The Story That the Crow Told Me, Vol. 1 compiles a fun selection of rural folk songs for children. Included among these recordings of the 1920s and '30s are songs about cows, rabbits, birds, the barnyard, and classics like "Animals Coming In" ("...who built the ark? Noah, Noah...") and "King Kong Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O" ("froggy went a-courtin' and he did ride..."). Some of the performers, such as
Bo Carter, will be familiar to fans of the Yazoo label, while other performers may be known to listeners of early rural recordings in general, such as
Bradley Kincaid, Uncle Eck Dunford, and Clayton McMichen. Obviously, this album is not about presenting big names, nor is its focus excellent sound quality, since it draws from historical recordings of the 1920s and '30s. This album succeeds in gathering upbeat bluegrass and folk tunes with whimsical lyrics that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. ~ Joslyn Layne