i think he writes pretty good songs.
i have always loved this one
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zbPIOwxCIg4&feature=related
i dont see why not to write folk influenced stuff. there is some great folk out there, especially from the 20-40s . and the whole part of the tradition is playinmg other peoples songs and such. but i think its pretty cool that some people have made the whole folk attitude new and fresh.
as long as they dont play any electric blues i'll be happy