Disc one - The 1960s: This is the disc that seems most closely tied to the Folk music side of things, but maybe that's just me because of my memories of the era. It includes 18 tracks, with familiar tunes such as Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," and Linda Ronstadt in her Stone Poneys days with "Different Drum." But it also has some that might surprise you a little. Examples include "That’s the Bag I’m In," by Fred Neil, and "Morning Dew" by Tim Rose. Among the other artists included are Donovan, The Turtles, and The Band.
Disc Two - The 1970s: Here we have a transitional period with the line between Folk and Rock blurring. Included among its 17 tracks are Arlo Guthrie's "Coming Into Los Angeles," Joan Baez with "Diamonds And Rust," and James Taylor singing "Anywhere Like Heaven." But we also have Thin Lizzy with "Whiskey In A Jar," and The Grateful Dead with "Box Of Rain." In addition to these and others, also around are Nick Drake and Rod Stewart, representing British interests.
Disc Three - The 1980s: 18 tracks and a lot of them very good, while the music continues to change. Included here are a variety of sounds that feature everything from Dexys Midnight Runners doing their "Come On Eileen" to The Pogues with "A Pair Of Brown Eyes," and Suzanne Vega's "Luka." Even R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs are included in the mix on this disc.
Disc Four - The 1990s And Beyond: And finally we have the most modern of the four discs, with an 18-track assortment that includes "Drawn To The Rhythm" by Sarah McLachlan, and "Where I Go" by Natalie Merchant, but also Uncle Tupelo doing "Still Be Around" and John Hiatt's "Shredding The Document." Also heard from are Indigo Girls, Son Volt, and The Corrs, among others.
Bottom line — there's no doubt that it's a great bunch of songs, but there is a lot of variety spread across four decades, so what I said earlier about deciding for yourself still applies. Go to the link above, look over the list, and listen to some clips — I'm guessing you'll like what you see and hear.
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