278 - Various Artists - The Anthology of American Folk Music

Eighty-four songs on 6 CDs! Comprehensiveness is definitely one of the factors for this album's placement on the list. The historical importance of the collection is also a positive. When this collection came out in the 50's it helped inspire the growing folk movement and the stars of that resurgence. But as far as an "album" to listen to on the stereo at home or in the car, it certainly strains that convention.

If you watch O Brother Where Art Thou? and your brain wants more of that "old timey" music...grab this collection.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: "This Song of Love" by Middle Georgia Singing Convention No. 1, "Indian War Whoop" by Hoyt Ming & His Pep-Steppers, "Old Country Stomp" by Henry Thomas

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "I Woke Up One Morning in May" by Didier Hebert