Most people would probably agree that a lot of popular music today is overproduced. So it’s surprising to see a band like Mumford and Sons topping the charts and winning big awards.

Mumford and Sons has an old-timey sound. The band is inspired by early American folk music, and its four members use traditional instruments like the banjo（班卓琴） and the mandolin（曼陀林，一种拨弦乐器）.

In today’s high-tech world, many people find it refreshing to see a band like this, that’s going back to the basics. Find out what Marni and Mason think about Mumford and Sons.

Dialogue

Marni:  Mason, have you checked out that band Mumford and Sons at all?

Mason:  I have not.

Marni:  Yeah, they were nominated for a bunch of Grammys and whatnot. I think it’s kinda interesting ‘cause they’re like this indie, folkish band that’s trying to do old-time music. But they’re also from England, so then I’m a little skeptical. You know, ‘cause they’re not from the South. But then again, who am I to judge? I mean, I play in a band that’s kinda similar, and I don’t have any of those ties.

Mason:  It’s what you feel in your soul, Marni. It’s not where you’re from.

Marni:  So true, so true. But I have a question for you. Do you think it’s cool to play acoustic music that’s sorta traditional?

Mason:  Absolutely!

Marni:  Yeah?

Mason:  You gotta get in touch with your roots, you know.

Marni:  I mean, I don’t think people go into it to be cool. I mean, I certainly didn’t. But I think it’s just…Yeah, I think you’re right. I think it’s about what you feel.

Discussion

Marni is a fan of the new band Mumford and Sons. She likes their traditional, old-time sound. But she’s also a little skeptical about them, because they play music that is traditional to the southern part of the US, even though they are from England.

Mason thinks bands should play whatever kind of music they love. They shouldn’t feel like they can only play music that is traditional to their own country. He loves acoustic folk music like the kind Mumford and Sons plays.

Do you like traditional, acoustic music? Can you describe what the traditional music is like in your country?

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