The Record Crates United Mixtape: The Smithsonian Folksways Special

Our 69th episode of The Record Crates United Mixtape is a special one. Today, I’m highlighting some of my favorite tracks from the vast Smithsonian Folkways discography. From folk and blues standards and classics by the likes of Elizabeth Cotton and Michael Hurley to abstract soundscapes by artists like The Entourage Music & Theater Ensemble, this is a a must-listen for casual and diehard fans of the legendary label.

1. Keith Speaks!
2. Yankee Lady – Jon Wilcox – Stages of My Life
3. Go Dig My Grave – Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson – Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson at Folk City
4. Goin Down the Road Feeling Bad – Elizabeth Cotten – Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar
5. Chopping in the New Ground – Prisoners at the Ramsey and Retrieve State Farms, Texas – Negro Prison Camp Worksongs
6. Banks of the Ohio – Doc Watson & Bill Monroe – Classic American Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways
7. The Road is Rough and Rocky – Archie Edwards – Classic Appalachian Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
8. Buckets of Rain – Dave Van Ronk – Down in Washington Square: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection
9. Betty and Dupree – Josh White – Classic African-American Ballads
10. Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down – John Jackson – Classic African American Songsters from Smithsonian Folkways
11. You Go Down by Pool Hall Clickety Clack – Sister Song – Michael Hurley – First Songs
12. Holy Ghost – Juanita Johnson and the Gospel Tones – Climbing High Mountains
13. St. James Infirmary – Snooks Eaglin – Classic African-American Ballads
14. Look Down That Lonesome Road – The Doc Watson Family – s/t
15. The Hills of Isle Au Haut – Gordon Bok – A Tune for November
16. High on a Mountain – Ola Belle Reed – Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways
17. Snowbird – Harry Tuft – Across the Blue Mountains
18. The Unquiet Grave – Shirley Collins – False True Lovers
19. Conversation with Death – Berzilla Wallin – Old Love Songs & Ballads from the Big Laurel, North Carolina
20. Keith Speaks! (2)
21. Tar Box Poltergeist – The Entourage Music & Theater Ensemble – The Neptune Collection
22. Scene 4 – Barton A. Smith – Reelizations: Composed and Performed by Barton Smith
23. Little Suite: Little Bells – J.D. Robb – Rhythmania and Other Electronic Musical Compositions
24. Prelude in G# Major – Barton A. Smith – Reelizations: Composed and Performed by Barton Smith 
25. Chan – Henry Jacobs – Highlights of Vortex: Electronic Experiments and Music
26. Gene’s Song – Larkin’s Woods – Kevin Roth – The First Few Words: Mountain Dulcimer Instrumental Album, Vol. 2
27. Bo Diddlie – (unknown) – Street and Gangland Rhythms, Beats and Improvisations by Six Boys in Trouble
28. Disco Satellite – Gianni Safred – Futuribile: The Life to Come
29. Yesterday – George Mgrdichian – Now Sounds of the Middle East
30. Keith Speaks! (3)
31. Life Gets Tedious – Kendall Morse – Lights Along the Shore

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