So which are folk albums with only the sound of a guitar and the singer's voice? I think that folk music should be more that way, and i don't really know much about active artits who makes such music (if there's still some guys who makes music like that). There's Nick Drake - Pink Moon, Jose Gonzalez - Veneer, Johnny cash - american V, and??? Any suggestions?

J. Tillman is the master of this. His forst two albums, I Will Return and Long May You Run, are almost entirely just him and his guitar. They are two of my all-time favorite albums, and they were just released as a double-album, which you can buy at Sonic Boom Records. At only $12.99, you can't beat it. In fact, I really wish I had ordered 2 copies now. I'll probably snatch up another later.

Now you tell me. I just discovered Tillman yesterday, and I directly bought his most recent album off the label site I was listening to him on. Now you tell me he has older stuff I could have got for a dollar more as a double album.

Haha. I'm pretty sure I've posted that info somewhere else on the site earlier, but I really feel that the 2 albums on that double release are his best work. They are just flat-out amazing. Their beauty and power floor me every time. I've also read elsewhere that he's got songs for his next album already finished but that he hasn't gotten the whole record label situation worked out yet.

Well I paid 12 bucks for something I thought sounded good on the label site. It had nine songs on it, including "When I light your darkend door". It all happened so fast, I hardly realized I had bought it. I clicked something that said "Buy this album" just to see what all it came with, and then it said "Pay now with Paypal for free shipping", and I was like 'don't mind if I do'. And that was it. I don't even know what it's called. And it's not like I have money to throw around like this, so it had better be worth it.

Update: Alright, I just checked. It's called "Cancer and Delerium" on Yer Bird Records.

I like Cancer and Delirium quite a bit, but I do think it's his least great album.

That's good to know. If I like it a lot I'll have to give his others a shot.

Cancer and Delirium is one of my favorites of his.
Other than J. Tillman, there's also Iron & Wine's first LP The Creek Drank The Cradle and also the EP The Sea and the Rhythm, both excellent
After that, he adds layers of drums, guitars, piano, etc....

You can also try out Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Will Oldham's latest project. I think his thing is more electric guitar and voice (and a little drum or female singer here and there).

also, Damien Jurado

I really like Jason Molina of Magnolia Electric, Song:Ohia, etc.. Good stuff that sounds like it was written in the cab of a pickup.

Good call, Shadrach. Molina is one of the best when it comes to guitar and voice. He's got an amazing voice. Pyramid Electric Co, which is just him and guitar, is one of my all-time favorite albums. So haunting and stark.

definetly the first Great Lake Swimmers, a stunning album

Great Lake Swimmers have always bored me. I think their lead singer's voice is one of the dullest going. In fact, I think their best song is on that kids comp named for their song "See You On the Moon."

quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:
Great Lake Swimmers have always bored me. I think their lead singer's voice is one of the dullest going. In fact, I think their best song is on that kids comp named for their song "See You On the Moon."

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i discovered them two years ago when they opened for Andrew Bird and since then i've been a fan. Ongiara is a slight drop in form to me but their first two are great acoustic folk albums

can anyone add to this thread regarding specifically classical guitar? thanks

Guys, if you like finger-picked guitar virtuosos, you have to check for James Blackshaw. It's not guitar/voice only, but it's kinda guitar/cello/piano only :P . I ordered his last album "Lithany of echoes" and i'm sure i will really like it.