I'm not sure why, but these kinds of things seem to be springing up more and more. I don't think they'll ever be mainstream but they really strike me in both the head and heart.
I really enjoyed the comments by the musicians and how they chose the particular songs. Particularly Rosanne Cash.
I heard a great interview with her a while back on "Fresh Air" (IIRC) where she talked about a list she'd inherited from her dad. It was what he considered to be the great American songs. Really interesting stuff if you have a chance to hear it.
It also made me think a little more about the situations that folks like Alan Lomax and his dad did their recording in.
As far as the execution of the concept goes, I think that you have to keep in mind that the folks that put this together are coming from a film background rather than audio.
All the same, I'm sure that you'd agree with me that I'm glad that they're doing this and really enjoy what I've watched and listened to so far.
Lots of cool stuff happening out there!
Speaking of Lomax, ( I think I mentioned this elsewhere but I don't think I posted the link here?) his family and associates have made much of Alan's recording available online on what they call the "Global Jukebox".
I wouldn't suggest trying to listen to all the files in one sitting (there are over 17,000 so far) but it's there to digest in any helpings you wish.
http://www.culturalequity.org/