Will The Circle Be Unbroken

I feel like this is an album that's definitely made to be experienced than listened to. I say that about a lot of albums I feel really strongly about, but there's so much going on before, after, and even completely outside the music in a lot of these songs. The most immediately noticeable example is the feature list they tacked onto the left side of the album cover. Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Jimmy Martin, and all of the others are massive names in Bluegrass, which leads me to my favorite part of this album: the little conversations before most of the songs. It adds some interesting context behind a lot of the songs, like Mother Maybelle Carter saying she never played Keep on the Sunny Side on her autoharp before. That and everyone coming together in the closer in a really bittersweet moment really makes this album memorable, and one of the best country albums I've ever heard.

Þetta er stórkostlegt! Kannski var vinnudagurinn í dag svona langur og ég extra til í þetta í einhverjum svefngalsa, en nei, þetta er bæði stórflott og -skemmtilegt. Búinn með þrjú rennsli, takk fyrir. Bluegrass með góðu banjó er æði, og þessi "kynslóðir mætast" stemning er frábær. Fullt hús.

It's almost perfect but overstuffed with outtakes and things of that nature. The music from my tierra, and it speaks to my soul. The band may not be Southern but they brought enough legends in to make this immaculate.

Bluegrass! Well they turn coal to gold on this album. Yes - deserves a spot on this list. I saw this kind of bizaaar landing of sounds performed live by shy people in torn hats at the very back of a bar in New York after midnight circa 2019. There was a fiddle. Maybe a banjo. The players looked related and more scruffy than I can say. I wasn't sure we were allowed to be in the bar. It was just them and me, looking uncertainly at each. Bluegrass is an excellent magic genre, it's serious strange funny wonky howling and doubtful yet happy sounding - I think it's at its core a tragicomic satire or some kind of tearful smiling testimony. Either way. Here is highly unusual collection and it appears somehow a collection of some masterful players. Something very listenable has survived for us to enjoy. You can dance like a chicken to this. Or cry and smile. And marvel at how it all works. And find out how it soothes. Also Reminds me of raw reedy voices and interesting quirky stuff they managed to get on for O'Brother Where Art Thou film soundtrack. I like how they say "faingers" instead of "fingers". Make me smile.

For some reason I've never come across this before. Whoa, what an incredible record. A brilliant idea, brilliantly conceived. It is like an update on Harry Smith. To re work these tunes is one thing, but to bring in all the relevant players is the genius behind the record. The Dirt band can play both kinds of music and they play it extremely well. In amongst all the dross thrown up by this list this is easily the best surprise I've had. One of the best listening experiences I've had, mashallah. To paraphrase the good Admiral Porter, damn the torpedoes I'm going to listen to volume 2!

Some great albums come to define and era. Others just capture a moment on time. And if you capture said moment with enough care and integrity - that moment can resonate. This album captures a very specific moment in time. A moment that can never be recreated or even approximated. Two worlds collide and expertly capture a past so divinely that it feels like it couldn't have actually been created - it just always was. And is. This album does not feature country hitmakers of the day. Instead they dig deep and go back to pioneers - Roy Acuff, Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Merle Travis and Norman Blake. I came to this album via a Steve Earle album from the mid 90s that featured Norman Blake - Train a Comin - arguably SEs high water mark. That album and so many others owe a debt to this album. The formula is simple - bring great players together with quality material and let em rip. And there is ripping here. Expertly captured - this is basically a live album. It all works so seamlessly you can't tell where the past ends and the present begins. It's just music - faithfully rendered and purely captured. The circle is truly unbroken.

Quintessential. A gauntlet for a single listening session, of course, but there are some absolute gems and gold-standard covers. Just wish I was listening on record so the sound fills the room like it should.

Liked this one I lot more than I ought to have

I'm a Georgia native, so the history of Appalachia fascinates me. I was not excited to listen to this album but as soon as I put it on, I was blown away. The sound of this is bluegrass and country staples played fairly straight but with plenty of skill from people who very obviously cared about these songs and their cultural significance. Some of these players had been playing these songs for nearly 40 years. This is real southern history to be proud of. Populist, beautiful, and full of human spirit. As Georgia becomes more suburbanized and tainted by the stink of capitalism and faceless corporations, as more and more of our resources and land is gobbled up for data centers, mining, and other industries, its sad to see that most of this history is forgotten in the wake. I tell everyone I know to listen to the Allman Brothers, or Blackfoot, or Atlanta Rhythm Section. I tell them to learn about Georgia's heroes before the big boom period of the 90s and now. I tell them to learn more about Jimmy Carter and his legacy outside the White House. This album will absolutely be added to that cultural canon. A little long for sure, but I wouldn't cut a single song or dialogue part.

Is this album way too long? It sure is! But hey, the return of the king was 4 hours long and won 11 Oscars and it didn’t even have Doc Watson in it

Ken Burns probably could've just played this album for two hours instead of making his 12 hour documentary about country music. Nothing better to bring out the inner hillbilly than this. Also shoutout sneaking in Both Sides Now backed up by Foggy Mountain Breakdown. HELL YEAH.

Screw it 5/5. Yes it's over 2 hours long, yes there's a couple minutes here and there of just studio chatter, yes it stays in the same style throughout. Don't care. ELITE album. This album almost singlehandedly bridged the gap between the new hippie country rock of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the traditional bluegrass of the Scruggs, and is probably one of the most important country records of all-time. I love the sound of this music, firmly rooted in the centuries American folk tradition. It transports you to a rocking chair on the patio of an old country home looking up at the Appalachian. I enjoy side 2 a lot, as it opens up with a good number of straight instrumentals. If you don't like vintage American folk like "Lonesome Fiddle Blues", "Cannonball Rag", and their version of "Orange Blossom Special", then you just won't like this album.

Great album from start to finish. Americana at its finest.

This feels like a nice little time capsule. Really a very well put together album and some of what they are doing musically just feels so right. I will come back to this one quite a bit.

classic! all the american greats are on here! this is the standard and songbook foundation memorialized!

Bill, get all the frogs out of my voice. I see a deca man standing in there.

This is not my genre, but the musicianship is unmatched and the contribution to music history is indisputable.

not my style

Man there's some hot picking on this muggerfugger. While I am never choosing to listen to bluegrass on my own I've found that watching people jam on this type of music in a park on a summer day is pretty nice. The only way you can play this style is by putting the time in and I appreciate that. I'm not one to call the album list out because I know it's all subjective, but the author blew major chunks by not including anything by Alison Krause. If she isn't the gateway to bluegrass music I don't know who is. But anyway, if there's going to be any bluegrass music on this list, this is probably one of the better choices.

Bluegrass bonanza!

42 songs. They’re lucky this shit bangs. This is a 10/10 musicology album, an insane collection of songs and artists all collaborating and celebrating bluegrass/country-western music. It's so good, a rare example where you can just throw this album at someone and accurately encompass almost the entire history of a genre. This is such an obvious labor of love and it shows. Am I going to bump this every day? No. But if someone were to tell me they've never heard bluegrass music this is exactly where I would point them. I do like every song on here, for the record. This is a 5 off of genre importance alone and it's good, I'm giving it to it. Please see my disclaimer below though. Controversial take here, the south was wrong during the civil war and the fact that the confederate flag is on this album cover sucks. Heritage not hate does not work for me. I think this album is still deserving of reverence though, it's an important historical document despite not aligning politically/morally/socially here and a lot of the musical font of this genre is so beautiful and influential that it shouldn't be completely ignored because of their ancestors. Just wish this genre could agree to move on from venerating the Confederate army, which, to be fair, they've made strides to and this was released in 1972.

What a box of treasures. Perhaps not an album to play from start to finish. Better to dip into it and see what comes up. But as a library of Americana greatness its irreplaceable.

70s country, folk. All the banjos, super traditional. Featuring loads of famous country and bluegrass players. Very long, technically great. Perfect to put on if you want some classy bluegrass and country.

Unlike a lot of traditional country and bluegrass, this is an extremely warm album in a number of ways. Firstly, the band is exquisite, even more so when you discover all these songs were done in one or two takes (the way Roy Acuff teaches it should be done on 'The Precious Jewel'). In addition, the production is excellent - a lot of bass, and mids, and none of the grating trebles that harmonica, fiddles and banjos can sometimes bring. At over two hours it feels more of an archival exercise than strictly an album; and repetition is par for the course with such an undertaking. There is a run of instrumentals on side two which feel particularly alike and perhaps not all strictly required. There are Hank Williams covers by the band (without the special guests) which lack gravitas. But that's nit-picking. All the elements here lend themselves to this being a document of some o' the finest mountain music produced, and in spite of the bloat and a trailing off on side two, there is so much here to admire.

I really enjoy this kind of music even allmost 2.5 hours of it. Listening to this gave me some great ideas for what my album will be upon completion of the list. Because I can think of 4 or 5 albums that I like just as much for this style of music shouldn't lessen my rating for this classic album.

I could listen to this all day. Absolutely love bluegrass and they sound like they are having a lot of fun

This is a breath of fresh air. Being a musician , this is inspiring. I like how it feels we are sitting there with them. Classic bluegrass country. I don’t know who came first but if they were first, they definitely inspired The Band. Probably Billy String and Chris Stapleton as well. I don’t have a favorite track, that’s my only negative. It’s like we are just there for the jam. I very rarely appreciate that

New favourite album ever. It sounds like the tv show Please like me but in a good way

Guilty pleasure

actually loved this. some strong banjo and fiddle tracks made me feel like I was watching it live

Wasn't having the best day before listening to this. Didn't help knowing in advance that is was legitimately 2 hours long. Of country music. And it's an absolute BANGER! Lifted my spirits almost immideately and kept them raised with the beautiful playing and singing. The instrumentals are a ton of fun to listen to, and the studio banter throughout makes it seem like you're sitting with them, playing the listener. Masterpiece and definitely worth the 2 hours

Just fantastic! Loved being in the studio with these guys!!

There are few genres of music more wrapped up in their own history and tradition than country music, and so there have been many attempts over the years to rediscover or revive the roots of the form. None have ever been more successful than this album, which assembles an all-star cast from country and bluegrass’s early days. Performing almost entirely covers and traditional folk songs, the album sways between instrumental virtuosity and simple balladry with equal acumen. It’s also extremely long, traditional to a purist level, and not really an album in the normal sense. But that’s all fine with me. Some may complain about the studio chatter that bookends songs, but that’s part of the entire point, documenting the voices of these old legends before they pass away or retire. This ain’t for everybody. For my money, it’s an essential recording, a humble yet epic tribute to country’s origins. And it was all pulled off by a band of west coast hippies? Hoo-wee. Music truly forms a new circle.

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is the seventh studio album by American country music group the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Bluegrass, traditional country, Appalachian folk music and gospel are the Wiki-listed genres. The album was a collaboration of the band with many famous bluegrass and country-and-western players and was a breakthrough in bridging generational and musical differences between the old guard of Nashville and the younger country rock movement. The core Dirt Band was Jeff Hanna (vocals, guitar, washboard), John McEuen (banjo), Les Thompson (guitar, bass, mandolin), Jimmy Ibboston (bass, accordion, keyboards, drums, vocals) and Jimmie Fadden (harmonica). The celebrity-laden collaborating musicians included Roy Acuff (vocals, fiddle), "Mother" Maybelle Carter (vocals, guitar), Doc Watson (vocals, guitar), Earl Scruggs (banjo), Randy Scruggs (guitar), Merle Travis (vocals, guitar), Peter "Oswald" Kirby (guitar, dobro), Norman Blake (stringed instruments), Jimmy Martin (vocals), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Ellis Padget (bass) and Roy "Junior" Huskey (bass). Commercially, the album reached #4 on the US Billboard Country Chart. The album opens with Jimmy Martin on lead vocals in "Grand Ole Opry Song." The fiddle and mandolin. A scooting bass and banjo. Great backing vocals. There's no doubt they're going to the Grand Ole Opry. "Mother" Maybelle Carter takes over lead vocals and acoustic guitar in "Keep On the Sunny Side." Some more strong backing vocals. Lovely playing especially the dobro and autoharp. It's Roy Acuff's turn for vocals in the waltz-timed "The Precious Jewel." Clement shines on the fiddle. Doc Watson gets both the girl and horse in "Tennessee Stud." A plodding bass and guitar and great interplay between the fiddle and harmonica. Hey, I've heard "I Saw the Light" before. The great Earl Scruggs on banjo. Strong vocals by Acuff. The band slow and speeds up. And we get a bass solo. Yes sir! I now know where the Charlie Daniels Band ripped off the fiddle solo in "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." It's in the instrumental "Lonesome Fiddle Blues." Clements on fiddle and Ellis Padget tears a bass jam. "Orange Blossom Special" unleashes the hoedown. Fast drums and banjo. Up and down the scales with the fiddle. The album crests with the self-titled "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Everyone in the chorus as family, community and spiritual bonds forever endure. Carter on the autoharp and great dobro playing by Pete Kirby. An inspired gospel-country song. This is an album with 42 songs, clicking in at over two hours and is an absolute joy to listen to. Each song takes you on a trip. The mostly traditional songs zip by with different lead singers and personalities. There's slow, waltz-timed songs and songs with an extremely fast pace. The lead instruments change from fiddle to banjo to guitar to dobro. The playing and interplaying are just exquisite especially the fiddle, banjo and harmonica. Finger pickin' of the highest order! There's a loose vibe with the mic left on with lots of talking before songs. If you're a country or bluegrass fan, this is a must listen. Heck, if you're any music fan you'll probably enjoy this. A very high recommendation.

It may be a long album, but it's chock-full of great bluegrass. I tend to prefer the instrumentals here to the songs with lyrics, but even so you get some good lyrical songs like the titular Will the Circle Be Unbroken. I don't think this is an album you listen to straight through in the normal sense of an album; I think this is one to take in bits and pieces, enjoying as you go.

Great old time good time music.

**Album Review: *Will the Circle Be Unbroken* – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band** Released in 1972, *Will the Circle Be Unbroken* is not just an album—it’s a cultural milestone. A sprawling 3-LP set, it bridges generations by pairing the young, California-bred Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with legends of bluegrass and old-time country like **Mother Maybelle Carter**, **Doc Watson**, **Earl Scruggs**, and **Roy Acuff**. The result is a deeply rooted, emotionally resonant celebration of American roots music. --- ### 🎶 **Music & Production** Musically, the album is a masterclass in acoustic authenticity. The Dirt Band largely stepped back, acting as facilitators rather than stars, allowing the elder statesmen to shine. The instrumentation is organic and unpolished, with virtuosic performances on banjo, fiddle, and guitar. The inclusion of **between-song dialogue**—captured spontaneously by producer Bill McEuen—adds a layer of intimacy and historical context, making the listener feel present in the studio. **Pros:** - **Authenticity**: The album avoids commercial gloss, preserving the raw spirit of traditional music. - **Spontaneity**: The candid studio chatter enhances the album’s documentary feel. - **Musical chemistry**: The intergenerational collaboration feels natural and respectful. **Cons:** - **Length**: At 38 tracks, the album can feel overwhelming to casual listeners. - **Inconsistent pacing**: Some instrumental tracks may feel like filler to those unfamiliar with bluegrass traditions. - **Lo-fi production**: While charming to purists, the raw sound may not appeal to modern ears. --- ### 📝 **Lyrics & Themes** The songs are steeped in **grief, faith, and family**, echoing the sentiments of Appalachian spirituals and rural ballads. The title track, *Will the Circle Be Unbroken*, is a **funeral dirge** that questions whether loved ones will reunite in heaven. It’s a hymn of hope and mourning, capturing the album’s central theme: the **circle of life, death, and legacy**. Other standout tracks like *Wreck on the Highway* and *The Precious Jewel* explore **mortality and spiritual longing**, while instrumentals like *Tennessee Stud* and *Foggy Mountain Breakdown* celebrate musical virtuosity and heritage. **Pros:** - **Emotional depth**: The lyrics are rich with spiritual and existential reflection. - **Cultural preservation**: Many songs are rescued from obscurity, honoring forgotten voices. - **Intergenerational dialogue**: The album’s themes emphasize continuity and shared heritage. **Cons:** - **Repetitive themes**: The focus on death and salvation may feel narrow or heavy-handed to some. - **Lack of lyrical innovation**: The Dirt Band didn’t write much new material, sticking mostly to covers. --- ### 🌍 **Influence & Legacy** Few albums have had the **cross-generational impact** of *Will the Circle Be Unbroken*. It introduced 1970s rock and folk audiences to country legends, helping to **revive the careers** of artists like Maybelle Carter and Roy Acuff. It also laid the groundwork for the **Americana and alt-country movements**, influencing artists from **Emmylou Harris** to **Valerie June**. The album went **gold**, a rare feat for a triple-disc folk record, and inspired two sequels. More importantly, it became a **symbol of reconciliation** during a divisive era, with many listeners recounting how it helped bridge gaps with older family members. --- ### ✅ **Final Verdict** **Pros:** - A historic, heartfelt collaboration between generations. - Musically rich and emotionally resonant. - Helped revive traditional country and bluegrass for a new audience. **Cons:** - Long and occasionally uneven. - May feel dated or inaccessible to some modern listeners. - Limited original songwriting from the Dirt Band themselves. --- **Rating: 9/10** *Will the Circle Be Unbroken* is not just an album—it’s a **living document of American music**, a **spiritual journey**, and a **bridge across time**. Its influence is still felt today, not just in country music, but in the broader Americana and roots scenes.

a really awesome overview of early country music with some of the most important people in the genre participating. this is really a greatest hits of all the tunes of that era with some of the biggest, most important players in the space paying tribute to from whence they came. it's all really great, but the tunes that Mother Maybelle Carter sings on here are Capital S Special.

An album loaded with Nashville stars. If you like country bluegrass this album is for you. Loaded with classic songs Orange Blossom Special Black Mountain Rag Honky Tonk Blues Wabash Cannonball Grand Ol Opry and of course Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Je comprends que c'est une sorte d'anthologie du bluegrass. D'excellents musiciens. J'adore les pièces avec la dobro même si l'accent sur les effets "slides" sont tellement prononcés que c'en est un peu kitscj. Exemple the end of the world. Version surprenante un peu baroque de both sides now bien jolie aussi. 2h9min c'est du costaud!

I'd forgotten all about this. Weirdly brilliant. Half history and half hoedown.

This has to be one of the best albums ever made. How is it possible not to like this?

So many great songs. Such a great album.

Nice gathering of country legends from several generations. The playing is great throughout, and it's nice to hear the interactions between the players. What's not to like?

Seeing a 2 hour listen pop up was pretty intimidating. When I figured out what it was it changed my mood. What an amazing homage to the Nashville sound. Bluegrass and Classic Country without being corny. Growimg up my grandparents and parents would randomly sing a bunch of these old folk songs. The way this was recorded is so good. Some of the best banjo picking ever, almost makes me tear up. Keep on the Sunny Side, Nashville Blues, Dark as a Dungeon, I Saw the Light, Earl's Breakdown, Orange Blosom Special, Wabash Cannonball, It's got It's blemishes, but it's a nice collection that pays respect to some of the greats. Good jumping off point if you dig into the credits.

Enough bluegrass to choke an entire Confederate army

Refreshing look at some old classics. This was unexpected as I am not a fan of country music

A+ bluegrass sampler.

A two-hour, three-LP album sounds like a daunting task but this is such a rambunctious and at-times heart-tugging body of work that the length just doesn't matter to me. Sure, just start a bunch of songs chatting or plotting out what you're about to record. Take your time! Their interpretations of these Hank Williams tunes and various other traditionals feature incredible finger-picking and fiddling. The songs with Roy Acuff are real standouts. I make it a point to listen to these albums the way they were initially released (no additional songs added on later reissues) but got some faulty information and wound up listening to a few songs more that were not on the original. Oh well. I had a blast. Highlights: The Precious Jewel, Wreck on the Highway, I Saw the Light, My Walkin' Shoes, Foggy Mountain Breakdown (later reissue)

To me, this is the best bluegrass album of all time and should be exactly what you recommend to someone who wants to know what bluegrass is. Since I have never heard a better BG album, I have to give this high marks. it is the standard. Pure Americana.

This one took me completely by storm; a must repeat listen!

His best album for sure

This is an absolute smoker of an album. If you are not already familiar with these legends, it just might blow your mind.

wow this is amazing

Love this, especially the songs w no vocals. Not what I’m used to from them but great

You don't get to listen most of the music on this list without recognizing that the songs and artists this album pays tribute to are responsible in some way. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band put to wax the stories and intentions behind the songs that built country and rock with the people that wrote, sang, and recorded them. Kudos to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for recognizing that this music could be long lost had it not been shared with current and future generations. 5/5

Wow. That was amazing. I loved all the outtakes, it humanized professional musicians for me.

Actually good country.

This album blew me away. No wonder it’s inducted into the library of congress. And when you learn more about what went into the creation of this album you appreciate it more. If someone can listen to this and not let out a Woo or Yee Haw after some of these songs, I don’t want to be friends with them.

Was a bit apprehensive at first give it comes in at over 2 hours. But completely blown away so far! Some outstanding guitar, slide, banjo worn esp on 'nashville blues', 'black mountain rag' and 'lonesome fiddle blues'

9/10 some reeeaaally really beautiful country you can’t help but love

Somehow two hours of bluegrass wasn’t too much bluegrass.

Good album

Grasspilled

NGL, this is fire

9.5/10

going in only knowing one song by this band i have to say they defied my expectations in the best way. This is a wonderfully done bluegrass album and features some country/bluegrass legends. my main complaint is the length of this album. Being two hours doesn't lend itself well to listening through the full album. i split the album up and listened in two sessions and i think that allowed me to more fully enjoy it. my other complaint is the talking sections that pop up on the occasional track. if it was once or twice i wouldnt bring it up but it happened quite a bit and a few of the tracks were nothing but this in studio discussion. it was infrequent enough over the two hours that i wont ding them a star for it but it certainly detracts from the enjoyment of this otherwise great bluegrass album.

5*

I enjoy country and bluegrass a lot and didnt know this band. Awesome music!!

The playing is masterful, the tone reverent, and it’s amazing this much 19th-century tradition was captured while the legends were still alive.

LIke it!

Woo-wheee! That’s some might fine pickin’ and-a grinnin’! I was skeptical, but once I got into it, I really looked forward to Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Was not disappointed.

i don’t know if i like the band but the guests and the material rate five fuckin’ stars

Very good example of bluegrass and rockabilly.

The whole thing, of the unwashed hippies playing with the legends of the Opry is a great story. Makes you hope, kind of. And I don't want to hear anything bad about Doc Watson, ever.

When I think of nitty gritty dirt band I think of Cadillac ranch, fishin’ in the dark, and line dancing in elementary school. I am a little bit ashamed that I didn’t know this album, chock full of genuine country music legends, existed. This is banjo pickin’, guitar strumming, fiddle playin’, harmonica blowin’ excellence on just about every level. Really exceptional stuff. I enjoyed every second of this two hours and ten minutes, and I’m really glad I got exposed to it from this list. I could drone on and on about each and every artist included on this record that I absolutely adore, but I think for the sake of time I’ll just say this: this record is an absolute treasure, and I’ll definitely be listening to it again. 5*

Among self-described fans of country music, there is often intense debate about what does or does not fall under its definition. By most measures, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band make music that is not quite country music. To me it is more americana, akin to Gram Parsons’ cosmic american sound and the California 60s-70s country-folk-rock all/none-of-the-above zeitgeist. But in bringing together so many titans of country music, specifically of old-time/bluegrass, to lead them on this album, NGDB makes it clear that regardless of what their record sales may be, they have a deep knowledge and love for true country music and do not want it to be lost to the sands of time. They know how to play it—very well—and they understand it as tradition and as culture. Favorite tracks include “Nashville Blues”, “Black Mountain Rag”, “Lonesome Fiddle Blues”, “Avalanche”, “Togary Mountain”, “Orange Blossom Special”, and of course, “Soldier’s Joy”. The best single part of this album for me is the fiddling from Vassar Clements on “Orange Blossom Special” — it gives me chills. Just peerless. My other favorite part of this album is the inclusion of several interludes of the musicians talking while tuning their instruments, etc. It truly gives you the feeling of being in the picking circle with them and it was such a smart decision on the part of the… producers? audio engineers? whoever it was, they did their job really well. This is not only an excellent record but is an important document of musical history. Any self-proclaimed country music fan should give this a listen and if they don’t like it… well, im not gonna say they can’t call themselves a country music fan, but… An excellent, obvious inclusion on a list of essential listening albums. I wish there were more albums like this similarly representing other genres or folk traditions from other countries. 10/10

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (and later Dirt Band) had only one or two hit songs, and none were on this album. Instead, they tracked down legends of country and bluegrass music from the 1920s-1950s who were still living and put together this long compilation. Certain singers (e.g., Roy Acuff) were obviously old and not as good as in their younger days, but still ok. Based on the historical significance of this album it gets the highest rating.

Absolutely iconic, makes me wanna fall in love with country music again!

Da jeg først hørte gjennom albumet en sen kveld skulle jeg opprinnelig bare høre en sang eller to før jeg la meg. Men jeg bare koste meg mer og mer for hver sang jeg hørte. Etter hvert så kom jeg bare i et så godt humør. Det sier mye om både sjarmen og evnene til de mange flinke musikerne som spiller gjennom albumet. Dette er en fenomenal feiring av dype bluegrass og køntri tradisjoner. Studiopraten som kommer innimellom utstråler sånn personlighet, og gjør mye for å plassere deg inn i det livlige studioet de koser seg i. Der er flere meget sympatiske øyeblikk, som for eksempel da Doc Watson gir et genuint kompliment til bassisten, eller da Roy Acuff forteller om at man alltid må gi alt fra første take siden litt av magien forsvinner for hvert nye forsøk. Varm og klar produksjon. Nydelig banjoklimpring og slidegitar og alt mulig annet. Albumet hadde så klart ikke trengt å være hele 130 minutter langt. Spesielt den andre halvdelen er kanskje litt for overdådig, men hele verkets råe ambisjon og gode vibber gjør absolutt opp for det. Alt i alt et mektig og koselig album.

A master class in old school country music - amazing musicianship that will bring a smile to your face

Excellent album. Listened to the 2h version twice, really fun, really varied, and some excellent musicianship. Wonderful mix of vocallists, and instrumental tracks/reworkings. Nashville Blues, Tennessee Stud, Both Sides Now, and The Precious Jewel were my favourite tracks, but I didn't hate any of it. By far my favourite bluegrass album on the list. I really enjoyed Red Dead Redemption 2, and the album strongly evoked memories of the game, and also wanting to go to Appalachian Country. Actually, this is my favourite album for a long time.

bluegrass standards

Loved it, it's not my style of music but it was a ton of fun to listen to.

Oh man...this one caught me off guard. I absolutely LOVED it. As a huge sucker for Banjo, this one really sunk its hooks into me. Will have to explore the others in this series. 5/5

So good I own it on vinyl! Best pluckin' around.

A surprising 5/5 as normally I'm a country music hater. But the instrumentation alone on this project is top notch. Songs like Black Mountain Rag and Lonesome Fiddle Blues are very impressive. There's some good story telling on this project too. Really the total length and the in-studio talking between tracks are the only aspects I didn't like.

Absolutely phenomenal Favourite songs: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Wreck on the Highway, Dark as a Dungeon, Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Way Downtown, My Walkin' Shoes, Nashville Blues, Tennessee Stud, I Saw the Light, Keep On the Sunny Side, Grand Ol Opry Song, You Don't Know My Mind, Black Mountain Rag, Sunny Side of the Mountain, Nine Pound Hammer, Losin' You (Might Be the Best Thing Yet), I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes, The Precious Jewel, Orange Blossom Special, Togary Mountain, Flint Hill Special, Earl's Breakdown, Lost Highway Least favourite songs: Warming Up For "The Opry", Sunny Side Talk 5/5

obsessed

November 8, 2024 Things that don’t get a five-star this week: Irish folk, R.E.M., P-Funk Things that do: 2 hrs of effing bluegrass, apparently. I don't know myself I understand the guest list for Will The Circle Be Unbroken is full of influential country talent, but I can say that the names, apart from the Carter family & Earl Scruggs, don't really ring a bell. The reverence for them from the Nitty Gritty is clear, but the music itself is often casual sounding*, like they've all been buds the whole time. If I had to justify my rating further, it's not an album I can really debate the quality of each track and how they fit with each other (my country/bluegrass experience is lacking). I rarely feel immersed in the circumstances of the recording like this one. For all I get ticked off about non-musical interludes, the light conversation, the creaking & shuffling between songs really adds to the magic. Both ancient & accessible. I feel less bad about dropping 12 Canadian dollars on this CD now *Casual sounding, until they start shredding 🎸 🪕

Love some old-school bluegrass

Listen to this on road trip to Nashville

Jokes on you Album Generator, I love bluegrass! Over two hours of pickin and I loved every bit of it. The album can be viewed as a history lesson in bluegrass music. It’s loaded with a lot of the essential songs, and it features many of the prominent artists that helped to form the country and bluegrass genres.

What an unbelievable piece of music history this album is. Masters of their craft and originators of a music genre coming together to place a marker for future generations to follow backward when they begin their own exploration of country music history. The between-song conversations are reminiscent of the Elvis Sun Studio Sessions and really add a lot to the depth of this record. I just can't say enough about how great and rare this confluence of history and performance mastery is.

I don't know how anyone doesn't like bluegrass, especially the instrumental stuff. It's just so dang pleasant!! I enjoyed the fuck out of this. I saved a bunch of songs to my phone.

I did not expect to enjoy listening to over 2 hours of 70s country music. However it has been the best album so far in this journey!

Cool

Always steered away from listening to this in my youth, hearing it now, wow, this is the real deal. Pure Americana. 5 stars

An incredible introduction to old time, country and bluegrass music. This is a gateway to the original recordings (which you should definitely check out if you like this) and the studio interactions between the musicians are priceless as well. Essential.

This one I’m rating out of straight nostalgia and legacy influence. I was raised on this record and their next even better ‘74 album “Stars and Stripes Forever.” It goes w/o saying that without this album, so many artists that followed would not exist. The fusion of folk/rock/grass was very much against the grain for the times. To most folks, on the surface, this music might seem basic, but in fact it’s quite high level. Especially on the instrumentals. What’s more interesting is this was the first time many of the collaborators/guests were meeting each other and the band for the first time. As a result, they just pushed play and recorded most of the songs in 1-2 takes. Only negative is it’s a bit too long (it was a triple LP upon release). Fun trivia side note: as an avid banjo player Steve Martin would routinely showcase with this band in the 70s because his manager was Bill McEuen (producer of this record) and brother of Dirt Band banjo player John McEuen.

Love it, Love it, Love it!!

Classic standards that sound fresh and vibrant.

My dad had this

This one was emotional & nostalgic. It reminds me of the music my grandparents would listen to and going to the Oklahoma Opry as a kid with my mom.

4.5/5 Some really special songs and performances on this massive collection of country music. Just a really enjoyable and relaxing listen, with so many talented musicians and songwriters featured. There are plenty of ok songs in the first half, but very few stinkers. Then the second half goes from strength to strength with amazingly consistent quality, finishing strongly. Grand Ole Opry Song 3.5/5 Keep On The Sunny Side 5/5 Nashville Blues 3.5/5 You Are My Flower 3/5 The Precious Jewel 2/5 (LEAST FAV) Dark As A Dungeon 5/5 (FAV) Tennessee Stud 4.5/5 Black Mountain Rag 3.5/5 Wreck On The Highway 2.5/5 The End Of The World 3/5 I Saw The Light 3/5 Sunny Side Of The Mountain 2.5/5 Nine Pound Hammer 3/5 Losin' You (Might Be The Best Thing Yet) 4.5/5 Honky Tonkin' 2.5/5 You Don't Know My Mind 4/5 My Walkin' Shoes 3/5 Lonesome Fiddle Blues 4/5 Cannonball Rag 4.5/5 Avalanche 4.5/5 Flint Hill Special 3/5 Togary Mountain 4.5/5 Earl's Breakdown 4.5/5 Orange Blossom Special 3.5/5 Wabash Cannonball 4.5/5 Lost Highway 5/5 Way Downtown 5/5 Down Yonder 4/5 Pins And Needles (In My Heart) 4.5/5 Honky Tonk Blues 4/5 Sailin' On To Hawaii 5/5 I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes 5/5 I Am A Pilgrim 4/5 Wildwood Flower 4/5 Soldier's Joy 3.5/5 Will The Circle Be Unbroken 4.5/5 Both Sides Now 5/5

Bluegrass classic with impeccable musicianship. Rich voices, playful outtakes while recording intros, and mad skills instrumentalists. Kudos to the audio engineers…sound textured and authentic.

This is an amazing album -- so many foundational artists, so many classic songs. I am giving this five stars even though it doesn't exactly meet my standard criterion, because giving it fewer would be wrong.

I bet you're thinking - "oh dear, Will's going absolutely hate all these banjos and fiddles." But no, the Ken Burns documentary has paid dividends here in terms of me being able to appreciate this one as both the album and all the musicians on it were featured heavily in the series. There is some serious Country music royalty all over this. Seriously considering naming Will the Circle Be Unbroken as my funeral song. All the pre and post track talking and context setting is also pretty beautiful and a very lovely touch.

Love this album! Great intro to Doc Watson, Carter family, Merle Travis, Earl Scruggs and other old school country luminaries.

For about 2 years this was the only album I listened to while driving. It was all I needed.

Outstanding

So great hearing the chatter between Doc Watson and Merle Travis.

Wow what a find - who knew a 2 hour album littered with conversations between country dogs, blue grass banjo picking, fiddle playing, country drawling and songs would resonate so well with me.

it’s 2 hours of absolute LEGENDS playing together. impossible to not give this a 5

There's something special about a large group of talented musicians playing (mostly) traditional songs, and this album really delivers on that front. The conversational inserts help give it that "family" feel, which is present at most small-town concerts in this genre. It's a very good encapsulation of a specific piece of America. Favorite song? Probably the title track.

Great music, and an interesting bridge between old and new. The fact it isn't touched up or really produced at all makes it that much more amazing.

That is a whole lot of fiddle and banjo, for sure, and such a discovery! I had a mistaken impression of the NGDB. There is No Brother Where Art Thou without this album. Hearing the intros and outros is such a treat. Mother Maybelle! And oh, Doc Watson.

LP

Brilliant

I had never heard of this or was aware of this album. It seems like maybe the first real bluegrass revival in the 70s that got the hippies in to bluegrass. It's sweet that Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, and Earl Scruggs are playing on this. Super enjoyable record, and it's obvious that there is a care and joy in these sessions and what came out of it. Loved this record.

Bluegrass that aims to harken back to the good old days of country. Never have I heard an album that is so fully-invested in displaying bluegrass in all it's greatness. The story goes that country music changed with the advent of rock and roll, with the rise of country rock and the Nashville sound becoming the more popular forms of the genre. In an attempt to recognize and appreciate the traditional country artists before the '70s, country rockers of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band connected with a plethora of guest musicians to play the old-time country classics: over 100 minutes worth. If you don't enjoy bluegrass then this album will be a tedious listen, but for me it was an absolute treat. A wide array of some of the finest traditional Appalachian folk music played by the best musicians of their field. Best of all, it's recorded and produced in such a crisp, wonderful way that gives every song the room it needs to breathe. I particularly enjoyed the occasional studio banter while the tape was still rolling; this makes the album feels more alive with the personality of musicians within it. It feels more like a historical document of culture than a simple musical album, but there is no shortage of music here. I love every song, I would praise them all. Does it need some trimming down? Perhaps, but I can easily forgive that for how rich and beautiful this record is. It has so much to offer, I feel lucky in this moment, grateful that music is meant to be shared, and it was shared with me over 50 years later.

Brilliant, glorious, wonderful. Roots, Americana, bluegrass, whatever you call it, it's so good. 12 stars.

Great bluegrass

Big picture clean soloist

Wow thank you for this wonderful trip.

Deserves 10 out of 5 the musical piece of history that it is. So glad this is preserved for us

Enjoyed revisiting a classic.

Amazing old-timey, bluegrass tunes.

This is classic Bluegrass at its Finest. For those folks who are music history buffs you need to understand that this music came from RURAL America, not big city….it moved slowly thru minstrel shows, religious revival la, family reunions and brought small communities together to create and celebrate what was happening in Their lives. Where it came from??it started out with roots in gospel, blues, folk, country music in the southern states and it moved to the Heartland of the Midwest where I grew up in Kansas. There is a National Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, KS every year and a Huge number of these individual musical artists also perform at the Yearly at the American Folk Alliance Festival in Kansas City which goes on for se real days…KC hosted the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band as did Lawrence, KS and other college towns in the 70’s and 80’s. I know Bluegrass is not everyone’s cup of tea but it started a movement during the early 1900’s !!

A nice album with a lot of legendary musicians.

I used to live in Oakland. I would go to the Berkeley Public Library once a week, on their third floor they have nothing but records, CDs, sheet music, tapes. It’s lovely. I don’t know why I took this album out from the library but I did and I loved it and I forget about it until now, 11 years later. Still love it. Go check out the Berkeley Public Library if you’re ever in the area. And check out that third floor.

This iconic collaboration between the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and an array of legendary artists transcends generations, delivering an unforgettable blend of country, folk, and bluegrass that resonates with the heart and soul. One of the standout features of this album is its celebration of musical diversity and intergenerational connections. The collaboration with revered figures like Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, and Doc Watson adds a layer of authenticity that is both nostalgic and enlightening. The seamless fusion of old and new, traditional and contemporary, creates a harmonious journey that bridges the past and the present. The heartfelt vocals and impeccable instrumental arrangements shine throughout the album. The genuine passion and love for the music are palpable in every note, making it impossible not to be swept away by the emotive performances. The storytelling nature of the songs brings a narrative richness that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" doesn't merely offer a collection of songs; it invites you to step into a musical time capsule, where each track feels like a cherished chapter in a well-loved book. The camaraderie among the musicians is evident, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie that is infectious. The album's enduring appeal lies not only in its musical excellence but also in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music that transcends boundaries and generations. "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" is a treasure trove of musical brilliance, a heartfelt tribute to the roots of American music. Whether you're a seasoned fan of folk and bluegrass or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a must-listen that promises to leave a lasting imprint on your musical soul.

Bluegrass. Loved it.

What a wonderful artifact! 42 tracks full of bluegrass, and I did not think it too many. I'm a fan of the "Anthology of American Folk Music" and this feels like a natural extension of that, and I loved the inclusion of the chatter between musicians - gave it an anthropological feel! Fave track - "Tennessee Stud" for the songs, "Doc Watson & Merle Travis First Meeting" for the studio chatter!

We like both kinds a music here. Country AND western.

Straight up do not care, this album is a toe tapper from start to finish. I wouldn't even class myself as a fan of the genre, and yeah, 2 hours might be a little on the long side, but it sounds like everybody was having fun making this album and I had a good time listening

While this isn't an album you'll listen to over and over it's an absolute perfect pick for this list. It's a history lesson in record form. The execution of this album is amazing, from the song choices, to the musicians and the recording. Let's not forget the banter, which is really what makes this album just wonderful, I particularly love hearing Maybelle Carter.

This is perhaps exorbitantly long. But hot damn this is great stuff. Excellent blue grass and the captured moments of dialog make you feel like you’re in the studio. Love it.

This album hit close to home. My grandfather loved this era of country music and it would always be playing when we went to his house. He unfortunately passed away a little over a year ago, and my daughter was born exactly a week later. He never got to meet her, but her and I got to dance and listen to his favorite music together. I'm not a spiritual person, but I feel like there will always be a part of him somewhere with her, and we will always keep his memory alive

Gospel. I could listen to this every day.

When I saw the 2 hour length, the confederate flags on the cover, and didn't see fishing in the dark anywhere on the track listing I was extremely pessimistic going into this album. Against all odds, however, this album rocked. While I wouldn't ever listen to it in one sitting again, nearly every track was at least good and most of them were exemplary nashville country/folk. I loved all of the first disc and most of the second disk, with tracks like the title track, the first two tracks, losin' you, I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes, plus many more being the biggest standouts. Apparently, the nitty gritty dirt band was attempting to unite multiple generations of Tennessee country and essentially make an Avengers of country music; it's amazing that the result was this successful and sustainable for a two hour album. You really do get the vibe that every song is a showcase of one or two out of like 20 artists performing out of their mind and working together seamlessly.

Absolute belter, I loved it. Definitely gonna listen to this again. Great stuff

An extremely important American musical document that also happens to be just a good old time. I knew about this from the great Ken Burns Country Music documentary but I've never actually sat down a listened to it until today, I'm glad I had the day off and I'm glad I listened because it's great. This was followed by a couple of sequels over the years and now I wanna check those out too.

A gargantuan undertaking of the impact and influence that country music had on the outside observants that made up the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and how it wound up being more realized than anyone had anticipated, with its perceptions for the audience being both of the fly on the wall and in front row, with the participants speaking and going over songs before it being played. Whether downed in one gulp or taken in piece by piece, Will the Circle Be Unbroken remains an essential part of the country music puzzle. *Album generated on 7/4/23, reviewed on 7/9/23*

I could have cried when album was generated. Over two hours long and bluegrass. I haven’t listened to much bluegrass before, but my brain associates it with country music, and two hours of that is a hard sell. I’ll try to keep as open a mind as possible, but this feels like it will be a rough day. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Keep On The Sunny Side, Lonesome Fiddle Blues, Foggy Mountain Breakdown It’s hard to say how much of this review is biased by the fact that my knowledge of bluegrass is so limited, but this was incredible! Growing up, people that could shred in rock/metal bands were, at least in my head, the best of the best guitar players. But have you heard bluegrass?! This musicianship is on a whole other level! The banjo, guitar, and fiddle/violin players must be from another planet as they are amazing. I also enjoyed the extra tracks where it sounded like the band were prepping for a song. It made it feel like a bunch of friends having fun together, which probably amplified the fun I felt too. Despite the album length, I didn’t want this to end.

Non stop bangers!

Not so much a commercial album as an anthropology project.

This is a lot of fun to listen to, and it's got a lot of replayability. I guess that old-time sound is still alive and well! 5/5

An astounding portrait of American country music, Will the Circle Be Unbroken is a true love letter to a bygone era. The amount of talent on display here is hard not to appreciate, even from Country music haters. I loved the personal touch of having conversations play out before and after songs at times, giving a real sense of the craftsmanship these members are capable of delivering. It also just sounds great. This recording is impeccable, and there isn’t a single note lost in the shuffle, no matter how many instruments are being played together. Beautiful music, from a simpler time.

Not every song was a hit... but god damn. The concept of the old heads playing with the new blood, the studio chatter, the rawness, the sheer talent and variety here all made up for it.

This feels like a staple bluegrass album, which is so rare to me I think it moves the needle to low 5.

So this is like an all-star country and western band? Blending old stars and younger upstarts, and to a European ear, this is great! So much history and storytelling, I can see why this is such a historic album. Definitely a must listen.

This is another formative record for me. I was spinning it over the weekend and discovered I had 2 copies. Growing up it was on around our house quite a lot and I know it by heart. I learn to play guitar with a ton of these songs. It's an exercise in nostalgia for me, but I'm not sure whether I can actually assess the music on the record with any sort of perspective. The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Willie Nelson, etc are just so deeply ingrained into my psyche. That being said, the musicianship on this record is pretty amazing. I mean, the list on the left hand side of the cover is ridiculous: Watson, Scruggs, Carter, Martin, Vassar Clements, etc. It's a veritable who's who in the world of bluegrass, country, and folk music. This just feels like a picking party after a wedding and I'm not sure that's not my version of heaven. Lots of folks in and out, the conversations before and after tunes, classic and standard tunes, great harmonies, fierce picking... My bluegrass heart never had a chance.

Great vibes

What an amazing project this was! So much fun to hear these musicians play with such joy.

This was a wonderful album! A little nitty and a little gritty and a whole lotta collaboration. I agree that this album belongs on this list!

Wow! This is a lot of impressive music. A wonderful change of pace. I loved the interstitials that caught the musicians talking. That really added to the homey cozy feeling. Loved it.

My parents are big Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fans, so I was happy to see them here. But this is a truly unusual album that I had not listened to. The deep old-school country guests and performances on this are remarkable. Incredible fiddling! Great harmonica! Really stellar performances of a lot of old classics. The candid moments before a lot of the performances were fascinating, charming and really added to the experience. I loved this from beginning to end. Really impressive to think that a young hippy country band in the early 1970s had the wherewithal to embark on such an ambitious project! I’m very glad its importance was highlighted by the 1001 folks.

Ccc

Really good versions of really old songs. Reading the story behind it was cool too - a kind of hands across the generational divide type of project. Was cool to hear songs that some of my favourite acts (Johnny Cash, Elvis etc) would have listened to growing up. Surprised how many of the songs I knew - there's even one that Jeff Buckley recorded!

Classic

Tres bon mais tellement long ahah il faut aime le banjo country etc. Ca sonne bien et les chansons sont belle mais 2h00 lol c’est un peu too muchpour moi. Tout de meme le facteur eeeute est tres frter je geux m’en souvenir lorsque j’aurai envie de country. 4.95

first listen I don't think there's a bad song on this record

An excellent two hour album

E ovo nikad nisam sluša 😊

I remember seeing the name of this band growing up and assumed it was some kind of country supergroup. And I suppose it is, but as far as this outing is concerned I can attach no negative connotation. Circle is a recording which earns its length in context: We got at least this much on tape, and these LPs are what you get. This is an album that lets me fully lean into my string-weakness. But the instrumentation switches up subtly throughout the runtime as the vocals occasionally drop out. To my ear, top-notch bluegrass playing.

The July aitee aliens had pretty good taste in music; too bad they weren't real. But seriously, the tunes on this album are great, the players are very good at their instruments, and the topics of the lyrics are diverse.

Really liked it, haven't heard them before

Holy Moly this is basically 2 albums. I love Nashville Blues. Tennessee Stud is another great song. Nine Pound Hammer, Tennessee Stud, Black Mountain Rag all kick ass. Though just the length of this double album is a workout; 2 hours is a lot of fecking bluegrass.

Amazing album classic country. Love hearing classic Nashville. Great guitar

Oh man, bluegrass is my kryptonite and there's 2+ hours of it? Deep breath. But wait! I actually really enjoyed this. I'm not going to rush out to get it or other similar stuff, but I'm not going to run away from it, either. I generally preferred the second half of the album, but the first half was way more enjoyable than I expected, too. The storytelling is compelling and I love the in-studio banter.

As someone not from the USA this sounds exactly as what I expect every warm summer night sounds in the Appalachians. Its really fun bluegrass music that is easy to listen to and really catchy. I like all the different singers and instruments used in different songs.

(78/100)

I really enjoyed this! Much to my surprise, if I’m honest. My appreciation even improved over 2 listens. I could picture myself having a blast dancing away to the tunes. I know there is a link between traditional Scottish and bluegrass music, maybe that’s it. Two hours is a bit of a haul though, and could have done without the mumbly interludes. A surprising 4

very cool

2 hours of a genre I do not relate to not being from the US. I should hate this. But I don’t. At all. Quite the opposite. Added to library and will 100% listen again.

I thought there should be more people involved. ;) Very well performed.

A pretty thorough celebration of all the americana genres (folk, country, blues, bluegrass etc). I know fishing in the dark is hard to top but I was happily surprised with this listen.

2 hours?!?! 42 tracks?!?! Oh, it’s all old-school banjos and fiddles? Yes please.

This is really, really good.

It's often written that great albums create a sound world to immerse e the listener. Well this effort from a bunch of 70s hippies, with members of the Carter family, Roy Acuff., Doc Watson and others created the ultimate immersion in the world of bluegrass before Hank Williams, the Nashville sound and The Eagles/country rock etc, tried to bridge the country music generation gap and did so almost by making a 2 hour 'death by mountain music' double album. There is some wonderful banjo, fiddle and guitar playing and a real extended lesson in how to write 50 songs with the same chords and still make you think they're different. It's a bit long but other than that it's a great effort and to be admired.

3.5

Some incredible parts on this album and honestly some incredible playing throughout the album my main highlights are Nashville Blues, Wreck on the Highway , Lost highway, and Wildwood Flowers. It does go on a little bit long for my taste especially for an old timey bluegrass album, especially side D which is mostly instrumental that's when I really started feeling the time on it . But overall it is a really good album and probably one I ought to return to and see if it grows . (8.4) ★★★★

insanely immersive 2 hours

I respect bluegrass and country but I’m not giving 2 hours of my life to listen to this whole thing. Albums shouldn’t be this long. Broke it up in to 3 listening segments and this is actually pretty spectacular. So much history and American culture packed in here. Just don’t force yourself to sit through the whole thing in one go.

Loved it but it is very long. And I didn't need the talking.

Love the banter. Certified rootin tootin

2 hours is a lot to take on, but the good news is that this is actually pretty packed full and doesn't waste any time. But still, 2 hours. I like bluegrass in small doses, so I'm predisposed to like this, but by the end of hour 1 I was ready to move on. Giving it a break and coming back to it helped, but man that's just a lot. The first half seems a lot more historically interesting, the second half more just solid bluegrass. I think if you have even a passing interest in American music, you should listen to this, if only for the pre-recording talk track. But man, 2 hours.

Well that was a marathon, but I wouldn't say it needed powering through. It's kind of impossible for it not to blend into the background in it's whole ~2 hour runtime but luckily I enjoy this kind of music even though I'd never seek it out. It's kind of like that one dish you'd never order yourself but would happily eat if it was on offer in a non-committal way, such as at a buffet. I also appreciate the fact this was a sort of Avengers level come together for country artists at the time so that's also impressive. Anyway I'm giving it a slightly higher grade than I usually would since it was something new and different that I did enjoy, but if asked in the future I'll probably just remember this album by "long, banjo and fiddle", which isn't so bad when it's so consistently good for such a long time.

Good musicians recording a shitload of important or popular "old-time music" songs. Played pretty straight and serves as a sort of cultural document of Americana. Lots of rags and "hawnky tawnk". If that isn't your thing, this won't change your mind. Me, though? I loved it. (Could do without the confederate flag on the cover, though)

Es ist eine schnörkellose Countryscheibe im besten Sinne: warm, erdig, traditionsbewusst. Die Nitty Gritty Dirt Band bringt hier Alt‑ und Jungstars der Country‑ und Bluegrass‑Szene zusammen und lässt sie ohne Studiozirkus einfach spielen. Das Ergebnis klingt wie ein lebendiger Dialog zwischen Generationen – voller Respekt, Spielfreude und countrystile.

What a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time. A lot of really great songs and great playing to be found here. Everyone just sounds like they had a great time making this. Definitely something you should hear before you die. Love bluegrass.

Pretty good, but damn this is a long ass album

Amazing album with a great blend of country, bluegrass, and honky tonk. It does suffer a lot from the length of time though. 4/5

Fantastic!!! Always a classic.

21/04/2027 Annoyingly, this grew on me. I was ready to hate on this by the sheer length of the album, but alas, it wasn't too bad. Lets chew some grass and get a mother fucking horse. Spotify listeners: 4.4 million

Surprisingly pleasant to listen to

mid 4 love the live feel of these tracks, you really are just in the room. love the archivist sympathies of such a long project. naturally over 2 hours it gets old, but just dropping in its great. who says you need to listen all the way, that would be mental.

Det går inte att värja sig. Riktigt bra träsklåt i två timmar! Härligt rått och naket, så jävla kul att höra gagget mellan tagningarna. Av förklarliga skäl blev det inte mer än en genomlyssning, men 4an måste fram igen. Sugen på att tjacka banjo.

Yeee-haaaw! Är ju svag för fiddle diddle doo. Fan vad de lirar. Allt mellansnack är ju guld också.

A lot of classic songs, almost too much for 1 sitting. 4 stars or B.

I was just thinking about how little country was represented here on this list. Then the list said ‘hold my beer.’ The length of this is intimidating, but it’s fairly comprehensive, covering a great deal of beloved songs sung and played by beloved artists from the old folk/bluegrass scene. Some of this Scruggs banjo can only be described as ‘Scruggin’. I was pretty happy throughout the whole runtime, but maybe that’s because I was born in heartland America, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Kentucky and Nashville. If you have no association with these places, you might find this type of heritage music grating. Your loss.

What a relief было услышать это после Кендрика Ламара 🤮 ПРЕДСТАВЬТЕ САМОГО СТЕРЕОТИПИЧНОГО АМЕРИКАНСКОГО МУЖИЧКА с БОЛЬШИМИ УСАМИ, банджо, штанами затянутыми до пупа и подтяжками. ВОТ ЧТО ВЫ ПРЕДСТАВИТЕ когда услышите первый трек. Это самое эталонное кантри, по учебнику. Записанное, как оказалось, легендами в жанре и новыми музыкантами. Возможно двойной альбом такой музыки для НЕ-поклонника жанра это ту мач - но послушайте хотя бы 5-6 первых песен. Это великолепная атмосфера уже ныне утерянной американской культуры. Замечательно.

I liked some of earlier tracks maybe a bunch, could grow a lot. No bad songs, would be nice party/background music. Sent it to Anna who turns out loves their most popular song

This falls into the “I get what they’re after and they’re doing an incredible job but I’m not the audience for this” category. There was a long stretch of bluegrass instrumentals (probably side 3 of the LP) that I really enjoyed and the finger-style acoustic instrumental cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” was really quite lovely, even if it didn’t really fit with the rest of the album. If I rate this objectively, or from the perspective of the target audience, it’s an easy 5 stars. For my enjoyment it would be 3 stars. I’ll average them and land on 4 stars.

I want to join a dirt band

Típico country y tal. Guay

A masterclass in bluegrass. So fun, so powerful. 4/5

This is a very long album, but kind of awesome. I love the way the recordings include some of the chit chat between the musicians between tracks. It's impossible not to feel like everyone involved with this project was having an absolute blast. I don't know if I'd want to listen to this on repeat, but I'm happy it exists - purely to document a group of musicians vibing on a level that almost seems impossibly inspired

I'm not familiar with this group at all. I like this, but I do enjoy bluegrass, and there's a lot of standards on this. I'm adding this to my list of albums to listen to again.

I loved this album. The songs were cool, but also just the simplicity of it. They did a great job covering and "Documenting" in some ways the music from there. I liked what Apple Music said that they were bringing old-school country and bluegrass to modern-day mainstream. Definitely great.

Two hours is a long time, but out of pure respect for the people involved in the project you have to tip your hat. A plus one for the stars and bars (and stars and stripes) on the album cover, a reminder that we weren’t always a nation of ignorant idiots and emotional pussies.

I started listening to this when It came out in 1972 and just finished.

Uppskattar musikaliteten

Day800 - some of the all time great blue grass legends help on this album to make it wonderful. it’s a bit long but it’s easy to go back to

Love bluegrass. This album is a bit long, but a true deep dive into what makes this music so great. Could do without the confederate flags on the cover, although that was not such a divisive issue in 1972.

Forbanna herlig plate! Hadde det vært et dobbeltalbum og ikke trippelalbum hadde det blitt klink 5 stjerner, men den får nøye seg med en meget sterk 4.

Just some good old boys playing out on the porch.

The whiplash change of emotions during the first 5 minutes: - Oh, bluegrass! I should enjoy this! - 2 HOURS, 10 MINUTES! FFS! - Why is this song starting with a lady rambling about playing a song on the autoharp for so long? - Oh! It's Keep On The Sunny Side! I like this song. I am one of the people who went to see O Brother, Where Art Thou? and immediately went to buy the soundtrack when the credits started rolling. My Uncle, once retired, bought multiple banjos, taught himself how to play and would play bluegrass standards for us whenever we went to see him. I have seen Hayseed Dixie live multiple times. This is definitely My Kinda Thing... ... But not for over two hours on a weekday. I could have very happily listened to this while cooking Sunday lunch or doing housework at the weekend - it would have put a pep in my step! - but it outstayed its welcome on a Wednesday morning (and afternoon as it covered both my journey to and from work). There's a very good chance this could have been a 5, but the length and random chats from bluegrass stars knocked this down to a 4. 4/5

looooong but good and so cool to hear so many people from country music's history

Here’s the rub, the music is fantastic. A real showcase of country. Two hours of excellent performances. Problem. It’s two hours. If you cut out the talking you’d probably save like 7 minutes.

Uncle Pecos from Tom & Jerry sends his regards. 4 stars

I Saw The Light

I have a real soft spot for this classic county bluegrass, and this is a great version of it. Big fan of the banjo and fiddle work. Singing is catchy, and even some very appropriate feeling harmonica. Makes me wish I had some whiskey. I do have to dock it a bit for the length. 52 songs? maybe as background music, but I'm not capable of sitting and appreciating this much of one thing unless it really blows me away. I guess this doesn't make it. Solid 4 stars though, there was a lot of toe tapping through the 1st half. I'm starting to feel obliged to say that this is my 60th album and I have not been sent a hip-hop album yet. Feels wild, first hip-hop album might get an automatic 5 stars at this point.

Fuckers

Wow, what a refreshing bluegrass compilation album. There are several stand-out songs on this one. "Nashville Blues", "Tennessee Stud", "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and of course the album namesake "Will the Circle be Unbroken" all stand out as powerful testaments to American Bluegrass. I grew up Appalachia adjacent and this brought back so many memories of summer drives to fishing creeks, hiking trails, and swimming holes. I imagine this album would sound amazing on a high fidelity surround sound vinyl system. My only complaint is that it's two full hours. That's not really feasible to sit down and digest the whole album in one day. It's possible to hear the whole album, but not fully understand who and what is happening in each song. I will say that bluegrass is much less technical than it sounds and as stated in the album: "Every time you go through it, you lose just a little something... To let's do it the first time and to hell with the rest of 'em". My bias rating is 9/10.

4.5/5

A bit of yeehaw was needed today. Brought back fond memories of when I was in Nashville, and just makes me want to go back. This is the type of country I adore, and with so many legends on the project, it's just brilliant. I also enjoyed the chit chat, it felt intimate, like being in the studio with all these folks. Only reason it's not a 5 is because it was just a tad too long, but the 2 hours actually went by faster than I thought they would. It didn't really grow tiresome :)

The first thing I need to get off my chest about this is that it FEELS reactionary. I don’t think it is, so I’m not going to let it influence my overall take on the album. I think it’s more my current sentiment to the United States than it is anything about this album itself. It’s not NGDB’s fault, and I will try to not make it their problem. Ok anyway this is very sick. Doing everything in a take or two, with shop-talk commentary between old-head musicians left in, is very sick. Everything sounds alive and real. A project like this feels sort of cheugy from my millennial perspective, but really the early 70s was a time it could still be pulled off. Old country musicians were still truly from a different world. I’m imagining Conor Oberst doing this in 2009, and it sucks. I’m glad these guys did this. I’m knocking one star off though because it DOES feel reactionary.

Wait.. the late 80's mainstream country radio band that brought us Fishin' in the Dark were early 70s, traditional bluegrass, banjo shredders?? Fuck yeah! Sadly, I bet this album gets savaged on here.

Note: I started writing this as a 3/5 and then I remembered how much I love the bluegrass bits. And ending on “Both Sides Now.” This is the real country music. That was an article of faith at Dad’s house growing up and I won’t disavow it. The songs, the artists, the style — yes. Yet I’ve never actually liked the album as much as I’m supposed to. Ani DiFranco sang: “People used to make records / like the record of an event / the event of people making music in a room.” As a historical event, this album is a 5/5 no question. It turned minds back to the foundations of country music and inspired all sorts of new artists and sub-genres. And that was a really important thing to do when the Nashville Sound dominated and when folks got all their music through albums or the radio (which wouldn’t have been playing a lot of this stuff at the time). It’s like a seed ark for country sounds. But there are now so many different ways to encounter this music that I don’t think the album feels nearly as essential as it once did. You can easily listen to the original recordings of so many of these songs or you can listen to more innovative covers. You have the access to labels like Smithsonian Folkways that will help you better understand where all these sounds came from… and WITHOUT the artificial barrier between the races. And alt-country and roots music are alive and well. The seeds have sprouted and thrived. So it’s not a record I frequently put on or recommend. I guess I process it the same way I do most of the live albums in the book… I’m glad it happened, I appreciate it as a student of history, but I’m not likely to return to it all that often.

Enjoyed listening

I'll admit that I rolled my eyes hard when I saw the tracklist on this, but... it is fucking magical. It's interminably long, and gets into some real yeehaw territory with the instrumentals on the second disc, but damn. The musicianship is incredible. It might even be a 5 if it were condensed to one disc.

I hate myself for loving this so much (les trop nombreux riff de banjo leur coûtent une étoile)

There's an entire album of songs I really like here! Unfortunately the actual entire album is 2 hours long, making the album of songs I love end up in the minority. The whole album is still a vibe! I fuck with it! But it's not all 5 stars.

I listened to this album while enjoying a chicken Caesar salad and a frozen strawberry lemonade. I was already and intimidated by this album before I even started listening to it: 42 songs, over two hours of music, is just too damn long. But I'll be, this album came about as close to being a 5 as a project this long can physically come. I have enough highlights here to fill out multiple albums worth of music, but there are a few runs of songs that don't click for me as much. But this album reminded he just how much I love bluegrass; it's a genre which I have never really sought out and merely find myself stumbling across (shout-out to The Bedquilt Ramblers, the fictional band from Kentucky Route Zero), but every time I hear it I become obsessed. Something about the bluegrass formula itches exactly the right part of my brain, with simple, meaningful, and percussively satisfying lyrics on top of instrumentals full of forward momentum and grooves that I have to stomp along with. The cherry on top of this album is just how simply lovely it is; the discussions between the band and the various legends working with them give each song even more personality, and the fact that the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band organized all these collaborators as a love letter to a genre which the zeitgeist was leaving behind is incredibly heartwarming. Few albums on the list have made me feel as much genuine joy as this album has, and it says a lot that I will happily listen to this album again and again despite its formidable length. Highlights: Grand Ole Opry Song, Keep On The Sunny Side, The Precious Jewel, Dark As A Dungeon, Tennessee Stud, Wreck On The Highway, Sunny Side Of The Mountain, Nine Pound Hammer, Losin' You (Might Be The Best Thing Yet), You Don't Know My Mind, My Walkin' Shoes, Lonesome Fiddle Blues, Lost Highway, Way Downtown, Down Yonder, Pins And Needles (In My Heart), Honky Tonk Blues, I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes, I Am A Pilgrim, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Warming Up For "The Opry", Sunny Side Talk, Remember Me (When The Candle Lights Are Gleaming)

tym razem potezny albumik, ktory jest uczta dla uszu dawno nie slyszacych country, prawdziwego country jako glowny element muzyczny danego krazka, bo will the circle be unbroken z 72 to wlasnie taka kolekcja, a dlaczego potezna, bo prawie 50 trakow, 2 godziny muzykowania i postaci przewijajacej sie przez plyte pewnie w dziesiatkach, bo o ile nitty gritty dirt band, to 6 osobowy sklad, ktory juz przed tym albumem mial potezna dyskografie, bo to ich osma plyta, ale co jest nietypowego w tym projekcie to ile ludzi bylo zaproszonych do kolabu, a przez ludzi mam na mysli stara gwardie country, ktora slyszach zwlaszcza na pierwszym krazku, bo wydaje mi sie, ze tak jest podzielona plyta, pierwsza strona z ficzurami, wiec jest roznorako wokalnie czy instrumentalnie, a druga strona to bardziej coverowanie skladem bandy, plyta nagrywana z nashvillowcami w nashville, wiec musi brzmiec po nashvillowemu, nie ma tutaj zabawy w dopracowywanie i pucowanie brzmienia, plyta jest surowo prawdziwa, jakby wszystko bylo nagrywane na zywca bez zbednych zabiegow, wiec pojawiaja sie jakies gadki szmatki, dziwne dzwieki, ale to jest prawdziwosc tej plyty, ktora jest kompilacja dorobku gatunku i proba przekazania go kolejnemu pokoleniu, stad fajnie pasuje tytul jaki dostala, okladka unionowa tez moze miec jakis zwiazek z tym utrzymaniem ciaglosci i ogolnym patriotyzmem muzycznym, poza tytulowym na plejke dodam kilka trakow cannonball rag, i saw the light czy nashville blues

Because sometimes you need a little banjo in your life

Really good set of bluegrass songs. Long and sprawling but never gets old.

After a while all the tracks became the same. How fast can you pic a banjo string. I didn't realize this was a 2 disc set, then bonus tracks. I liked the Joni Mitchel cover.

Way too long of an album but great

Make it a single disc and it's a 5

was a great hootin hollerin time until around song 24/25--then i needed a break :'(

Really solid music, better than I expected. Album (double) was unbelievably bloated and exacerbated by the track/studio chat included throughout. 3.5/5

never been a country guy, but that was some fine music

I'm not sure how I feel on the inter-track chat. The odd few seconds here and there is probably atmospheric, but the near ten minutes of tuning up chat at the end drags on and on and I would skip this if I were replaying this album. Other than that, bluegrass/ american folk is not a style I love, and I feel that if this was a 30-40 minute album by any one of the artists involved, I would loathe it by the end. However, the variety of voices and styles was compelling. I was expecting to burn out at the halfway mark, but that only came when I got to the last three tracks, where it devolves into something that was probably added to pad out the last side? Reminded me of watching the Dukes of Hazzard, or Deliverance, or indeed many shows from that era. I think in the grand scheme of things, I hate traditional american country music with a passion, but Duelling Banjos is something I could listen to over and over again. This album was like that but dragged out to over two hours. Scrapes four stars I guess.

I went into this not expecting to like it, but I actually kinda loved it. Not usually my type of music

Liked it more than I expected. It was either the stories, the singing, or the instrumentation, and for a few songs it was all three.

Country superstars of the past come together in a pickin and strummin masterclass

This might very well be my final country album in this challenge. I've had a strained relationship with this genre throughout, with occasional albums I've enjoyed among most that I hated. This is an interesting one to end on. Despite some mentions of Nashville, this collection is rooted more in Appalachian bluegrass than anything else from the challenge so far. It's hard not to enjoy it at least a little. The closest thing that most younger listeners may know similar to this is probably the soundtrack to "O Brother Where Art Thou?" It's the kind of music that inspires images of working in the mines and coming home to the ranch for a big family barbecue. Or something like this, it's pretty far outside of my own background. It's a romantic image that's fun to picture yourself in. It is long though. I get that it's an anthology of older music with a nearly forgotten generation of musicians. But the novelty does start to wear a little thin if you attempt to listen straight through. If you could go back in time to the heyday of bluegrass in West Virginia, you might love it for a while before you start craving modern conveniences. That's sort of what this album was like. But hey, it was fun for a little while. For exceeding my expectations, 4 stars feels fair here. I'd really have to be in the right mood to listen again but maybe someday.

This album feels like a relic now, but I think it's a bit of a forgotten treasure. It was an update of a lot of traditional American music forms, it still sounds great, and it's really well played.

Bluegrass, with some talking tracks sprinkled in

Loved it.

Didn’t expect to like this as much as I did.

Gillade väldigt mycket mer än vad jag förväntade mig.

When this page opened up to a 2 hour 10 minute long country folk album, I had to take a deep breath and consider my choices. I could skip it completely, I could choose popular selections, I could sit down and listen to a movie feature-length work, or I could break it up over a few sessions and actually try to take it in. I chose the last option, and by golly I'm glad I did. This really surprised me! I grew up in Alabama and live in Tennessee currently, so this is not foreign to me. My grandparents loved this kind of music and I actually recognized a lot of the songs. I appreciated that it leaned more into the bluegrass/folk rather than the country I'm used to hearing in Nashville. The best thing this album has going for it is the quality of the recording. The mixing is SO CLEAN. Levels are really great; you can hear each instrument so clearly, and there are a lot of instruments going on at once. Really nice on the ears, both through headphones and speakers. Great performance as well. The banjo never fails to impress me. I enjoyed the vocal harmonies and the instrumental numbers. Like most, I thought it was just too long. 2 straight hours of bluegrass is fatiguing to just about anyone, I think. I had to break it up or I probably would have hated it. My other complaint is the amount of chatting. Don't get me wrong, I think it's cute and quirky to have a little bit of studio chatter at the beginning or end of a few numbers, if it actually adds to the performance. But having entire tracks dedicated to listening to the banter is a little much. I skipped through some of those sections that felt too long. This is definitely the magnum opus of country music. I'm glad I listened to it and I think it was enriching. I will probably pull songs from this in scenarios where some bluegrass is warranted. Just wanted to shout out "Both Sides Now" as being heartbreakingly gorgeous and is definitely going on my sad day playlist. Can't believe I'm saying this, but 3.8/5 rounded up.

Enjoyed as a bluegrass fan despite NGDB being a bit of a bubblegum bluegrass band. Once saw them live at a free concert at the state fair so I’m going to be a little generous with the rating

I’m a sucker for this instrumentation and these traditional. Really enjoyed the format too.

Had never heard this before. Outstanding record.

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 is a remarkable document of country and bluegrass history, bringing together some of the genre’s most respected players in a warm, unforced studio setting. The performances feel genuine and deeply rooted, with the guests adding authenticity and character to every track. The only drawback is the sheer length — the album can feel a bit sprawling, even if almost everything on it has musical or historical value. Still, as a snapshot of a tradition passed between generations, it’s hard not to appreciate.

verrrrry fun but entirely too long. Can't wait to break this out again in the summer. A cool premise too, can't think of modern examples aside from maybe "goat rodeo"

This album was too long. 42 songs is kind of crazy. But the jams are good. And it does go bye relatively quickly.

this was so very enjoyable and an excellent soundtrack to my hometown adventures

Very interesting to listen to, banter and music alike.

I liked how each track had studio conversations before or after to bring the humanity to the music. The folk songs and intense strumming was fun to listen to.

my cryptonite

I like this one. I think I'm going to give it a 4. Pretty good. Definitely need to check out more of them.

What this album taught me is that I like country and bluegrass and American folk if it’s got that throwback, old-school, classic style. I typically don’t like country much at all, and was apprehensive going into this, but on the other hand, I always loved the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack and have enjoyed bluegrass bands live. This album will likely end up my new “go-to” when I feel like country — which admittedly, isn’t often — because the instrumentals, songs, and recordings cover just about everything I could want from this style. I’m surprised…pleasantly so! Must-listen #257.

Zero replayability here - I can't replay the thing if I can't even make it through one full listen. What kind of band releases a 42 track album? That's heathen activity, downright despicable. The worst part though? I didn't hate it. They're giving it their all here. This is real Country, God's Country, just the way baby Jesus wanted. Maybe I'm in a good mood, or maybe it's just Thanksgiving. These Honkies can tonk.

"Let's cut it up like a pie." Lots of pickin fun. Gorgeous version of Both Sides Now that feels so different from the rest of the album. The studio and stage banter is interesting, at times, but finishing an already long album with 8 minutes of it is unnecessary.

Oh Gritty, Where Art Thou?

Hell yeah, yeehaw, this is the shit! Musicians just having fun doing their thing. Singing about life, love and disappointment. What the hell happened to country music?! I understand things evolve but things have not gotten better. Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley eat your heart out. Anybody can make records and albums. This is MUSIC!

++: Grand Ole Opry Song, Keep on the Sunny Side, Nashville Blues, Black Mountain Rag, The End of the World, I Saw the Light, Nine-Pound Hammer, Losin' You (Might Be the Best Thing Yet), Hony Tonkin', My Walkin' Shoes, Lonesome Fiddle Blues, Cannonball Rag, Flint Hill Special, Togary Mountain, Earl's Breakdown, Orange Blossom Special, Lost Highway, Doc Watson & Merle Travis First Meeting (Dialogue), Down Yonder, Honky Tonk Blues, I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes, I am a Pilgrim, Soldier's Joy, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Both Sides Now, Warming Up for "The Opry", Remember Me +: You Are My Flower, Tennessee Stud, Sunny Side of the Mountain, You Don't Know My Mind, Avalanche, Way Downtown, Pins And Needles (In My Heart), Sailin' on to Hawaii, Wildwood Flower, Foggy Mountain Breakdown +-: The Precious Jewel, Dark as a Dungeon, Wreck on the Highway, Wabash Cannonball -: Sunny Side 9,0/10

The cover of this album gives off many "Civil War" vibes. Also, this is A LOT of bluegrass music at one time. Maybe an instrumental or seven could have been cut? This has a place in this book, as it is an excellent example of very quality bluegrass music. It's an embarrassment of riches how many artists are represented on Will the Circle Be Unbroken. I rarely know exactly who is singing (unless I look at the liner notes/Wikipedia) but that does not necessarily matter. I do not know how often I would sit down and listen to this album, but I will add it to my 1001 album playlist that I have created. Possibly going to leave out some of the instrumentals. I enjoyed this album though. It's hard to say what my favorite tracks were, so I'll just say I would recommend nearly all of them.

I get that bluegrass isn't everyone's thing, but some of these reviews are hilarious myopic. "ugh, I hate country this SUCKS." Earlets, lmao

Not an “album” really but a very important document of what American music was like long before there were “albums.” Very well performed and produced.

Du bon stock. Je retire une étoile en raison de leur probable consciente connivence avec la CIA qui déployait une stratégie de "cultural cold war'' durant la guerre froide avec la Russie. La Russie faisait de même et les deux pays sont au même niveau machiavélique. Je conseille le balado journalistique "Wind of Change" de Patrick Radden Keefe qui part de la prémisse que la chanson Wind of Change de Scorpions n'a pas été écrite par Klaus Meine mais par la CIA. Je ne donne pas la conclusion... (On apprend dans ce balado que des artistes tels que Louis Armstrong et nulle autre qui Nina Simone ont été manipulés, à leur insu dans leurs cas, par la CIA pour participer à des événements de rapprochement USA-Afrique /// et Nina Simone qui renommait son pays United Snakes of America...)

Agréable en bouche mais là je me suis pas rendu au bout des 2 heures!

Way too long of an album. Anything that doesn't have the old masters should have been cut. I do like bluegrass though and there's not very much I've encountered anything like this on the list.

bluegrass. fiddle. banjo. jingle jangle!

As far as old-school bluegrass goes, here's your mother lode. And this also includes exemplars and heroes, geniuses and visitors, brilliants and solids. If you want an intro to the form, this is a great place to start, intriguingly eclectic.

The beginning of lonesome fiddle blues sounded like the beginning of the devil, went down to Georgia

I just love me some old time mountain music.

This is a a great album to have on the list. It's got a ton of skill and style and shows off a huge range. If you wanted something in a time capsule to encompass music, this covers way more ground than most albums. Painfully long, but I didn't dislike any of it. Very strong four.

if you don't love kentucky bluegrass country i feel bad for you son

Bluegrass but good bluegrass - not my usual style of music but I enjoyed it a surprising amount.

The sound of America...when it's united. Been awhile.

Probably the first album that has really surprised me. My genre of choice is 90's Electronica/Indie and always been wary of country/country & western. I was deflated when I saw it was going to be 2 hours of country music but I was proved very wrong. It was a foot tapper, head nodder, thought provoking album. Yes, it's probably too long and some songs don't quite hit the spot which marks the album down a touch. Would I listen to all the album again, probably not but definitely will add my favourites to my spotify list.

I actually quite liked this album, it was fun to hear this old school country! And it was quite long but it was pretty good still

Yeeee-hawwww I'm 'ridin down my ma and paw's dirt road again.

Made me feel like I was in Red Dead Redemption 2. I rather enjoyed this. It’s a style of country that sounds like it could be much older than 1972. As a Brit I found their accents endearing, and while this was very long at 2 hours 9 minutes, I quite enjoyed the gaps of chatting between songs. I felt like I was getting to know the cast of a Western film, and the length meant it all had sufficient time to breathe and set the scene. It was like listening to a session of a band recording an album, rather than the album itself. Which would only work if you’re invested in the band, and despite me having never heard of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band before, I enjoyed their humorous quips and monologues. A bit like the ‘Get Back’ Beatles documentary, but honky tonk. I haven’t even mentioned yet the fact that these are incredibly talented musicians. It was clearly all recorded live, with lots of improvisation. The guitars, strings and vocals are all excellent throughout. A very enjoyable listen. Yee haw!

Loved this!

Classic country

The inclusion of audio from the musicians’ conversations about recording and how to play certain songs strengthens the overall feeling of disparate groups jamming, jelling, into a fusion of America sounds. My main criticism of the album is the sheer length. As an archival treasure trove of an effort to unite sounds, it’s excellent; as a single collection of tracks, it’s overwhelming. Some standouts: Dark as a Dungeon, Wreck on the Highway, I Saw the Light, Tennessee Stud

Some really good stuff in here. More of a compendium than an album. Still going to rate it highly since I appreciate bluegrass music.

At first I didn’t appreciate it but several tracks in I got it.

3.6 1x liked it more than expected and flagging to listen through again. would like to see some of their concert footage too

Can't say that Bluegrass is my favourite and I found everything on here super compelling but there was enough here to enjoy. Probably would have done with a bit of cutting from a triple to a double album though.

A lot listen. But there are some classics for me on this album like Keep on the Sunny Side.

Reverent collaboration between contemporary musicians and Nashville legends.