Cripple Crow – Devendra Banhart (2xLP)

Born in Texas, raised in Venezuela and California, Devendra developed into a creative cosmopolitan from the picture book. Sometimes in southern France, sometimes in Mexico, he is considered the founder of the neo-hippie scene, which also includes Joanna Newsom, Antony & The Johnsons and Coco Rosie. After the largely solo debut "Oh Me Oh My..." the young charismatic amazed us in 2004 with two albums: "Rejoicing In the Hands" and "Nino Rojo" , similarly reduced in instrumentation, helped him to break through in Europe as well. The music magazine Mojo is just as enthusiastic as Elle. Concerts at our French neighbours are sold out faster than announced.

"Cripple Crow" now shows how Devendra has evolved as a songwriter, musician and singer. Instrumentation and arrangement are more sophisticated, the songs are more immediate, some have a catchy character and yet plenty of artistic depth. The spectrum ranges from beautiful psychedelic hippie hymns like "When They Come" or "Feel Like A Child" to heart-rending ballads that Devendra sensibly sings in his mother tongue like "Pensando Enit" or "Quedate Luna".

N. Abou-Aly in Audio 10 / 05: "So peaceful, friendly, hippie music no one has created in a long time, at least none born in 1981. The one who was born in Venezuela- growing Texans shakes peace joy melodies in the Chord off the sleeve, partly in Spanish. Everybody's great, some fantastic, some detailed harmonious."

U. Schleifenbaum in Stereo 10 / 05: "Subtle Song Art, the does not fit in with the current second spirit at all - and maybe that's why it's going down so well. A great Album, extremely hearable and lovable."