Compilation of truly great sorrowful American ballads recorded between 1927 & 1943. Songs mostly about murder, death & broken hearted-ness. Lots of intense minor chords & stark, gritty vocals. Artists include Emry Arthur, Bascom Lamar Lunsford, Red Hot Old Mose, The DeZurik Sisters, Shortbuckle O'Rourke & Family, Jimmie Tarlton, Mississippi John Hurt & more. Mountain bluesmen & songsters presenting their darkest & most intense work. Old school "tip on" sleeves.