Review Ratings System

At Folk101, I will be reviewing as many new folk albums as possible. So, before we go any further, my rating system requires further explanation.

All new folk music albums reviewed on this website will be given a rating of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. Here is a short breakdown of what they mean:

5/5: An instant classic. This is Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin', an album unlike anything that came before. It is a collection of songs that not only articulates contemporary concerns, but somehow transcends today and speaks to a greater universality. They are musically innovative, lyrically accomplished, and of course, inspire compulsive toe tapping. This is the album that you wedge firmly into your pocket as they ship you off to the proverbial desert island.

4/5: Worth the money. These albums meet or exceed expectations, whether from well-known musicians or someone who has never recorded on anything but a hissing reel-to-reel in their basement. Several tracks stay with you long after you've moved on to the next fad or-for our true folkies-your next woodcarving project. Overall, the album is strong, cohesive and well-produced, but it may have one or two throwaway tracks that were obviously added to magically turn an EP into a full-fledged LP.

3/5: Most albums these days. Well, maybe that's a little generous. These are musical creations that offer few if any surprises. If you like the artist, you probably won't be disappointed. For everyone else, spend a few extra minutes at the HMV listening station with this one. Average or slightly above-average melodies, instrumentation and arrangements define these records. A gem or two might be lurking amongst the lumps of coal, but moments of originality are rare.

2/5: Doesn't live up to the hype. And in folk music-where hype is a scarce commodity-that speaks volumes. Here at Folk101, success breeds responsibility. Therefore, frequently these albums will come from established artists who fail to recapture the inspiration found on their previous efforts. Good aspects can be found, but they are either underdeveloped or accidental. Most of the album possesses a forced feeling that quickly descends into monotony.

1/5: Should be avoided. You probably won't see too many of these on Folk101. Not only are bad reviews more difficult to write than their glowing counterparts, but my hope is to point readers in the direction of quality. Therefore, I will reserve this rating for particularly egregious efforts or personal vendettas.

Hope this helps. Keep strummin' everybody!