I want music like Simon & Garfunkel and Cat Stevens!

I recently bought a Cat Stevens album -- Tea for the Tillerman.  Having never heard anything by him before, I went in not knowing what to expect, and I was surprised at how good this was!  Some songs I dislike (Sad Lisa is the big one) but songs like Where the Children Play, Into White, and Father & Son... WOW!
 
I also have a greatest hits CD of Simon & Garfunkel and just about every song on there is a classic that I've fallen in love with - normally I don't like buying compilation albums to get into an artist but this was the except as it was $3 at a thrift store.
 
Basically what I'm looking for is laid back, mellow folky music.  Artists who play a guitar and sing with a gentle yet powerful/emotional voice and above all minimal percussion.  I love listening to some of these songs and not hearing drums come into until halfway through, or even the last 40 seconds of a song - it adds something to the music... "less is more" anyone?
 
I'd love recommendations.  I've been told Hall & Oates is a good place to start.  Again, I'd like to avoid compilation albums UNLESS it's a case of Simon & Garfunkel or The Beatles in which case their greatest hits/singles actually WERE all amazing songs.

Well these are a must for you IMO as you begin to discover...
 
James Taylor
Crosby Stills Nash and Young
Neal Young
Jethro Tull
 
 
Go Youtube Neal Young's song Old Man (especially live) and tell me it doesn't
hit you in the gut with emotion.
 

^^^ Other than James Taylor, that's pretty much the list I'd give you as well.  The CSN Box Set is a good place to start (good mix of hits and tracks culled from the CSN side projects and some great acoustic work from Stephen Stills). 
 
Just be careful with Neil Young; his catalogue is so vast that about half of it won't meet your criteria.  "Don't Spook The Horse" is not mellow folk music.  Try Harvest or Harvest Moon, or better yet his Unplugged concert.

Great!  Could you recommend albums by the other artists too?  These are popular names (with a lot of albums), so I bet I could find albums for cheap and not have to worry about wasting a lot of money.  Especially with your comment about Neil Young, Stradler - the mellow folk music is what I'm looking for specifically.  No upbeat, driving, loud rock/country music.

I can't help you with James Taylor; good artist but not my thing.
 
Tull... there's a three-disk box set they put out on their 20th anniversary; one of the disks is chock full of good, solid, acoustic folk-based songs (the other two are hits and live, and NOT what you are looking for), but buyer beware:  this is not an entire album like S&G.  Other than Ian Anderson's solo stuff, and "A Little Light Music" (which is live) I don't think Tull has an album that is consistent top-to-bottom folk.  They intersperse it into other things (like on Aqualung). You could try Living In The Past and Songs from the Wood as well, but same caveat.    LITP is a one-disk compliation that used to be a 2LP set:  one of the album sides is live bluesy-based stuff, one side is heavier ("Hymn 43", "Song For Jeffrey") and about two album sides might meet what you are looking for. 
 
If you are ok with live, try Neil Young's Live At Canterbury House.  Also, try the demos from the Buffalo Springfield box set; most of them are essentially Neil Young and/or Stephen Stills and/or Richie Furay and an acoustic guitar; very much showing their folk roots.
 
Finally, I know this is probably a controversial choice, because it is nothing like Cat Stevens, but The Dead during their American Beauty phase might please you.  Jerry was a very under-rated acoustic player.  His solo albusm with David Grisman is EXACTLY what you are talking about, though it is harccore. 

Thanks Stadler, I'll look into that.  Sounds like Tull will be 'different' and maybe the other elements involved in their music will interest me even though it's not 100% what I'm looking for.
 
And The Dead... I've seen an amazing Grateful Dead tribute band several times called The Schwag, and although I couldn't name you any song names other than Fire on the Mountain which I really, really love, the music I've heard has been amazing.  (I'll admit I was under the influence of certain substances each time I've heard them, buuut...)  Would definitely accept recommendations for them as a side venture to this folky stuff.  :)

Firewings


I'd love recommendations.  I've been told Hall & Oates is a good place to start.  Again, I'd like to avoid compilation albums UNLESS it's a case of Simon & Garfunkel or The Beatles in which case their greatest hits/singles actually WERE all amazing songs.

James Taylor is the way to go. He's way more of a 'best of' kinda guy though than 'The Beatles' and Simon & G. You're missing out on some great music if you simply stick to their compilations. 
 
Oh, and get Randy Newman's 'Sail Away. It's not quite what you're looking for but you'll love it methinks.

Randy Newman!  Never heard a full album, but I love that song he did for Toy Story, and I LOVE "I Think It's Going to Rain Today," which is one of the most beautiful songs ever!

Love folk.  I am very familiar with Tea for the Tillerman and the soundtrack to Harold and Maude (awesome movie and soundtrack) and have everything Paul Simon has ever done, including all S&G releases.  So along with Stadler's excellent recommendations (I am also not a fan of James Taylor but many people are so you might like him), I would throw in:
 
America - America
Crosby, Stills, and Nash - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
Crosby, Stills and Nash - CSN
Loggins and Messina - Motherlode
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Dave Mason (from Traffic) - Greatest Hits
Bruce Cockburn - Nothing But a Burning Light or Dart to the Heart (he is my favorite folk guitarist of all time)
Sierra Noble (if you like female folk, she is my latest discovery) - Gypsy Soul
 
Have fun exploring! 
 

DUDE, I'm so excited.  On Spotify, there is a compilation, Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull, which I did not know existed.  Whether it meets your criteria or not, I can't tell, but everything I have been recommending (more or less) is on that comp.  Please listen to "Dun Ringill" and "Jack a Lynn" before you decide, though, because they are the songs I was thinking of when I gave the recommendation.  It even has some of the solo Ian Anderson stuff I mentioned.  By the by, I have a ton of Tull, and will likely take that songlist and make a play list on my iPod.  What a find!  Thanks!
 
As for the Dead, I am more into the proggy, electric "Keith Godcheaux" period (1973-ish to 1978-ish), but if you are in the folky vein, start with "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty".  If you like the song Fire on the Mountain, eesh, I would stick with live versions of anything from "Blues for Allah" and "Terrapin Station".  Some of the studio versions of this era sound a little dated.  There's not a bad version of the song Wharf Rat as far as I am concerned.   Also, "Reckoning" is a live album that is essentially a compilation of their acoustic sets from a series of shows in Sept and Oct of 1980 and is VERY good.  There is an electric companion album called "Dead Set" that is good too.  Thing with the Dead is you can dive in almost anywhere and find threads you like and want to pursue.  They may not be the best band ever, but they are one of about five bands ever that literally have something for everyone (except maybe the metalheads). 

I forgot to add Jackson Browne - Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1
 
I'm a huge fan of JB and this live acoustic collection of 12 of his most excellent songs (some of which are more than 30 years old) is unbelievably good and mellow.  The lyrics blow me away, almost to tears at times.  And there is something about the way his voice fits with the music of his guitar...like the perfect pairing of a fine wine and a spectacular meal.  Absolute folk perfection, IMHO.

I love Tea for the Tillerman as well. I didn't really get into it until recently.
 
And I'd say if you were to get one Neil Young album, I'd highly recommend Live at Massey Hall 1971. The sound quality is excellent, and it's probably one of the best performances from his early, folky years.

John Denver
Jim Croce

You mention Hall & Oates...
 
I'd recommend Change of Season, which is kind of an acoustic album.  Not strictly acoustic, and not exactly folk, but definitely more stripped-down than their 80-90s output.
 
You might also want to check out Duncan Sheik's debut album.  Very mellow, lots of acoustic guitar.
 
I'm not familiar enough with his whole catalog, but from what I've heard, I think it would be worth your while to check out Nick Drake, too.

Look, I'd be remiss if I didn't offer this up too, but be forewarned it is VERY polarizing:
 
Ritchie Blackmore's post-electric output.  There's no question it is folky, though it is not necessarily "singer-songwriter" sort of Shaun Mullen stuff.  But it is technically very very good.  Candice's vocals are sort of an aquired taste (though she is a better singer than the "Bring back Deep Purple!!!" crowd would have you believe).  Their cover of the Rainbow song "Self Portrait" is aching, they also cover the Tull song "Rainbow Blues", Ian Anderson guests in a few places, and if I am not mistaken, Ian recorded a couple of the same songs on his solo albums ("Pasttime with Good Company" comes to mind).

I'm not sure if this would fit with what you are looking for but Cowboy Junkies "Black Eyed Man" is a brilliant laid-back album.

I second Duncan Sheik and Cowboy Junkies (though I'm partial to Pale Sun, Crescent Moon and The Trinity Sessions).
 
Someone mentioned Shawn Mullins - his album with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge aka "The Thorns" has some nice folk moments.  I like Mullins.  Saw him live once and he was very personable and played a great acoustic set for us.  A very talented singer/songwriter who I believe has just begun the upswing in his career.  I'd put Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) in this category as well.

I've got a good recommendation for you. This folk artist has become one of my all time favorite artists.
go to youtube and check out MINDY SMITH.  She has an incredible soothing voice and writes great songs with heart felt lyrics.
Look for these songs from her first CD called "One Moment More"
Down In Flames
Raggedy Ann
Hurricane
Come to Jesus
Jolene (with Dolly Parton)
One Moment More
 
Her second CD is great too. "Long Island Shores"
check out
 
Out Loud
Edge of Love
Tennessee
You Just Forgot
Out of Control
Peace of Mind
 
seriously good stuff.

I'm not a Shawn Mullins fan at all ("Lullabye" just makes me want to stick a fork in my eye; not sure why the hate for that song).   but I just heard a song of his called "California" that I really really liked. 

I'm only getting into this sort of music myself, but I really dig Gillian Welch's album Time (The Revelator). Check Youtube for a beautiful live version of that album's title track.

Stadler


I'm not a Shawn Mullins fan at all ("Lullabye" just makes me want to stick a fork in my eye; not sure why the hate for that song).   but I just heard a song of his called "California" that I really really liked. 

 
Yeah, Lullabye isn't my favorite either.  His latest CD 'Light You Up' (which has California on it) is pretty good.  He has an interesting baritone voice and he is a heck of a guitar player.
 
I have a soft spot for his live version of 'Twin Rocks Oregon' after seeing him perform it in person.  But then, I'm a sucker for songs that evoke the ocean.

I didn't see
 
Seals & Crofts - Greatest Hits 
 
mentioned above.
 
Highly recommended.
 

WatcherofSkies

Someone mentioned Shawn Mullins - his album with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge aka "The Thorns" has some nice folk moments.

 
D'oh!  Yes!  How could I forget this one?!

Fleet Foxes. For serious.

There are really good suggestions here.

You can't go wrong with the classic singer song writers: Simon and Garfunkle, James Taylor, Crosby Stills and Nash (and sometimes, Young), Jim Croce, America, Bread (sometimes a bit too sappy for me) Neal Young. If Yo get the greatest hits from these guys, you have got a great cross section of acoustic singer/songwriter stuff.

A must have is Neil Young's "Harvest Moon". Neil is accompanied by a virtual "who's who" of singer songwriters on this album...James Taylor, Emmy Lou Harris, Shawn Colvin, etc. "Decade" is his greatest hits, but includes his more rockin' tunes, also, like Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl On the Sand. If you dig his acoustic stuff, try Prarie Wind and Silver & Gold.

For more recent singer songwriter stuff, try Shawn Mullins as suggested above. His Soul's Core album is chock full of acoustic solo stuff. I know Stadler mentioned Lullaby, and I realize that this is candy coated. However, that song was tweaked by the producer to be a hit (it worked). There is a great version of the Johnny Cash/ Kris Kristoferson Hit Sumday Morning Coming Down. This album is a total win! Mullins can belt out a song. Moreover, he is a great troubadour. Most of his songs are penned when on the road. Listening to them is like traveling across the country with a six string.

Too be continued...

Two other ones:
 
The Buffalo Springfield (I mentioned it in passing), but you've got the roots of the Byrds, Neil Young and CSN in there.  Strong stuff.
 
The Robert Plant disk with Alison Krause, and the new one with the Band of Joy.

Phil Ochs
Bobby Bridger
Arlo Guthrie
John Fahey
The Roches

I'm overwhelmed with the responses!  Rest assured I'll be keeping these all in mind, writing them down somewhere so I won't forget them, and I'll look into them.  Fleet Foxes was one suggestion that definitely stood out, as I remember hearing a couple songs of theirs and loving their sound.
 
Thanks everybody... keep them coming if you want, I'll especially be taking the suggestions with album recommendations to heart!

I´ll throw in Elliott Smith. You could start with the record "Either/Or". Not sure if this recommendation is a bit off beat, but check out some song samples and make your own judgement.

Local Natives (LIGHT YEARS better than Fleet Foxes in my mind).

I don't see Nick Drake mentioned in this thread.

You should definitely check out Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake. Day Is Done is such a beautiful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SWBphAuL4M

Roeland


I don't see Nick Drake mentioned in this thread.

You should definitely check out Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake. Day Is Done is such a beautiful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SWBphAuL4M

 
Check post #14, homeslice.
 
To be fair, you were much more specific - and now I have a new album for the never-ending list.

SebaiGiz Frill


I´ll throw in Elliott Smith. You could start with the record "Either/Or". Not sure if this recommendation is a bit off beat, but check out some song samples and make your own judgement.

Good addition.

Definitely check out some Van Morrison.   I guarantee you will love the Moondance record.  

A recent songwriter that has a classic sound is Ray LaMontagne. He definitely gets that van Morrison/Joe Cocker sound.


The Jayhawks'' "Rainy Day Music" also gets a classic 1960s sound. It has been compared to the Byrds. Mostly acoustic with some fuzz guitar. Great harmonizing vocals. A lot of acoustic guitar, but not an "unplugged" album.

Most of my favorites were already mentioned in previous posts, but I will say this: you should definitely get Paul Simon's latest, "So Beautiful or So What". Not a single bad track there! It's a wonderful album.

Borza


Most of my favorites were already mentioned in previous posts, but I will say this: you should definitely get Paul Simon's latest, "So Beautiful or So What". Not a single bad track there! It's a wonderful album.

I'm a huge Paul Simon fan and was quite disappointed with this one after loving 'Surprise'. It has 3 great songs. (well 2 and an intro; 'Amulet', 'Questions for the angels' and 'Love and hard times') The rest his has nearly nothing musically interesting going on. Just boring riffs and chords.

^^^ But that's the beauty of music.  It's all how it hits you.  He likes the latest Paul Simon, you don't  Someone else said they guarantee the OP will love the Moondance LP, and for me, there's not one Van Morrison song that I actually like, including Moondance.

Whoever told you that Hall And Oates sounds like Simon & Garfunkel or Cat Stevens is wrong.