Cripple Crow
Devendra Banhart · 2005
74 min · 22 tracks · folk music
An eclectic blend of whimsical folk melodies and surreal storytelling woven with intricate instrumentation and playful arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Feel Just Like a Child — This track encapsulates Banhart's signature style, combining childlike wonder with introspective lyrics while featuring lush instrumentation that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
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Heard Somebody Say — With its infectious melody and playful lyrics, this song showcases Banhart's ability to merge whimsy with poignant observations about life and love.
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Queen Bee — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and vivid imagery, highlighting Banhart’s knack for storytelling that feels both personal and universal.
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Hey Mama Wolf — A vibrant fusion of Latin influences and folk elements, this song exemplifies Banhart's diverse musical palette while delivering an energetic performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic sound and storytelling set it apart, though its length affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, strings, and various percussive elements that create a layered sound.
- Tracks often shift in tempo and mood, with several songs incorporating unexpected key changes or abrupt transitions.
- Many songs include whimsical lyrics that tell surreal stories, often accompanied by playful vocal delivery and harmonies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- playful arrangements for lighthearted moments
- patient exploration of diverse sounds
- inviting sing-alongs with friends
- for lazy afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, punchy tracks
- prefer high-energy dance music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Cripple Crow' was released in January 2005, Devendra Banhart had already gained recognition as a prominent figure in the freak folk movement, following his breakthrough album 'Rejoicing in the Hands' in 2004. This album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his unique blend of influences and solidifying his position as an innovative artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Now That I Know 4:53
- 2 Santa Maria da Feira 4:35
- 3 Heard Somebody Say 3:20
- 4 Long Haired Child 3:45
- 5 Lazy Butterfly 4:00
- 6 Quédate Luna 3:07
- 7 Queen Bee 2:44
- 8 I Feel Just Like a Child 4:46
- 9 Some People Ride the Wave 2:27
- 10 The Beatles 1:44
- 11 Dragonflys 0:59
- 12 Cripple Crow 5:58
- 13 Inaniel 3:43
- 14 Hey Mama Wolf 3:52
- 15 Hows About Tellin a Story 1:21
- 16 Chinese Children 5:17
- 17 Sawkill River 1:52
- 18 I Love That Man 2:26
- 19 Luna de Margarita 2:07
- 20 Korean Dogwood 4:02
- 21 Little Boys 5:20
- 22 Canela 1:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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