Best Folk

Sufjan Stevens 2005 opus is a sprawling, maximalist exploration of the American Midwest. Combining banjo, synthesizers, choral arrangements, and intricate horn sections, 'Illinois' is a triumph of bar...

This 1987 collaboration between three of the greatest voices in music history is a masterclass in vocal harmony and arrangement. The album blends country, bluegrass, and folk, showcasing the unique st...

Phil Elverums magnum opus under The Microphones moniker is a sonic journey through the Pacific Northwest. 'The Glow Pt. 2' is a fascinating blend of delicate acoustic folk and crushing, distorted nois...

The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic is famous for its modular design, which allows players to replace individual reed plates rather than the entire instrument. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective choi...

This 1972 triple album is a monumental achievement in roots music. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band invited legends of bluegrass and countryincluding Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, and Earl Scruggsto r...

Justin Vernons debut as Bon Iver is the ultimate 'cabin in the woods' record. Recorded in isolation in Wisconsin, the album is a raw, haunting exploration of heartbreak and solitude. The falsetto voca...

Manu Chao's 1998 solo debut 'Clandestino' is a lo-fi, global-folk masterpiece. Recorded on a portable studio, the album has a raw, intimate feel that perfectly complements its themes of migration, ide...

Keb' Mo' is the modern master of the acoustic blues. With a style that is clean, articulate, and deeply rooted in the Delta tradition, he has become a beloved figure for those who appreciate the story...

Federico García Lorca was a central figure of the Generation of '27 and one of the most influential Spanish poets of the 20th century. His work blends traditional folk themes with surrealist imagery,...

A devastatingly beautiful record about the death of Sufjan Stevens mother. 'Carrie & Lowell' is a stripped-back, minimalist folk album that focuses on memory, grief, and the complexities of family rel...

The Martin 000-15M is a cult classic for a reason. Constructed entirely from solid mahogany, it produces a warm, dark, and punchy tone that is perfect for blues, folk, and singer-songwriter styles. Th...

Angel Olsen is one of the most versatile and talented singer-songwriters in the alternative scene. Her ability to move between raw, acoustic folk and sweeping, cinematic indie-rock is unmatched. Her v...

The Lee Oskar Melody Maker is a specially tuned harmonica designed for playing major scale melodies in second position. It is perfect for folk, country, and pop music where you need to play melodies t...

Ruthie Foster is a master of blending blues, folk, and soul into a seamless, beautiful sound. Her voice is one of the most versatile in the business, capable of conveying deep sorrow and immense joy w...

Eric Bibb is a master of the acoustic blues and a gifted storyteller. His music is warm, inviting, and deeply rooted in the folk and blues traditions. With a career that has taken him all over the wor...