The envelope, please...

Posted by Brett Hooton Jun 5, 2006

The people have spoken! Democracy works! Well, at least here at Folk101 it does...

For the last two weeks, Folk101 has been polling readers in order to determine what should be the website's focus over the next little while. Well, the results are in...

Readers prefer to see more engaging, articulate and analytical album reviews.

Apparently, they (or at least the twelve people who voted for this option) prefer to be kept up-to-date on what new music is out, and which albums are worthy of their hard-earned cash.

Personally, I think it is our unrelenting compulsion as human beings to pick apart works of art that pushed this option over the top. But hey, at Folk101, we aim to please.

As a result, this week I will be posting a series of reviews on some of the most interesting albums that I've come across over the last few weeks.

First will be the posthumous two-disc album from Johnny Cash, entitled Personal File. This is one of several collections (not to mention a successful biopic) to be released since Cash's death in September 2003. The latest contains tracks that the country legend recorded at home, kept in his family safe, and never intended to release-or, at least, that's what the suits would have us believe. Folk101 will let you know if this album should have stayed locked in the vault.

The afterlife prolificacy of Mr. Cash also serves as the topic of this week's readers' poll. Do you consider the inevitable deluge of unearthed material to be necessary or exploitative? Please take a moment to cast your vote.

Next, Folk101 will review the sophomore effort of the San Francisco band, Two Gallants. Many of the songs on What the Toll Tells are reminiscent of Cash's music, written in the same murder-ballad tradition, and should provide a fascinating look at how contemporary musicians continue to respond to Cash's influence.

Finally, the week will wrap up with a review of current critical darlings, Band of Horses, and their album, Everything All the Time. Their record has been widely praised as one of the year's best. Check back to get Folk101's take on the matter.

It should be an interesting week. Thanks for all your support and please keep clicking!

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