Various Artists - My Soul Is Lost: Unknown & Forgotten Rural American Musicians [RSD 2026]

Old-time music compiled by R. Crumb and John Heneghan from their own collections.

In the liner notes, Heneghan writes: “So what I’m saying is, during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s in America, a treasure trove of rich rural music was recorded, before marketing maniacs could get there ghastly, grubby hands on it. As a result we have a true glimpse into what rural American music was and what it sounded like in all its raw distinctive nature. In the early 78RPM era, countless records were recorded by some of the most unique sounding musicians and bands which never would’ve made it past the audition process once marketing ideas were set firmly in place by record companies to make music the most profitable. It's a strong experience to hear music made by the people, for the people, from a time when big money was just getting involved in the music making process and hadn’t yet fully crushed or cast out the most unique and richest sounding performers of the time. As a result we are left with, in my opinion, recordings of some of the most beautiful music ever made. I guess that’s what old-time music is to me.”

Includes a multi-page booklet with beautiful photographs of early 20th century musicians and liner notes by Heneghan and Tony Russell. Cover photo from the collection of R. Crumb with layout and hand-drawn text by R. Crumb.