For bargain hunters, there's practically 80 minutes of music on it. For those who decry overproduction on modern recordings, most of the songs are just Margaret accompanying herself on the mountain dulcimer or harp-zither, with very occasional assistance from family members on other instruments and the choruses. The recording quality is first-rate, and puts the beauty and story of each ballad front and center. And Joe's donating some of the proceeds from sales go to the Humane Society. The musicianship throughout is stellar, and the fun had by the musicians shines through on every note.
Lance plays dulcimer, guitar, cittra, and synthesizer.
Of course, not everyone plays on every song, and the instrumentation is never overpowering. All of the songs are either traditional or might as well be, as they date back at least 100 years, and most go back much further. As the name suggests, all songs here are concerned with social ills and outrageous statements by such as Judge Archie Simonson and Ronald Reagan. Introduction and notes by Rosalie Sorrels, who selected this collection, give just what we wanted to know about Malvina and what stimulated each individual song. These add enormously to the understanding and appreciation both of the songs and of the life and thinking of Malvina herself.