folkfilespod 
Songs about Highwaymen and an Exploration of “Cadgwith Anthem” (“Robbers’ Retreat”) Introduction – Songs about Highwaymen Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we’ll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we’ll look … Read More
Investigating “The Butcher Boy” and other ballads where characters die for love Introduction – The Butcher Boy and Other Doomed Lovers This episode of Folk Files looks at a family of songs where the main character “dies for love.” In particular, I explore “The Butcher Boy,” a song with American, Irish, and English versions. The … Read More
A short history of musical instruments without strings Introduction – History of Musical Instruments Part II Welcome to Part II of Folk Files’ exploration of the history of folk instruments! Learn about the origins and etymology of accordions, concertinas, harmonicas, bagpipes, whistles, and a sampling of percussion! (Recorded with a head cold – please excuse … Read More