Although opting not to include the most famous folk artist (Bob Dylan) in their catalogue, this is nonetheless a fine collection stretching over three decades of the genre's evolution. Pete Seeger is joined by a host of influential folk luminaries - including Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Flatt & Scruggs, the Carter Family and the Clancy Brothers. Superb.
Buy Amazon
Classic Bluegrass Various Artists 1961-92 [Smithsonian Folkways]
The recordings made for Moses Asch's Folkways label represent a veritable treasure trove of American folk history. This one features bluegrass greats like Bill Monroe and Doc Watson, as well as a few from the next generation and some long lost gems. For Appalachian magic check out the label's Classic Mountain Songs.
Buy Amazon
Folk Hits of the '60s Various Artists 1960s [Shout Factory]
Also including three pre-60s classics by the likes of Woody Guthrie, the Weavers and Harry Belafonte - this is the collection for American folkniks looking to relive radio playlists from the folk revival era. Big hits from the Kingston Trio, the Rooftop Singers, Bobby Darin and We Five join some true gems by Joan Baez, Judy Collins and many more.
Buy Amazon
Greatest Folksingers of the 'Sixties Various Artists 1960s [Vanguard]
A nifty two-fer from one of the premier labels of the folk revival. The first half of the disc features artists from the Vanguard stable, while the second consists of live recordings from the Newport Folk Festival. The result is a pretty good overview of the best of the best from the 1960s and the rare inclusion of an early Bob Dylan track on a compilation.
Buy Amazon
Philo So Far - The 20th Anniversary Folk Sampler Various Artists 1973-93 [Rounder/Philo]
A fantastic 16-track sampler featuring some of the top names in modern folk music. Although very difficult to single-out any particular tracks as standouts, it would be negligent to overlook contributions by Nanci Griffith, Tom Russell, Greg Brown and Vance Gilbert. A personal favourite is 'Bald Headed Men' by Four Bitchin' Babes.
Gather in the Mushrooms Various Artists 1968-74 [Castle]
Subtitled The British Acid Folk Underground, this music has also been dubbed 'wyrd folk'. Featured is an unbeatable collection of acoustically-oriented and somewhat psychedelic folk tunes by Pentangle, Sandy Denny, Bert Jansch and a host of eccentrically obscure artists. Followed by the equally enlightening Early Morning Hush. Highly recommended.
Buy Amazon
English Folk Anthology Various Artists 1967-99 [Retro/Topic] 2CDs
Budget 2CD set from the vaults of Topic records focussing primarily on the 80s and 90s. Some of the biggest names in English folk are represented - including Richard Thompson, the Watersons, Maddy Prior and Martin Carthy. One of the best on offer thanks to the alarming regularity of Brit-folk collections quickly going out of print.
Buy Amazon
A Nod to Bob Various Artists 2001 [Red House]
Subtitled An Artists' Tribute to Bob Dylan on His Sixtieth Birthday, in folk terms this compilation is simply outstanding. Featured here from the Red House stable of artists is Eliza Gilkyson, the Roches, John Gorka, Martin Simpson, Lucy Kaplansky, Greg Brown and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. Hard to miss with a lineup like that.
