Great Folk Revival, More4: TV review
A music documentary that oozes irritating smugness
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.If you enjoy being lectured about “authenticity” by beardy types sitting in the beautiful Victorian houses that they bought with royalties from mobile phone ads, then you were well served by Get Folked: the Great Folk Revival (Sat, More4).
Amid short but sweet performances from the current generation (Seth Lakeman, The Lumineers, Newton Faulkner – no Laura Marling, sadly), the narration attempted to peddle that old line that folk has a monopoly on authentic feeling. It was irritating smugness in the Sixties and, guess what? It’s still irritating smugness now.
Their argument might have been more convincing if we’d heard more specifics about the genre’s ancient roots, or the political engagement of the current generation, or if the interview with the “not particularly left-wing” troubadour Frank Turner had included even one question about how he sees himself fitting into a tradition that also includes Billy Bragg. Instead, the most confrontational thing about this hour-long documentary was that terrible title, a late contender for worst of the year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments