The horrible stereotype of the folk music fan — the guitar-packing sap, often a college student, who's almost too sensitive to live — is finally fading away. Folk music is as varied and intriguing as the stories and musicians that have made up the genre for decades, with styles and artists ranging from traditional music born in the 19th century to pop-folk of the mid-20th century to singers and songwriters in Americana, country, and rock. It's as much an attitude as a musical leaning. Accordingly, folk music fans embrace everything from classical sounds to anti-folk to modern rock and everything in between. Let these blogs show you the best of what's out there.

News and Reviews

These blogs will give you a good grounding in the folk world and keep you up to date on the latest happenings.

1. Folk Alley Blog: The blog section of Folk Alley's extensive site features reviews of new releases and previews of breaking artists. A great way to keep track of what's on the horizon.
2. Muzzle of Bees: Wicked smart, totally honest writing about the best in music today. The annual best-of lists will stock your playlists for years.
3. Twang Nation: A simple but passionate blog with easy-to-browse posts listed just below the current story. Great for videos and briefs about musicians at all levels.
4. A Fifty-Cent Lighter and a Whiskey Buzz: Aside from having one of the more evocative blog names in history, this great site from a DJ named Nelson covers Americana and culture, based in Tennessee.
5. Front Porch Musings: Porches are big in folk and country, as they evoke a Southern feel and the idea of hanging out and jamming with friends. Front Porch Musings follows alt-country and folk music.
6. Heartworn Highways: Primarily focused on folk and country, with occasional bursts of rock and pop.
7. More Cowbelle: A great, opinionated blog that's easily organized by album reviews and folk news. Special emphasis on rock and country.
8. The Bluegrass Blog: The tagline boasts "news at the speed of bluegrass," whatever that means. The point is that this enjoyable and passionate blog mixes thematic columns like a recent series on Bill Monroe with interviews of young musicians.
9. Lonesome Music: The folky hits of the 1960s and '70s are the main focus of this spare but engaging blog.
10. Songs: Illinois: Another great blog with an independent lean, so you can know what's happening in the folk world away from bigger labels.
11. The Gobblers Knob: Texas music from country to folk gets the full treatment in this wonderful blog.
12. Modern Acoustic: A blog that functions as an online magazine, Modern Acoustic highlights current folk artists and anyone who knows their way around a six-string.
13. Flop Eared Mule: This Aussie blog is always fresh with videos, links, and great concert reviews.
14. Me and Thee: Me and Thee is a Massachusetts coffee house with a wonderful blog dedicated to interviews with the artists that perform there. Recent Q&As include Eliza Gilkyson and Slaid Cleaves.

Music Resources

From free mp3s to concert and record store info, these blogs are essential reading for folk fans.

15. This Mornin' I Am Born Again: Dedicated to folk, independent, and Americana artists from all eras, with excursions into the worlds of bluegrass and rock. Great for learning about new releases and special sales.
16. EFMDotCom: An impassioned blog with great festival coverage and a strong personality.
17. Alt-512 Music Musings: Based in Austin and focused largely on the scene there, this fantastic blog offers streaming tracks and constant reminders that supporting your local music scene is the first step to getting great music.
18. It's Great To Be Alive: Great resource for concerts by artists like Kasey Chambers.
19. The Free Folk Music Blog: Although no longer regularly updated, this blog's impressive archive is still a great place to find free folk music files for streaming or downloading.
20. When You Awake: In addition to reviews and podcasts, When You Awake also offers exceptional playlists branded as mixtapes.
21. HearYa: HearYa is devoted to indie music of all stripes, including those folk singers and songwriters who don't get any mainstream press coverage.
22. Sounds Country: Arguing that country is something you know when you hear it, this simple but always interesting blog focuses on a variety of new and old artists, many of them (like John Prine) with legendary folk recordings under their belt.
23. Largehearted Boy: Daily free music downloads (!) plus great writing on art and culture. What's not to love?
24. Big Rock Candy Mountain: Named after the Harry McClintock tune, this rootsy blog encompasses folk-rock, country, and even rockabilly.
25. Cover Lay Down: Folk covers of familiar songs? Yes, please.