Simple Down
In Simple Down, California-based artist Lael Neale uses guitars and the banjo to sing about living a simpler life. Many of us have probably at some point in our lives desired a simpler life, in which we give importance only to the things in life with a deeper meaning. For the singer, who started playing her guitar at the age of 12, these include things such as love, nature and a life without excess.
The origins of folk music are related to a genre of music in which songs are made by the common people and for the common people. Each country has its specific varieties of folk songs, which are closely linked to the local culture. Folk artists from different cultures and backgrounds will use local instruments in their songs and sing about topics that people from their culture will be able to relate to. However, folk music has a common core, no matter where it is played: it is music that we can all relate to one way or another. The lyrics of folk songs tend to be simple and real-life to most of us.
American Rhythms
The Sing Out Loud American Rhythms CD includes a variety of musical genres from many different artists in the U.S.A. These songs will appeal to teens and young adults. This "hybrid" CD also contains a teacher's guide to using music in the classroom.