darkness (both literal and figurative) and death. Below is a not at all comprehensive list of folk and folk-related bands that appeal to me in some way. That means they are usually grim or righteously angry, preferably both. Some of them are also hauntingly beautiful. Acts that combine all of these qualities are usually at the top of my list.
I'm currently listening to Whip "Blues For Losers", which is Jason Merritt of Timesbold and, more recently, Miracle Whips. I was introduced to this little world within a world when I saw Timesbold kick off a show way back when that ended in a bit of a trainwreck when the second band played too long, leaving Greg Weeks and Six Organs of Admittance to rail against the harsh reality of closing time. The whole show, musicians and audience, actually migrated to another venue (Hemlock Tavern) in an attempt to continue, but to no avail. leaving Weeks to issue refunds to people who wanted them. Timesbold was my positive take-away from the evening. There is a little bit of Tom Waits in the mix here, with a heaping helping of melancholy americana. All three projects/bands come highly recommended. There isn't a Bandcamp page for Whip, but there are for the other two.
Miracle Whips Bandcamp here (as of this writing, there is one copy of the cassette version of their album - maybe it could be yours!).
Speaking of a little bit of Tom Waits, ex-Chumbawamba rabble rouser Danbert Nobacon has gruffened up a bit in recent years, and is releasing music that isn't too far removed from Waits. Or maybe it's just me. I do notice that the one album he has available via his first Bandcamp page is tagged with the words "pirate boogie," which is somehow appropriate. Think sea shanties with a conscience. Music for our times. The second link takes you to his more recent releases. As always, expect well thought out critiques of entitlement and greed, plus pretty much everything else that ails us.
Danbert Nobacon Bandcamp here.
Danbert Nobacon & the Axis of Dissent Bandcamp here.
Where do we go from there? Perhaps Blackbird Raum, who are/were a punk band masquerading as a folk band, or perhaps vice versa. If you want to hear hoarse shouting merged with accordions, washboards, and other folk instruments, perhaps Blackbird Raum is for you. There is a definite Chumbawamba influence both musically and philosophically. The music is often driving and angry, but room is left for beauty to leak in. I've included links to a couple of other related projects too, the beautifully haunting Cinder Well, and the more chamber-folky but still just as beautiful Pale Robin.
My train of thought leads down the rails to stop at Lankum, who have a fearless mindset similar to Blackbird Raum, and produce some fantastic modern takes on old Irish folk standards. This isn't your grandparents revolution!
Moving over to England, we have Stick In the Wheel, who I had the good fortune to see on stage the last time I was in the UK. More beautiful folk music with an edge, and an excellent live band.
Stick In The Wheel Bandcamp here.
One international flight later, and we're in Santa Cruz, California, where Byssus reside. Byssus is a duo featuring accordion and guitar, and the results are haunting, beautiful, and necessary. Just one short release so far, but it's a great one.
I'll stop here for the day. There are lots of other bands still to mention, but I'll save some for later.
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