I am a huge fan of pop, dance, & rock music with a broader, intelligent, & polifical message, I love folk music too. But especially music with a folk message but a more pop/rock sound. My favorite band is Chumbawamba, a european band. Who's previous stuff was very pop but now has become more classically folk. Any suggestions of other artists, band, & etc who ficus on their message but do it outside of just an aucustic sound?
Fleet Foxes are the best folk band around today you should check them out. The Incredible String Band are the best folk band ever full stop so definitely check them out. I might even suggest Love - forever changes, that album is basically folk. I can't really think of any pop with a folky message atm, Some of those bands have pop elements though ^ Maybe this can get you started: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mR8Z-gmK1g]Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues - YouTube[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3eW0uRAP-Y]The Incredible String Band - The Mad Hatter's Song - YouTube[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzkAwCs5bnI]Love - The Red Telephone - YouTube[/ame]
Also have you tried listening to much late 60's pop/rock like Jefferson Airplane etc. A lot of the pop music back then had political messages and lots of other folky elements you might wanna try looking in that era especially.
I've listened to a lot of rock from the 60s/70s and I love the more political songs but I like the faster & dancier sound of more modern pop music I'll check out the YouTube links. And I'll keep looking, searching, & listening. Thanks so far.