Best Folk Artists of the 2000s
The first decade of the 2000s has been chock full of incredible American folk music - from old timey stringbands to envelope-pushing indie folk and Americana. Folk music has emerged in the past ten years, back into the mainstream consciousness. Here's a look at ten of the best, most prominent and influential folk, roots, and Americana artists of the past ten years.
Gillian Welch had been making music for some time, but it was her work on the breakthrough film O Brother Where Art Thou helped kick off the 21st Century with the eye of mainstream culture on traditional American music. Since that soundtrack made its waves, Welch has released a handful of albums which have delivered some of the very best songs of the past decade. Together with musical partner David Rawlings, she has also become one of the most beloved live performers on the folk festival circuit. Gillian Welch is not a household name, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a folk music fan who wouldn't sing her praises.More »
Todd Snider has been releasing records for longer than just this decade, but can arguably be said to have hit his stride in the '00s. His narrative protest/topical album Peace Queer was one of the finest politically themed records of the decade, hands down, and Snider's tireless touring has piqued the interest of country, folk, and mainstream media.More »
As the early part of the '00s got underway, the evolution of the Bush Administration, a couple of overseas wars, and other political and social turmoil unfolded, there seemed to be a relative dearth of topical and protest msuic cutting through the din. Steve Earle was one of the most dedicated commenters in song. In addition to his political commentary, Earle did things like throw drum machines onto folk albums (controversial!) and produce a great record from Joan Baez.More »
While Alison Krauss and Union Station were a serious contender for this list, it's impossible to ignore the incredible influence and waves made by this collaboration. Once the public caught wind of the unlikely pairing (produced by T Bone Burnett), the buzz set in. The album Raising Sand delivered on that buzz, and then some, and then proceeded to sweep the Grammy Awards. Now, rumor has it there's a second version on its way, and it's likely to be even better than round one.More »
The Avett Brothers, like Neko Case, are another band who kicked off the decade strong and have spent the past 10 years building an audience slowly but surely, solidifying their stance and influence as one of the most talented groups in contemporary folk music. Pulling from bluegrass, folk, punk rock, jazz, and other styles of music, the Avetts have forged a path and a sound all their own. As a result, their style has put them at the forefront of the indie folk movement.More »
After decades of contributing outstanding rock music to the American songbook, Elvis Costello teamed up with Allen Toussaint to make one of the most stirring folk/roots/Americana albums of the decade. In addition, Costello's solo releases have proven quite prolific this decade, capping with 2009's Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, influenced largely by folk music and classic-style country.More »
1. Gillian Welch
Gillian Welch had been making music for some time, but it was her work on the breakthrough film O Brother Where Art Thou helped kick off the 21st Century with the eye of mainstream culture on traditional American music. Since that soundtrack made its waves, Welch has released a handful of albums which have delivered some of the very best songs of the past decade. Together with musical partner David Rawlings, she has also become one of the most beloved live performers on the folk festival circuit. Gillian Welch is not a household name, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a folk music fan who wouldn't sing her praises.More »
2. Todd Snider
Todd Snider has been releasing records for longer than just this decade, but can arguably be said to have hit his stride in the '00s. His narrative protest/topical album Peace Queer was one of the finest politically themed records of the decade, hands down, and Snider's tireless touring has piqued the interest of country, folk, and mainstream media.More »
3. Steve Earle
As the early part of the '00s got underway, the evolution of the Bush Administration, a couple of overseas wars, and other political and social turmoil unfolded, there seemed to be a relative dearth of topical and protest msuic cutting through the din. Steve Earle was one of the most dedicated commenters in song. In addition to his political commentary, Earle did things like throw drum machines onto folk albums (controversial!) and produce a great record from Joan Baez.More »
4. Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
While Alison Krauss and Union Station were a serious contender for this list, it's impossible to ignore the incredible influence and waves made by this collaboration. Once the public caught wind of the unlikely pairing (produced by T Bone Burnett), the buzz set in. The album Raising Sand delivered on that buzz, and then some, and then proceeded to sweep the Grammy Awards. Now, rumor has it there's a second version on its way, and it's likely to be even better than round one.More »
5. Carolina Chocolate Drops
As old time folk music goes, Carolina Chocolate Drops have been one of the best troupes to touch the style. They dropped their debut album right about mid-decade (Sankofa Strings' Colored Aristocracy) and quickly emerged as a favorite at festivals nationwide.More »6. Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers, like Neko Case, are another band who kicked off the decade strong and have spent the past 10 years building an audience slowly but surely, solidifying their stance and influence as one of the most talented groups in contemporary folk music. Pulling from bluegrass, folk, punk rock, jazz, and other styles of music, the Avetts have forged a path and a sound all their own. As a result, their style has put them at the forefront of the indie folk movement.More »
7. Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle has been one of this decade's best new artists, no question about it. He breezed onto the scene with his debut album Yuma in 2007, pulling as much from the Hank Williams school of country music as the Woody Guthrie school of American folk music. By the end of the decade, he had earned the praise and adoration of critics and fans worldwide, and scored the Americana Music Association's Emerging Artist of the Year award.More »8. Neko Case
Neko Case's debut dropped in 1997, but it's been this decade during which her solo career has really prospered, capping with the hugely-buzzed-about Middle Cyclone (easily one of the best albums of 2009). Her fiercely strong vocals, imaginative, daring arrangements, and infectious live performances have made her one of the most formidable talents in the folk/roots/Americana world. And her latest album peaked in Billboards Top 20 - a feat for an artist who spent most of the decade playing to more of a cult audience.More »9. Elvis Costello
After decades of contributing outstanding rock music to the American songbook, Elvis Costello teamed up with Allen Toussaint to make one of the most stirring folk/roots/Americana albums of the decade. In addition, Costello's solo releases have proven quite prolific this decade, capping with 2009's Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, influenced largely by folk music and classic-style country.More »
