Great discussions here, so I thought I would add my two cents. Here are my top folk album recommendations. These are the albums that make the hair stand on your neck, and they never get old. Some of them are classics, and some of them are fairly unknown, but they are all amazing. These are my current favorite 7. I recommend all for your collection.

1) Neil Young - Harvest - From the opening song, you know this one is special. "I think I'll pack it in and buy a pick up.." Beautiful lines and wonderful memories.
2) Son Volt - Trace - Song after song is awe inspiring and full of soul. The lyrics are special and so is the steel guitar.
3) Drvin' N Cryin - Mystery Road. Remember this Georgia band? This album was a piece of art full of mandolins, acoustic guitars, and songs about the beauty of the South. If you don't have it, you should get it.
4) Fields of Fire - Flatt & Alvis - Who are these guys you ask? That's what I said, until I bought their album. The soulful harmonies and songwriting blew me away. A little bluegrass, folk, and southern rock all combined. These new guys will be big soon, but hopefully not too big. Check it out now.
5) Steve Earle and Del McCoury - The Mountain - The raw energy of Steve Earle with the best bluegrass band in the world. What an album! Del's high harmony adds a lot to Steve's soulful voice. Definitely one for your collection.
6) Tom Petty - Wildflowers - Let's face it - this was an Americana album, and it freakin' rules! Raw and beautiful. Someone told me he recorded all the vocals through an SM-58. This one is timeless.
7) The Tony Rice Unit - Manzanita - Holy crap, this is an allstar lineup of folk giants. You know its huge when Ricky Skaggs and Sam Bush are the backup musicians. I love this album everytime I hear it.

So, this is my top 7 for now. Of course, its likely to change , which is the beautiful thing about music, emotions, and freedoms.

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Originally posted by FolkisFreedom:
3) Drvin' N Cryin - Mystery Road. Remember this Georgia band? This album was a piece of art full of mandolins, acoustic guitars, and songs about the beauty of the South. If you don't have it, you should get it.

I've got one song from these guys called "Ain't It Strange." It's a really good track, but I've heard nothing else from them.

Nice list, but it lives just as comfortably here as in its own topic.

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