Devendra Banhart, a seminal figure in early 2000s indie folk, has announced a much-anticipated deluxe reissue of “Cripple Crow”, his breakthrough 2005 album. Slated for release this fall via XL Recordings, the deluxe edition will feature remastered tracks alongside a generous helping of unreleased demos, rare live recordings, and previously unheard B-sides.
The original “Cripple Crow” was a vibrant patchwork of freak folk, psychedelic flourishes, and political musings, quickly earning cult status for its genre-defying sound. With the deluxe edition, fans are granted a more intimate glimpse into the album’s creation process, offering both nostalgia and newfound appreciation for one of the era’s most adventurous releases.
What makes the 2025 reissue of “Cripple Crow” stand out?
The 2025 deluxe edition of “Cripple Crow” isn’t just a remaster—it’s a full-fledged archival project. The reissue includes an entire disc of unreleased demos, alternate versions, and live recordings pulled from Banhart’s mid-2000s tour archive. The newly unveiled demo of “Long Haired Child” offers a raw, stripped-down rendition that highlights the emotional vulnerability beneath the song’s original whimsical energy.
According to Banhart, the project was born out of a desire to celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary by uncovering its lesser-known roots. “I wanted people to hear how these songs began, how they evolved,” he said in a press statement. “It feels like opening a diary I forgot I kept.”
The reissue’s artwork has also been refreshed, staying true to the album’s psychedelic aesthetic while incorporating modern design elements curated by Banhart himself. Vinyl collectors will be especially pleased: the edition includes a limited run of colored vinyl with detailed liner notes and a booklet featuring previously unpublished photos.
How does this reissue resonate with today’s indie folk landscape?
With the resurgence of lo-fi and acoustic-driven sounds in the indie folk scene, the timing for this reissue couldn’t be better. “Cripple Crow” remains a blueprint for the genre, influencing artists like Angel Olsen, Fleet Foxes, and Big Thief. Its blending of spiritual mysticism, Latin American rhythms, and environmental consciousness feels strikingly relevant in today’s fractured world.
In revisiting the album, listeners can trace a line from Banhart’s eclectic sensibilities to the present-day folk revival. Songs like “I Feel Just Like a Child” and “Lazy Butterfly” have aged gracefully, their playful experimentation now seen as pioneering rather than peculiar. For longtime fans, the deluxe edition offers an enriched experience; for new listeners, it’s a primer in the genre’s evolution.
Banhart’s commitment to authenticity shines throughout, reaffirming his status not just as a songwriter, but as a cultural curator bridging multiple musical traditions. The reissue serves not only as a celebration but also as a recontextualization, inviting reflection on how far indie folk has come and where it might head next.
Where can fans hear the new material and what can they expect?
XL Recordings has released one of the demo tracks ahead of the full launch: a haunting, acoustic version of “Heard Somebody Say.” The track, available on all major streaming platforms, strips away the original’s layered harmonies in favor of a solitary vocal-and-guitar arrangement that underscores its anti-war message with even more poignancy.
Listeners can expect more such intimate interpretations when the reissue drops on October 18, 2025. The digital and physical releases will be accompanied by commentary from Banhart and some of his collaborators, providing context and stories behind each track.
Additionally, Banhart has hinted at a short tour celebrating the reissue, where he may perform both original and demo versions of selected songs. While no dates have been confirmed, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement.
As Banhart puts it: “This reissue is for everyone who found a part of themselves in ‘Cripple Crow.’ I hope it brings back memories and makes space for new ones.”
