Appalachian Music Appraisal

The New Lost City Ramblers: Songs from the Depression record album

This item is identified as a vinyl record album featuring 'The New Lost City Ramblers' with the title 'Songs From The Depression'. The album cover, visible in the image, is made of a light brown, possibly kraft paper or similar cardstock material, suggesting an economical or rustic aesthetic consistent with the folk music genre and the album's theme. The title 'SONGS FROM THE DEPRESSION' is prominently displayed in large, bold, black sans-serif capital letters across the center. Above this, in smaller black capital letters, the artist's name 'THE NEW LOST CITY RAMBLERS:' and the individual members 'MIKE SEEGER, JOHN COHEN, TOM' (with the last name likely 'PALEY' or another similar name, partially visible) are listed. A black and white photograph is affixed to or printed on the cover, depicting a group of several men, likely the band members, playing musical instruments outdoors. One man in the foreground is playing an acoustic guitar, another has an upright bass partly visible, and another appears to be holding a banjo or similar stringed instrument. Their attire, including hats and jackets, further suggests an early to mid-20th-century aesthetic, consistent with 'Depression-era' imagery. The overall condition of the album cover shows signs of age and wear, including some discoloration and a visible dark smudge or stain near the top left corner of the title. The edges and corners may also show some softening or minor creasing typical of an item of this vintage. The album's style aligns with folk music recordings, likely released during the mid-20th century, potentially in the late 1950s or 1960s, a period when folk revival and historical recordings were popular. The presence of Mike Seeger, a prominent figure in American folk music, indicates a certain level of quality and authenticity in the musical content.