Folk Files – Details, episodes & analysis

Happy Holidays! Coventry Carol is a lullaby to a "little tiny child"...but surprisingly, that child is not Jesus. Learn more about this Christmas carol that was almost lost to time, including the history of modern Western Theatre and the origins of the picardy third, in this final episode of the second season of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: The Sixteen

WORK: The Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/_jIYyPOoEc8?si=mgPi4WH4G9LUnMT7

ARTIST: Sting (from A Winter's Night Live from Durham Cathedral)

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/hahwYqQd_gA?si=wJR4Qz-ZmUW9IaD2

ARTIST: Nora Fischer and Marnix Dorrestein

WORK:  Oblivion Soave from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/JTHQqJDV4os?si=820upsG60MJJyC5M

ARTIST: Jeanette Blakeley

WORK: "Lullaby" from Menotti's The Consul

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/nImWN8o1f-E?si=Coj_UsTcod6m1Bbr

ARTIST: Barry and Beth Hall

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/JCFg4S3kSV4?si=CleozvHduvVsAAxB

ARTIST: Chicago

WORK: Wishing You Were Here

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/Zv0OwvsP0ek?si=cVc25wbawFlT7pkw

ARTIST: The Zombies

WORK: Time of the Season

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ecsAI3FhY

ARTIST: Alison Moyet

WORK: The Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/kcrYqDqCN_Y?si=DoKE80e3peRMtvSo

ARTIST: The Choir of Magdalen College Oxford

WORK: Song of the Nuns of Chester

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0UtKzXb9Js

ARTIST: The Cambridge Singers

WORK: Coventry Carol (composed by Kenneth Leighton)

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/uAA0lZ1YG90?si=VQYE2a0KSeFhZGks

ARTIST: Sufjan Stevens

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/o6492UYw_hs?si=U0k6ZlmkfoIcULct

In this bonus episode of Folk Files, I interview Ruth Perry, the author of The Ballad World of Anna Gordon, Mrs. Brown of Falkland. Anna Gordon is one of the most famous source singers in the history of folk music from the British Isles, and Ruth Perry's book dives into her life as a woman and ballad singer in 18th century Scotland.

The book is available at https://global.oup.com/academic/

It's pricy, and understandably so, since it contains a wealth of new information and scholarship, but you can use the discount code AAFLYG6 to save 30%.

You can listen to the accompanying ballads for free at https://global.oup.com/booksites/content/9780198939092/

In this episode, I use clips from the following songs: Lady Elspat, King Henry, Lamkin, and Thomas Rymer & Queen of Elfland

You can purchase a CD with all twelve of the ballads at birnamcdshop.com or on Amazon (See more information here: https://www.birnamcd.com/birnam-pr/anna-gordon/ )

This interview has been edited for time.

Special Thanks to Ruth Perry and Aaron J. Morton

From 1986-1991, a "Singing Revolution" took place in the Baltic states, leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. This episode of Folk Files looks at the rich musical history that paved the way for the Singing Revolution to occur and provides an introduction to Estonian folk and choral music. (Apologies for any horrible Estonian pronunciation).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Cliff S., Ramona Holmes, and Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTdOiCa0-4o

ARTIST: Tuule Kann

WORK: Estonian Folk Music Instrument: KANNEL

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lqpRd9kU_o

ARTIST: Timo Lige / Students from Hiiumaa

WORK: Kiigelaul (A Swinging Song)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5QslTDXW4

ARTIST: Written by L. Raudkepp, Composed by J. Aavik 

WORK: Hoia, jumal Eestit

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O9D0ZN1kkI

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Koi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_cCvMuDLTg

ARTIST: Eteläsuomalaisen Osakunnan Laulajat

WORK: Kangakudumise laul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izYbVvt-DPo

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2014

WORK: Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuaIz6ZK6s

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oX4yvG5ApU

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Veel kaitse Kalev oma lapsi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbdpHz4s7-4

ARTIST: Ell Tabur

WORK: Lenda, lenda, lepalind

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oSswM_7sBY

ARTIST: Tallinna Kammerkoor

WORK: Priiuse hommikul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-picL-Ozo

ARTIST: Tallinna Meestelaulu Selts

WORK: Üks kindel linn ja varjupaik

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B37doTWWFwk

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Tuljak

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k2lsqm8JLk

ARTIST: Singers at Öölaulupidu 2008

WORK: Ei ole üksi ükski maa

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3BSN0P8-no

Surprise! This is not an episode of Folk Files: It's an episode of Basic Folk! Basic Folk, produced by the Bluegrass Situation, is a podcast that features honest conversations with folk musicians. Hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No, Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have.

This episode features Carolyn Kendrick, whose latest project explores the complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil aka Satan aka Lucifer. The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album "Each Machine."

She shares her unexpected journey into researching the devil, sparked by a podcast project that ended up overtaking her life, leading her to interview the leader of the Satanic Temple, among many others. This deep dive into the topic became a way for her to process the overwhelming political and cultural landscape.

Check out the links below to hear more from Basic Folk!

https://basicfolk.com/

https://www.facebook.com/basicfolkpod/

https://www.instagram.com/basicfolkpod/

Carolyn Kendrick Links:

Each Machine on Bandcamp: https://carolynkendrick.bandcamp.com/album/each-machine

Website: ⁠https://www.carolynkendrick.com⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynbkendrick/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynkendrickmusic 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolynbkendrick 

He goes bare, he lives by the air, and he wants no drink nor money…or does he? In this episode, we explore the songs and stories surrounding Tom of Bedlam. Where did the modern tune come from? And why is the title misleading? Hold on to your hat and your sanity for this musical journey to Pluto's kitchen and beyond.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Heritage

WORK: Mad Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gAxNVcyKm4

ARTIST: The Halliard

WORK: Boys of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0EUadGMU3Y

ARTIST: Catherine Bott

WORK: Mad Maudlin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSNoYGtdDiU

ARTIST: Tim Edwards of the Country Dance & Song Society

WORK: Tom O'Bedlam's Song

SOURCE: https://cdss.org/publications/listen/song-of-the-month/january-2022-song-of-the-month/

ARTIST: David Pryor (Recorded by Alan Lomax and Mary Elizabeth Barnicle

WORK: When the Whale Get Strike

SOURCE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-alan-lomax-collection-deep-river-of-song-bahamas-1935/2675148

ARTIST: Kate Price

WORK: Mad Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubPeBpchVxM

ARTIST: Old Blind Dogs

WORK: Bedlam Boys/Rights of Man

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMkmbfW_XKE

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Boys of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9tggUNlIU

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: LVL 3 - https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album

Greenland Whale Fisheries is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files. While delving into the origins of the song, we will explore other ballads about Greenland and dip our toes into the extensive history of whaling. Well row'd, jolly trouts! 

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Pegmouth, ARRR!!!, and Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: ARRR!!!

WORK: Greenland Whale Fisheries

SOURCE: Plunderstruck (2010)

ARTIST: Peter, Paul, and Mary

WORK: Greenland Whale Fisheries

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKsJrFy4Q_E

ARTIST: The Watersons

WORK: The Greenland Whale Fishery

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzMQYfRexUU

ARTIST: A.L. Lloyd

WORK: The Greenland Whale Fishery

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEOzI4IEkF0

ARTIST: David Pryor (Recorded by Alan Lomax and Mary Elizabeth Barnicle)

WORK: When the Whale Get Strike

SOURCE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-alan-lomax-collection-deep-river-of-song-bahamas-1935/2675148

ARTIST: Stan Rogers

WORK: Northwest Passage

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVY8LoM47xI

ARTIST: Clanna Morna

WORK: Bonnie Ship the Diamond

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i51KjpPvRKU

ARTIST: Judy Collins

WORK: Farewell to Tarwathie

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV29xK2xyZ4

ARTIST: Whales! (recorded by the Oceania Project) 

WORK: Whale Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabT1L-nN-E

Happy Holidays! In this episode of Folk Files, we will explore the history, lore, and significance of plants in Christmas carols, with a special emphasis on the Holly and the Ivy!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Trio of Nyckelharpas (from The Nyckelharpa Effect)

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86dkwTJWWZk

ARTIST: Golden Bough

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmOshQR0ohI

ARTIST: Sara Stowe

WORK: Green Groweth the Holly

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK8lhhhJMrw

ARTIST: Magpie Lane

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U75XxVMNPf4

ARTIST: Cornwall County Youth Choir

WORK: St. Day Carol

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7blutTNm1E

ARTIST: Jean Ritchie

WORK: Cherry Tree Carol

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnAVmDszkEA

ARTIST: The King's Singers

WORK: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7y05TrzeHo

ARTIST: Apollo5

WORK: A Spotless Rose

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzN1UzVa7zA

ARTIST: Vienna Boys Choir

WORK: O Tannenbaum

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9U1gJy8AvE

ARTIST: Kate Rusby

WORK: Mistletoe Bough

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJD8Q9d3_6c

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Mistletoe Bough

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTM7fZNxLiY

ARTIST: The Bird and the Bee

WORK: 12 Days of Christmas

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh55aMvP-lU

ARTIST: St Mary's College Choir

WORK: Pukeko in a Ponga Tree

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uV7xoRU7Fw

Welcome to Filk Files! But what is Filk? And why are there so many aliens, adventurers, hobbits, muppets, and nerds in this episode?

Host: Olivia Harding

Guest Speakers: Daisy O'Danny, Marc Gunn, Andrew McKee, Dan Marcotte

You can find the full interviews with each guest speaker (including a video interview with the Brobdingnagian Bards!) as well as other goodies on the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast. All the proceeds from this month's purchases will be donated to the RESCU Foundation.

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Arthur Rowan

WORK: Trooper's Lament

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgMrUDGiOC4

ARTIST: Rowan and the Rose

WORK: Australian Shore

SOURCE: https://www.rowanandtherose.com/product-page/favorite-things-2016-digital

ARTIST: Daisy O'Danny

WORK: The Irish Rover

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz1SDrNhaLc

ARTIST: Dan the Bard

WORK: Fred the Ranger

SOURCE: https://www.danthebard.com/category/all-products

ARTIST: Weird Al Yankovic

WORK: The Saga Begins

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcjgJSqSRU

ARTIST: Brobdingnagian Bards

WORK: If I Had A Million Ducats

SOURCE: https://brobdingnagianbards.bandcamp.com/track/if-i-had-a-million-ducats-2

ARTIST: Brobdingnagian Bards

WORK: Hobbit's Dance

SOURCE: https://brobdingnagianbards.bandcamp.com/track/hobbits-dance

ARTIST: Daisy O'Danny

WORK: Boot and Rally

SOURCE: https://www.patreon.com/c/folkfilespodcast/shop

ARTIST: Mikey Mason

WORK: Best Game Ever

SOURCE: https://mikeymason.bandcamp.com/track/best-game-ever

ARTIST: Mikey Mason

WORK: Shades of Gray

SOURCE: https://mikeymason.bandcamp.com/track/shades-of-gray

ARTIST: Roll That Die

WORK: Bard City

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtmZRJMlrFc

ARTIST: Tom Smith

WORK: A Boy and His Frog

SOURCE: https://tomsmith.bandcamp.com/track/a-boy-and-his-frog

This episode of Folk Files discusses songs involving infanticide. "The Well Below the Valley" and "The Cruel Mother" stand at the center of this heartbreaking voyage through historical records, Scandinavian folklore, and murder ballads.

Host: Olivia Harding

Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Note: Because it's always true in folk songs, when I refer to pregnant people in general, I say "women". However, the difficulties I discuss (postpartum maladies, access to medical care, etc.) affect people of all genders.

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Christy Moore

WORK: Well Below the Valley

SOURCE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylZGw7tfAHI

ARTIST: Polly Paulusma

WORK: The Maid and the Palmer

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUILSHtxYWI

ARTIST: Sähköpaimen

WORK: Mataleena på Källebro

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAk_knoRDdE

ARTIST: Brass Monkey

WORK: The Maid and the Palmer

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIeZ953yUc4

ARTIST: Hack-Poets Guild

WORK: Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pzvqeBHsSg

ARTIST: Alasdair Roberts

WORK: The Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOANdvjRqY

ARTIST: Bryndís Sveinbjörnsdóttir

WORK: Móðir mín í kví, kví

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtKTkSMO5Us

ARTIST: Shirley Collins

WORK: The Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a3DuJrjwts

ARTIST: Ewan MacColl

WORK: Sheath and Knife

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=787wXkYcdHY

ARTIST: Nick Hart

WORK: Lucy Wan

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TihjH0G_0H0

Episode 9 is all about birds! Embark on a journey around the world to sample bird songs and birdsong. Along the way, listen to the mockingbird, help the blackbird find his missing pieces, and rumple up the cuckoo's nest. Note: This was recorded on the road (away from the studio) so please excuse any loss of audio quality!

Host: Olivia Harding

Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Beatrice Harrison

WORK: "Actually recorded in Beatrice Harrison's Garden, Oxted"

SOURCE:  https://youtu.be/QPxT95WwIBM?si=wreVzzkJVYWt6kWt

ARTIST: Recorded by the BBC

WORK: "Nightingales Sing As RAF Bombers Fly"

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_MHqW5KVds&t=4s

ARTIST: Sam Lee

WORK: Blackbird

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDQMVFgRv10

ARTIST: Unknown

WORK: Sarika Keo Euy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-jcF5jr6Ic

ARTIST: Cote Godoy

WORK: En Un Lejano Bosque

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-buGB5jM_IE

ARTIST: Savanna Tríóïð

WORK: Sa ég spóa

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoiihIzaD5g

ARTIST: Mohamed Fawzi

WORK: Zahab al-leil

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdPNR47biiI

ARTIST: The Brown Madrigal Singers

WORK: Of All the Birds That I Do Know

SOURCE: 2010 Holiday Concert

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Drink Down the Moon

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sGBhvJuNBw

ARTIST: Oberkirchen Choir

WORK: Kuckuck, Kuckuck

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/s8J8aGe0Pe8?si=RM3Wrkz8fjCdbbK6

ARTIST: Rising Appalachia

WORK: Cuckoo

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/h6ow2Z5Jh9Y?si=0mi84w2KziN1hBtv

ARTIST: Cosmo Sheldrake

WORK: Cuckoo Song

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/cbQyFZmuA58?si=UgLUJ7K6o9B5VHAF

ARTIST: Tonton Dezirab

WORK: Ti Zwazo

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/b5zzeW6YuJc?si=NNm7daTxNo0LONaq

ARTIST: Mitamaiyu Primary

WORK: Kanyoni Kanja

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x4nSfjchvg

ARTIST: Dolly Parton and Stuart Duncan

WORK: Listen to the Mockingbird

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/vqYYkWwfYhs?si=PU0fHePemEcx4jko

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Misirloucuckoo's Nest

SOURCE: https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album-esexe