Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Being raised in a FWB church, this sound is entirely familiar and nostalgic to me. I loved every bit of this. Favorite track - In the Pines Least favorite track - Satan Lied to Me
I've generally shied away from country music, but this album has always just killed me. It's a recording of two brothers who were born to sing together, with some sparse instrumentation that never detracts from those killer harmonies. Despite the title, not every song is bleak and tragic (unlike Nick Cave's Murder Ballads, which is exactly what it says on the tin) - "Alabama" is a positive recollection of the brothers' home state, "Let Her Go, God Bless Her" is a rollicking kiss-off song, but the tragic songs are the ones that people remember best. "My Brother's Will" is absolutely bleak, "Knoxville Girl" is an old-school murder ballad, and "Katie Dear" is the bounciest song about a suicide pact you're likely to hear. "A Tiny Broken Heart" straight up makes me cry every time I hear it despite having the lowest stakes of the "tragic" songs. This album is definitely an acquired taste, but it is an important example of Americana/bluegrass transitioning into that classic old-school country sound, and I'm definitely happy that the Louvin Brothers are in the 1001 instead of the umpteenth mediocre British electronica album.
Really enjoyed this. Reminded me of Marty Robbins! Will seek out this on vinyl
Maybe I’m just in a great mood, but I loved this and would definitely listen to it again. This project is making me realize that old school country is an entire genre I’ve ignored, for shame.
Simple but effective. The lyrics are seriously well-written.
Great Country Content
daora mano, gosti
Really really good old country. Really puts modern pop country slop into perspective
I have a soft spot for this type of musical storytelling.
Spectral country music that floats towards you like the winds in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A bit repetitive, but highly evocative.
Enjoyed this. Real old timey country!
I know people love this guy’s voice. I’ve just never felt the attraction. Meh. And damn the pacing is slow! This isn’t a Sinatra album I would have chosen for this list.
Expectation: -> Expectations are not high based on the description. After listening: -> My mistake. I quite like this. Yes, it can sound repetitive and grate a little at times. Their duet harmonies and that mandolin playing probably set a standard for future artists. I find most of these lyrics to be entertaining, others with strong religious tones, and some are disturbing. How many people died in the making of this album?!? The more ridiculous and macabre the better (mostly). This style isn't for everybody but it's at a 3.6-ish for me and I'm rounding up. Track ranking: Let Her Go Satan Kentucky Tiny Without Love Katie Pines Brother AL Smiles Mother Knoxville Mary Thankful Lord Pray
I was kind of expecting to hate this and it is great. The harmonies, the guitar, the song selections all really work. I love the choice of macabre kind of southern gothic with their bright, melodious voices.
I especially liked the track Knoxville girl
Classic Bluegrass album and way darker than expected.
Is this really a Mitch McConnell solo album? He's from Kentucky. He has a tiny broken heart. And, obviously, Satan lied to him.
Chill, melancholy album.
I like it. Spun a couple times for full clarity. When I was a true tot, my mom used to sing In The Pines as I went to sleep at night, although her version was called Black Girl. Haunting yet beautiful. Of course I've heard the Cobain version, equally moving even when watered down. Knoxville Girl was another I'd heard covered by a different band... I think BR5-49, but I never really listened to the lyrics until now. Wow. Shitty. Good album... I can imagine my grandfather enjoyed listening to them on the ranch in Texas, and that makes me happy.
# In-Depth Review: *Tragic Songs of Life* by The Louvin Brothers (1956) ## Overview *Tragic Songs of Life* stands as one of the most significant and haunting albums in the history of American country music. Released in 1956 by Capitol Records, it was the debut full-length album by the Alabama-born brother duo Charlie and Ira Louvin (born Loudermilk). The album represents their pivotal transition from strictly gospel performers to secular country artists, while maintaining the spiritual intensity and moral gravity that defined their sound . ## The Music: Sound & Arrangement ### Instrumentation The album features a deliberately sparse, minimalist arrangement that foregrounds the brothers' vocal harmonies. The instrumentation consists of: - **Ira Louvin**: Lead vocals and mandolin (including his signature tremolo technique) - **Charlie Louvin**: Guitar and harmony vocals - **Paul Yandell**: Supporting guitar - An uncredited bassist and snare drummer This stripped-down approach—just vocals, guitar, and mandolin—creates an intimate, almost confessional atmosphere. Ira's mandolin work is particularly noteworthy; he achieves what reviewers describe as a "big and dark tone" that adds emotional weight to the material . The simplicity of the arrangements was partly economic (Capitol kept costs low for untested artists) but also aesthetic, allowing the stories and harmonies to breathe without orchestral interference . ### Vocal Harmonies The Louvin Brothers' vocal blend represents perhaps the album's most celebrated element. As siblings who grew up singing together in rural Alabama, they developed what musicians call "perfectly matched diction"—identical vowel shaping and synchronized phrasing that creates an exquisite tonal blend . Their harmonies are tight, close, and often described as "clear and pure as a mountain stream" . Charlie sang the higher harmony parts while Ira handled the lower lead vocals—a reversal of typical brother-duo conventions that would later influence the Everly Brothers . Their voices carry the distinctive "high, lonesome sound" of Appalachian music, though some modern listeners find the nasal, high-throat quality grating over extended listening . ## The Lyrics: Darkness & Storytelling The album lives up to its title with unflinching examinations of human suffering. The material spans traditional murder ballads, heartbreak narratives, and spiritual meditations on sin and consequence. ### Murder Ballads The most notorious track is **"Knoxville Girl"**, a traditional Appalachian murder ballad that recounts in chilling detail the beating and drowning of an innocent woman. The narrator describes striking his victim "with a stick so violently" until "the blood came trickling down" before throwing her into the river . The song's power lies in its deadpan delivery—the Louvins treat this gruesome material with the same earnestness as their gospel numbers, creating an uncanny emotional effect . **"Katie Dear"** presents a Romeo-and-Juliet-style tragedy where forbidden love leads to mutual suicide. When Katie's parents threaten the suitor with silver and golden daggers, he stabs himself; Katie follows suit with the same blade . The bouncy 3/4 waltz tempo creates a disturbing contrast with the lyrical content. **"My Brother's Will"** explores a love triangle resolved through a convenient "hunting accident" that kills the narrator's sibling, leaving him to marry the widow . ### Heartbreak & Loss Beyond the bloodshed, the album explores more conventional country themes of romantic dissolution. **"Let Her Go, God Bless Her"** stands out for its emotional complexity—the narrator recognizes his lover's changing feelings (noting the way "she done up her hair") and proposes a day at the races as a last-ditch effort to save the relationship, threatening death if she refuses . **"I'll Be All Smiles Tonight"** and **"I Can't Keep You in Love with Me"** demonstrate the brothers' ability to make heartbreak feel as devastating as homicide. The closing hymn **"Mary of the Wild Moor"** tells of a mother and child dying of exposure on the moor, their cries unheard by the family inside the warm house . ### Religious Undertones Despite being a secular release, the album maintains the brothers' Baptist worldview. Several tracks—including **"Lord, I'm Coming Home"** and **"Thankful"**—are explicitly gospel numbers that close the album on a note of spiritual redemption . Even the secular songs function as moral warnings about sin's consequences, reflecting the brothers' belief that tragedy results from moral failure . ## Production & Historical Context The album emerged from a complex professional situation. Capitol Records initially signed the Louvins as a gospel act, believing they already had sufficient secular brother duos on their roster . However, gospel music limited their commercial viability—church crowds found their stringed instruments insufficiently reverent, while honky-tonk audiences felt judged by their fire-and-brimstone lyrics . Producer Ken Nelson allowed them to experiment with secular material, beginning with the 1955 single "When I Stop Dreaming." The success of that transition led to *Tragic Songs of Life*, recorded with minimal production embellishment. The "awkward everything-hushed-then-suddenly-loud" dynamic range actually amplifies the material's strangeness, as does the predominance of waltz time signatures that make murder ballads feel like dance tunes . ## Themes & Philosophy The album explores several interconnected themes: 1. **The Inevitability of Tragedy**: Rather than presenting suffering as exceptional, the Louvins treat it as a universal constant—the "tragic songs of life" that touch every existence . 2. **Moral Consequence**: Drawing on their fundamentalist upbringing, the brothers frame most tragedies as the natural result of sin, weakness, or poor choices . 3. **Gender & Violence**: Modern listeners often note the album's troubling gender dynamics—women appear primarily as victims of male violence or as objects of romantic pursuit. The casual brutality of "Knoxville Girl" particularly raises questions about the culture that celebrated such narratives . 4. **Nostalgia & Place**: Songs like **"Kentucky"** and **"Alabama"** express a bittersweet yearning for home and simpler times, contrasting with the darker narrative material . ## Influence & Legacy *Tragic Songs of Life* proved profoundly influential on subsequent American music: - **The Everly Brothers** directly modeled their harmonies on the Louvins' blend, creating a through-line from 1950s country to 1960s rock and roll - **Gram Parsons** and **Emmylou Harris** championed the Louvins' work, covering their songs and bringing their harmonies to the country-rock movement - **The Band**, **Byrds**, and countless bluegrass artists cite the album as essential listening - The murder ballad tradition experienced a revival through artists like Nick Cave (who released his own *Murder Ballads* album) and Nirvana (whose cover of "In the Pines"—titled "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" on *MTV Unplugged*—introduced the song to grunge audiences) The album appears in the book *1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die*, recognized as a landmark of traditional country music that "remains powerful more than fifty years after it was recorded" . The Louvin Brothers entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 . ## Pros | Aspect | Strength | |--------|----------| | **Vocal Harmonies** | Among the finest sibling blends in recorded music; perfectly matched diction and phrasing | | **Emotional Authenticity** | Complete commitment to material, treating tragedy with compassion rather than irony | | **Mandolin Work** | Ira's tremolo technique and tone are masterful, adding texture to sparse arrangements | | **Storytelling** | Compelling narrative arcs that engage listeners intellectually and emotionally | | **Historical Significance** | Essential document of country music's transition from gospel to secular themes | | **Influence** | Shaped the Everly Brothers, Gram Parsons, and generations of harmony singers | ## Cons | Aspect | Limitation | |--------|------------| | **Vocal Tone** | High, nasal, "twangy" quality can grate on modern ears unused to traditional country | | **Repetition** | Many tracks share similar keys, tempos (predominantly waltz time), and arrangements, creating monotony over 12 tracks | | **Lyrical Content** | Graphic violence against women in "Knoxville Girl" and similar tracks troubles contemporary listeners | | **Gender Politics** | Women largely lack agency, appearing as victims or objects rather than fully realized characters | | **Limited Dynamic Range** | Sparse production offers little sonic variety; "listen to one track and move on" is a common reaction | | **Religious Heavy-Handedness** | Gospel tracks may alienate secular listeners; moralizing tone can feel judgmental | ## Conclusion *Tragic Songs of Life* demands engagement on its own terms. It is not background music, nor is it suited to ironic detachment. The album requires listeners to accept its worldview—that life is inherently tragic, that sin begets suffering, and that beauty emerges from acknowledging these truths rather than denying them. The Louvin Brothers' genius lies in their total lack of self-awareness; by treating minor nostalgia and major murder with identical deadpan candor, they achieve an uncanny emotional resonance that transcends their conservative framework . Whether one finds this approach transcendent or merely strange depends largely on one's tolerance for high-lonesome harmonies and unflinching darkness. For students of American music, the album is essential—a bridge between Appalachian folk, bluegrass, and modern country that influenced rock and roll's greatest harmony singers. For casual listeners, it offers a window into a vanished musical world, though one that may require patience and contextual understanding to fully appreciate. **Final Verdict**: A landmark recording that balances its historical importance against challenging, occasionally problematic content. The harmonies are flawless, the stories unforgettable, and the darkness uncompromising.
Roots country at its finest. (I can just imagine all of the prejudiced belly aching I'm going to find in the Reviews section.) Well, okay, roots country at its FINEST is Hank Williams. I concede that the quality of the lyrics here may be wanting. But they are utterly unpretentious. And the melodies and harmonies are fantastic. For a person who's drawn to melody-harmony-rythm-lyrics, in that order, that's enough. It also provides such a magnificent vantage to one of the main well-springs of everything we listen to -Appalachian music from the turn of the 19th Century.
This album started as a 1 or 2, but the tragedy really amped up in the middle and the stories were thrilling.
Firstly completely of its time, which made for a fascinating listen. The melting pot of influences is fantastic. The strength is the playing, on occasions mind blowing. The arrangements point to so much of what was to come across the popular music spectrum, LOTS of people who went on to big things were listening to these two. Listening to a whole album the vocals tend to grind a bit but who cares, a fun listen.
Great to hear some bluegrass on here. While not the best bluegrass album I have heard it was pretty darn hood
All this album needs is a hot summer evening, the smell of bbq in the distance and a cooler full of cheap cold beer
ok so they are really tragic songs of life, and although this is not a genre that i enjoy in very small portions, i love tragedies and i like like like this record
I'd not heard of the Louvin Brothers before this and now, I'm not sure why. This is a fascinating album.
I have a soft spot in my heart for this flavor of country. 3.75 but rounding up to an official 4 because of the beautiful harmonizing.
I was harmonizing with it thee entire time and it was delightful
I'm kind of a Louvin Brothers stan. I own 4 of their records on vinyl. Of those, this is the one I think is weakest, but I still could listen to pretty much all day. I think they are better the more religious fervor they bring, and this album falls into their "commercial" content. I heartily recommend Satan is Real and The Family That Prays. They very clearly are moved by the spirit even if they were hypocrites and fallen in a few ways. I love their harmonies, they absolutely tickle my balls. The tenor harmonies are what conjures the magic. Knoxville Girl is probably the classic murder ballad. It's been performed by a ton of people and originated hundreds of years ago from the old country as Wexford Girl. The words are sociopathic. If you don't like this version, check out the Lemonheads version. It's pretty faithful, actually.
Not my usual listening pleasure but these guys sound great... country sings with a real edge. The guitar sounds great and they use harmonics to keep things interesting. The songs are simple but the harmonies are strong. Nothing sounds very 'tragic' apart from the murder Ballad lyrics but what a brilliant album title and cover. Lost a star because it sounded like the proclaimers in a few places. Also because singing about violent murder over major keys in a nasal twang is just a bit weird. More tragic, please!
Now we're talking! I originally discovered these guys through the "Satan is Real" album, commonly cited in funniest album cover lists, which is an unfair focus as it's pretty incredible in all other ways. Hadn't explored further so this is my first listen of this one - beautifully harmonised bluegrass ballads about sad and tragic things, all immaculately performed and recorded. Right up my alley at present!
Nirvana's version of "In The Pines" is wayyy better. Otherwise, this is a notable marker in the history of Country Music.
Good
I really liked this! good start to my day.
catchy
Tragic Songs Of Life is the real old-time country deal. The brothers sing perfect sibling harmonies, singing about the big, bad stuff; heartbreak, sinning, shame and disappointment, the sweetness of their vocals accentuating the emotional wrench. Honest down to its boots. 9/10
Very blue gras
Love love love. The Louvin Brothers, cant get enough of that era of country.
What a treat of a folk album. Makes me think about "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". I had a lot of fun listening to these timeless tracks.
Knoxville Girl was a surprise. And hearing In the Pines (later covered by Nirvana on Unplugged) was unexpected. Definitely an experience
Well I remember listening to this when I started the 1001 (in order) back in late 2022. I pretty much have about the same review that I had last time I think it starts off being a little bit too close to the nose on typical Bluegrass but really good bluegrass , but as the album goes along in the songs get darker and sinister, it gets better. It reminds me of what I love about Springsteen's *Nebraska* or Cave's "Murder Ballads" . Just great horrifying almost cinematic storytelling about murder. "In The Pines" and "Knoxville Girl" are prime examples, but probably the darkest is "Katie Dear" we're a simple marriage proposal turns into a quadruple murder suicide. Granted most of these songs are from folk traditions, but I feel in a large way this is quintessential in the murder ballad tropes that's in a lot of country and folk rock. (9.1) ★★★★½
I really find this country gospel style comforting. Nice harmonies as well. 4 stars
Never heard of them before. Weird, wild stuff. Murder stories told with this close-pitched harmony. Good instrumentation. Fun all around.
Classic country. Wonderful version of In The Pines.
This is a cool album. I'm nowhere near american enough to judge if this is an essential country/bluegrass album, but it's something I would never have heard without this list.
I'm not a huge fan of the album overall, the music just isn't for me. I still respect the music on this one though. A Tiny Broken Heart really does break your heart. 7 Gaias out of 10 lizard wizards
Old school southern folk
Wow its full of tragedy and sorrow. I sometimes think of the oldin days and how hard things were. When people moved you never heard from them again, death was much more common and expectations were so much stricter. This album covers all of that and yet keeps it somewhat light and playful in their songs. This feels like how I would have had to deal with all that sorrow and tragedy, keep it movin, yes I am sad but I can't get drug down into it because its just part of everyday life. We don't forget it, we mourn it, but then the next day comes with its own struggles so we keep going. It makes me think of my grandparents and their lives, the struggles many of them dealt with and yet how loving and caring they were.
Um country do mais clássico imaginável. Gosto bastante desse tipo de música, por ser tão expressiva e representativa de uma cultura e geografia. O álbum em si parece uma coletânea de pequenas trilhas sonoras. As músicas são bem repetitivas, o que é um problema, mas não tão problemático por serem boas músicas. Melhor do álbum: "Alabama". Pior do álbum: "I'll be All Smiles Tonight".
There's an old Chappelle routine about how you can get away with saying whatever you want if you get a pretty White girl to sing it for you. I think maybe that also applies if you can get two close-harmony country singers to sing it for you - witness the senseless violence on display on "Knoxville Girl," for example. Sonically it's a lot of the same thing so you're either going to like this sound or not; I personally feel my Scots-Irish by way of Appalachia heritage rising up in me so I'm in favor.
find ihri harmonie recht cool! in the pines het für mich bis jz am meiste ussegstoche isch vlt au öppis zum lyrics mitlese aber eso ischs eifach no gmüetlich ok ich hans gester durreglost aber weiss nödso recht you know the drill NAMAL LOSE ok vorher ischs eeeener es 3 gsi aber it'll be all smiles und let her go sind scho ziemlichi banger ok s git es 4i..50er jahr-musig isch schwierig zum nöd schön finde
🎵🎤Satan lied to meeeeee, Satan lied to meeeeeee 🎶
Great! It's like a compilation of bluegrass stuff. This stands out because it is not a genre we hear all the time. Not something I'm going to play every day, but I liked it!
Beautiful, but super dark. It’s a good thing these fellas had music to work out their problems.
Good old country music. Excellent storytelling, great harmonies.
cool album. i don't know that it's particularly mindblowing, but the louvin brothers are extremely foundational and groundbreaking in terms of their use of close harmony, something you can immediately see in the following years and decades to come. the songs are quite charming and a bit quaint, but still fun to listen to. always nice to hear a mandolin!
Pretty great--I recently rewatched O Brother Where Art Thou and this style is solidly in that camp. This is good country before the pop sensibilities. A bit monotonous, haha.
this album has everything: 16 tracks in < an hour! the real birth of country harmony! a song from the perspective of a 7 year old! that one nirvana song!
Good album but what the actual **** was "Knoxville Girl" about? Like they went into the studio and was like "yeah, let's record this". Like, no one said to them, "hey, like do we need to call the cops on y'all?"
Love the harmonies and bluegrass/country!
I did enjoy this, and hummed along the entire time, but their sound definitely has a lot of... flavor. Sometimes too much. I couldn't take more than one listen, but I did enjoy their harmonies and the universality of these tunes. I especially enjoyed "Where Did You Go Last Night", since I only previously knew it from the Nirvana Unplugged performance. It was like hearing a bluegrass cover of it, haha. Four stars.
Interesting stuff
Not a lot of stylistic diversity but they do what they do. Their harmonies unlock a part of my brain that only they have the key to... (4.5)
maybe the Everly Brothers could have rocked if they too were Possessed by a Great Evil music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
Always sounds nice to listen to a couple siblings singin together. Maybe not always, probably some exceptions. This one was nice though.
Historic. Beast. Not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Æ e fascinert fra ende til anna over at det her e et av 1001 album æ må høre før æ dør. Men det e jo helt klart veldig av sin tid, og sin epoke, og sin stil, så æ e ikke motstander av at æ nu har hørt det, sjøl om det nok ikke e nokka æ kommer til å lytte til flere ganger. Men tidlig grunnlag for sjangre man like e jo aldri feil å ha et visst forhold til.
That brother Ira was singing from the heart when he was going on about the devil and temptations.
Slipping from Sex Pistols "EMI" into Louvin Brothers "Kentucky" is jarring to say the least. My what changes 20 years had brought.
Beautiful harmonies. Idk why there is a fear of creating simple music like this today. Gets sleepy near the end.
Once again, the author(s) get it right. This album of boring country according to some on this list nails what the birth of modern country music means to modern music. The Louvin Brothers are at the pinnacle of Country - a listen to Type Mahon Coe's podcast will paint them in a light that makes this album more appreciable. 4/5
A simpler time, easy and enjoyable listening. Bit repetitive but love the product of its time
This list might have a special sense cause right when I was wanting some country, it delivered. Toe-tapping goodness
This was actually a lot cooler than I thought it was going to be, though I was thrown off a little bit because one of the brothers sounds like a female. Much has been made about the lyrics and I've gotta say that I didn't pay too close attention to them, though I'm giving it another listen while I'm doing some work. Really cool to hear "In The Pines" which would be most famously performed by Nirvana during their Unplugged show. Holy shit, this Knoxville Girl song is fucking dark. Jesus Christ...prime example of the music not matching the words. I think this is probably something that you really need to dig deep on the lyrics to get the maximum amount of enjoyability on and I've just not been able to do it for each and every song having listened to it while working a couple times. But I first thought this was going to be awful and it's far from that. 4/5
I really like music and harmonies like this
a dark country album with haunting harmonies and murder ballads. pretty intense for the year 1956, and i am here for it.
Never heard the Louvin Brothers do bluegrass. Great old school bluegrass harmonies and sound. Classic tracks played in the classic bluegrass style. Right down the middle.
This music makes me nostalgic for a time and place I never existed in
Good bluegrass album!!!
Very good old country, though the amount of crooner in it doesn't do it any favors.
What a classic mix of country, bluegrass, and Appalachian music. A great time capsule.
First thing I'm noticing is that the vocal pairing/harmonies are soooo dialed. It sounds cool. I also love the dark lyrics and storytelling.
This is cool. Maybe not my favorite country or bluegrass record, but I love the songwriting. It’s fun to hear old timey songs among the first record to ever really be released. Obviously, the record companies wanted to release something that would resonate with people so music about love, loss, heartbreak, friendship and disappointment works. Especially when these songs are all variations of old times classics. All of that is why I enjoyed this record. However, I have to call out Knoxville Girl.. WTF is this song? I’m feeling all existential about the trajectory and evolution of modern music, and feeling moved that human emotion is the same throughout time. And then… there is this random song about murdering your fiancée?!?!? WTF?! Who is the audience for this song?? This is like horror country or psychobilly. Super weird to have this song on the record. Caught me off guard.
This is hard to review. I'm very much not a fan of Country music, even the "classic" stuff like this. However, within the style this is exceedingly well done. Their vocal harmonies are incredibly tight and the guitar and mandolin playing is excellent. Occasionally, it would veer more toward Bluegrass and my interest would be piqued a bit more, but the Country outweighed it throughout. Would I listen to it again? Nope. Subjectively, this is a 2 stars from me. At best. But would someone who has any interest in Country music find something to like here? Yes. So I'll be objective and give it 4 stars.
surprisingly into this
Classic bluegrass
liked it
Waltzarama! Great beats, fun musicianship
Was really vibing with the country harmony, but the middle got boring and the end got preachy
You have to sing it a bit for sounding dated but technically it’s timeless. If Sturgill or Stapleton or similar did this album song for song people would rave over it. You can hear a lot to come in this.
nice old country with classic traditional songs and a crazy story involving Ira Louvin's third wife
Heard it.
Classic one, loved in the pines
I’m not usually a fan of country music but I quite enjoyed this one, another album I’d listen too again
enjoyed this much more than i thought i would!
Classic bluegrass is what this album is all about. The musicianship is top notch and the stories here are all about life, love, heartbreak, tragedy, and death. This is the definition of country music songs for many years to come. I love a good story and there are so many here. The melodies of the brothers just add to the beauty of this album. Favorites include “Let Her Go”, “God Bless Her”, “In The Pines” (one of my favorite bluegrass songs), and “Knoxville Girl” (Brutal).
I'm a sucker for this kind of thing. Folksy, full of feeling, I wish more country today sounded like this.
Ok first of all, badass album name Major mandolin shreddage Good ol'fashioned country music - not sure why they hadn't come up for me before
Some quality, classic country music. I think the songs could have used some change ups with the instruments used, but the songs themselves are all good.
Super depressing bluegrass, which is just how I like it. -1 for being too preachy tho, even though I understand it's part of the history of the genre. 4/5
This sounds like the backdrop to a Cohen brothers movie, one of them with George Clooney, or Billy Bob Thornton. Earnest and unassuming. In a world of its own. It exists here only for others to laugh at.
Brings energy!
Glad I heard this. Fun to hear what Jagger lifted for parts of Beggar's Banquet.
This is an album that does exactly what it says on the tin. Songs of heartache, sorrow, loneliness, doom, disaster and tragedy, and one song about how great it is to live in Kentucky. The Louvin Brothers sing in glorious close harmony, accompanying some fine music, mostly in a bluegrass style, although there are also a couple of gospel songs added to this album in case y’all could use some churchin’ up. However, it turns out that real life was to tragically imitate the art. Of the brothers, Charlie was the sensible one but apparently Ira was the bad seed, prone to drinking and fits of temper, and after they parted ways in 1963 he died in a car crash a few years later. Sad.
Dark, repetitive, haunting, I'm into that.
Seems right at home at any roots/americana show
Pretty solid. There’s some interesting proto Beatles elements, but I’m unlikely to return to this.
Alternate universe where Appalachia is an island off the coast of an Anglo-Pacific Italia.
first listen classic
surprisingly dark and uneasy ballads with close harmony folk singing makes this album fairly easy listening unless you're hearing the lyrics, in which case there's a deeper more unsettling sound to the project.
Really takes me back to the time, listening to these songs. Love it
One of many close harmony brothers in country music. The Delmore Brothers, Everly Brothers, Stanly Brothers, and Monroe Brothers all have their claims to fame with traditional country stylings, but it was the Louvin Brothers that brought together a group of morose songs that brought out the sorrow in their singing. Part of me wishes the list chose their later album Satan Is Real for its shock value, but perhaps that pick is a little too Christian. Tragic Songs of Life does a lot of things right, especially when representing the more traditional side of country music before the Nashville sound began to dominate. Country music is not for everyone, but the Louvin Brothers make a pretty good case for its most simple and enjoyable aspects. The only real sin is that Hank Williams doesn't get represented on the list. If you dare to venture further into classic country, give a listen to his 40 Greatest Hits.
Nice
Christian crooners
4 stars because they are just heartbroken mexicans inside. I liked it
****A true bluegrass album. Well done!
When I started listening to this album I thought, “oh no, gospel”. However I focused on the lyrics and noticed most of the songs were actually just about sorrow, tragedy and pain. There was some religious overtones but most of it was about lost love or death. And then came the murder ballads like “Knoxville Girl”. I didn’t expect to hear that one. Also, “In The Pines” was a surprise. I knew parts of it as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”, as made famous by Nirvana on their Unplugged album. Their version was done by Leadbelly in the 40s before this album came out. The Louvin brothers version seems to be based on the original Appalachian version instead. Still a sad and memorable song. And then the album ends with a number of overtly gospel songs. Sung and played well but not as interesting to me. Overall an interesting album and pleasant to the ear.
I’ve heard this album before. Very strange album that I guess was instrumental in country music. Definitely country music has changed throughout the last 70 years
Learned about them and blood harmony on the cocaine and rhinestone podcast. Good stuff
I think it was interesting enough. I did not enjoy their rendition of “in the pines”. They made it worse. I wouldn’t listen to it again probably since country isn’t a favorite genre of mine but I think it was unique enough for this list. I don’t care for the ultra religious stuff though.
Favorite Track: In The Pines
proto slim cessna
This, now this, this is the kinda stuff I grew up with. I enjoyed this album a lot, although I’m partial. It’s so simple, and it feels so real and heartfelt.
This is real country. Sad songs about how life is tragic. Not cars and how great everything is being a poor sucker and not being no city slicker. It's about the human condition and longing.
Nice vocal harmonies and some disturbing lyrics. Why did he kill poor Knoxville Girl?
Good!
I don’t mind a good murder ballad. This was quite good, albeit on the long side. Quality harmonies, a nostalgic golden oldie country & western feel, very interesting stories to say the least. Knoxville Girl was the standout - the juxtaposition between the brutal narrative and the easy-listening musicality is incredible. It takes me back to a memorably dingy bar I went to in London in 2008 where I saw a duo performing in a similar style. I browsed through some of The Louvin Brothers discography and loved the cover art for their album Satan Is Real. A high 3, just scraping past the threshold to round up to a 4.
In the pines, in the piiiiiines, where the sun don't ever shine.... oops, wrong band. Loved this.
Really good
Film Noire plots with an Appalachain setting relayed via bluegrass tunes. Amazing brotherly harmonies, cool mandolin parts, and some nearly Hawaiian twang. A truly American album that pairs sweet and innocent gospel music paired with dark themes of murder and abuse, a classic folk tale/music tradition.
There is something about the harmonies made by family, especially siblings. Beautiful example of Appalachian music that could have come straight from The Soggy Bottom Boys (iykyk).
"Tragic Songs of Life" is the debut album by American country duo the Louvin Brothers. Theis country album was somewhat of a concept album dealing with tragic heartbreak and misfortune songs and classic murder ballads. Yep. The Louvin Brothers are Charlie (vocals, guitar) and Ira (vocals, mandolin). A quote from a critic: "A landmark of traditional country music that remains powerful more than fifty years after it was recorded." A mandolin and guitars open " Kentucky." Great harmonization by the brothers, a tenor and a bass. The music falls more in the line of bluegrass. His sweetheart will be coming home soon. More of the mandolin and strumming guitar in "What Is Home Without Love." Great lyrics. What is home without sunshine? Without wine? I know I heard "In the Pines" before and, sure enough, it's the song Nirvana covered on their unplugged album. The bothers' vocals give this a spiritual feeling. A bleak outlook, though, with death being the only certainty in life. And then we begin the murder ballads. In "Katie Dear," there's silver and gold daggers. There's a Mother, a Father and a boyfriend that got stabbed. They had planned on running away. "Knoxville Girl" tells the tail of a man murdering a girl and going to jail. He did cause' he loved her so well. I thought the 50's were a happy time for all Americans; not these two brothers. Listening to this felt like it belonged somewhere between the watching "No Country for Old Men" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Both Coen Brother films. Any connection? On the musical side, just great vocals and harmonization. The guitar and mandolin pickin' had a strong bluegrass feel. No doubt the vocals and the storytelling are the highlight of the album. And, an album I quite enjoyed and, I think, most people would too.
beautiful harmonies, that song about the kid whose heart was broken because his bff/sweetheart's family next door was moving away might be the saddest thing i've ever heard
Honestly some very beautiful tunes and harmonies and playing here. Very much enjoyed this one
Rather enjoyed the pathos of this album. The harmonies grew a bit repetitive but the instrumentals were lovely—especially the mandolin—and while I wouldn’t want to listen to the whole album at once again, I’d certainly listen to individual songs in a mixed rotation. They certainly brought you in to the tragedies oft their time and place.
I dug this - country closer to Appalachian folk than anything else, and who doesn't like a good murder ballad! Fave tracks - "In The Pines" - this version is positively cheery compared to modern versions. Also liked "Alabama".
The title of this album made my heart ache, and the songs got my heart even more. Country life ballads at its finest. I wouldn’t normally gravitate to this type of music but it has touched me.
Basically live for this kinda stuff… a couple of country brothers harmonizing about some real sad stuff. Legends!
Now this is the kinda music white people should be making instead of pastiche-y blues.
There's something special about this area of Country Folk. The things I can hear in this album that influenced the next 15+ years of Country Folk, and the two individual iterations of those genres, are too many to list. A brilliant album for its time and a classic sound that holds up well with time. Great Listen!
Tragic Songs of Life is the debut album by The Louvin Brothers, originally released in 1956. When reviewing albums from the 50s and early 60s, I try to keep in mind that albums were not necessarily the king format in those times. Singles were the highest selling, so most artists tended to focus on those. Albums were usually an afterthought, which led to them not having the strongest material and sounding the same across all the songs. Unfortunately the Louvin Brothers kinda fell victim to that. Their main trick was their harmonies, which are no doubt great, but can be a bit much when the whole album is basically in the same key. Another strength I think went a bit underrated with them is the songwriting/song selection. These tunes cut pretty deep. They do a good job of framing depressing lyrics through a country instrumental, which is less-depressing. I mean, the US was 10 years removed from World War II at this point, and the 50s was returning some normalcy to that generation's lives. The suburban areas were booming and the country was prospering. Easy Listening music was topping the charts. And here come the Louvins to bring us back down to earth with tales of heartbreak, murder, and jealousy. You can also tell these guys were impactful. CSN most likely took notes on harmony from these guys. You can trace their imprint in country folk-adjacent music from The Everly Brothers all the way to modern acts like Mapache. This is a really important album and although not the strongest content-wise, it left a standing impact on American music.
There’s beauty in the simplicity of the approach from this era. The downside of this style is that anything subpar in the writing or execution has nowhere to hide. The vocals may not be very “good” by traditional critical standards, but they work with this genre and the bros do a great job with melodic interplay. Listened to: walking on LVRT. Favorite tracks: Let Her Go God Bless Her, Knoxville Girl
I love this. The Louvin bros' blood harmonies are amazing, that sound has lived in my head since I was a kid. Also crazy lives lived. Gorgeous, simple country
One enjoys the sweet and lilting vocals quite a bit and feels a touch guilty given the grim subject matter (see "Satan Lied to Me"). The playing is tight and crisp but seems quite by-the-book. The gospel-y tunes seem slightly more compelling than the murder ballads. And rarely have murder ballads been more listenable. One admits to not knowing enough about this genre or this act to understand the historical significance but it sounds pretty authentic and offers nice variety to much else on the list.
I’m at a 4. Of course, I’m a little biased towards the soundscape, but this is a very lyric-heavy album, and I just really liked the storytelling on it. Yes, they’re all songs of tragedy, and yes, the stories get a little predictable the later you get into the album, but for my money’s worth, this has fine instrumentation, fabulous harmonization, and ultimately, I’m just super satisfied with it. I don’t think there’s a bad track here, just a few slightly duller ones, but I enjoyed this a lot. It’s not a 5 – it doesn’t do enough to get up to that level, but it’s just good country music with a very traditional lean, and I’m a sucker for a good story. Pretty solid 4.
I really enjoy bluegrass and old country. Very familiar with Knoxville Girl and other Appalachian murder ballads. Which is a crazy genre when you think about it. I like the Louvin Brothers but hadn’t listened to a full album in one go. Thought it would get boring and grating. However I enjoyed this one from start to finish. The vocals do get repetitive. Lyrics are cool, just the vocal style goes to the well a few too many times. I definitely miss country like this, though pigs’ll fly before modern country stops focusing on getting drunk in a lifted truck and throwing furniture off balconies.
I didn’t really hear anything special in this album but I love this kind of country folk blues so it ended up being a nice way to spend 45 minutes. It even had a standout track in Knoxville girl which is unusual for a broader experience-type album like this where every song sounds basically exactly the same except the lyrics are different.
4 stars
Really enjoyed this! Ira and Charlie's shared blood harmony absolutely slays.
This stuff is great
Classic Americana songs that serve as a pillar of Bluegrass and Country foundations.
The Louvin Brothers are country music royalty like the Munroe Brothers but probably not heard by many of the people. Their influence is unmistakable but I think other artists were the recipient if their skills more than the Louvin's. I also think their appeal will be a thin slice of the listeners in 1001 albums but it doesn't diminish their impact. 4/5
Gorgeous harmonies, classic country storytelling, songs for the sinner. Loved this one.
I think i got a fondness for this early country-ish stuff. Buck Owens, Marty Robbins, this. Nice that the website makes you discover things about youself you didn't even know
Really quite a listen. Old timey country that's metal as all hell. Knoxville Girl, My Brother's Will, In The Pines -- just powerful story songs. Great harmonies. Listening to this, and then hearing the bro-country that they're pumping out at a local restaurants, makes me realize that modern country is music for people who hate music. Anyway, definitely worth a listen.
Love it - great harmony - fuck the haters
Something new and fun. I think I want to revisit this one when I'm more focused just on it.
I do like bluegrass and although this is marked as country it is really bluegrass.
👍
Not my vibe, but it's good for the genre.
Very good harmonies on some vintage folk songs.
Klart intressant. Kul med Nirvana-originalet.
Gotta say, after that first twang I thought “oh boy here we go.” And away we did go. It was every bit as twangy and stereotypical country as I thought it would be. But….it was good. I liked it. I liked it a lot. This album is Americana. It’s almost as much folk as it is country. Some real stand outs that I favorited on Spotify: Let Her Go In The Pines (of course) Katie Dear Knoxville Girl Satan Lied To Me.
Cool to recognize In The Pines! And that it dates back to 1870s
Great old school country.
Classic trope of good sibling bad sibling making good music. Mandolin all over the album is fantastic and the brothers blood harmony is amazing
this album reminds me of walking in the middle of night in Fallout New Vegas. digitally wandering through the post-apocalyptic Mojave is such a powerful nostalgia for me that there was no way I could rate it less than three stars. it also reminded me of being high on kratom or a little tipsy while in my David Lynch and film noir class. that was also a real comfy time. Just hanging out a little intoxicated in a theater while watching old fifties and forties flicks.
This album caught me by total surprise. Threw it on while working out in the gym and it ended up playing through twice while I worked out. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Crazy how much better these guys are when the whole album isn’t about christianity
Epic
Real country
A good album and an easy listen, I really enjoyed the old country style. I like In The Pines the best.
Good bluegrass twang. Not sure if I would listen to a full album in one sitting again but I would certainly add some to a playlist.
Vilken trevlig överraskning! Deras stämsång är så tight de det låter som en röst. Klart det hjälper till att de är bröder. Kan lyssna på det här hela dagar.
Good. I have to say I've got a soft spot for this type of music.
Well that was a surprise - wasn't expecting to enjoy that much. Some dark lyrics that would have Trent Reznor running for the hills!
I just wanted to crack open a cold beer and sit on a porch overlooking the Smokeys. Not much substance to discuss here. It's good. Is this album important enough to put on this list? Sure! Could you replace it with any number of bluegrass country albums from the same time period? Also sure! Four stars because why not?
Holy harmonies! The first half of the album is just bluegrass brilliance. The last part that is religious is a bit too too for me.
Love it. Very old fashioned country.
Great 3 chords melodies and beautiful harmonies. Loved it.
This might be a tiny bit of an exaggeration, but the Louvin Brothers were the Righteous Gemstones of their day. Singing murder ballads in the gospel style is a gangster-ass move. Best track: Knoxville Girl
Lives up to its title for sure.
this kind of country is hard to take seriously which is funny because i think it might be the most serious american music of all
How blue was my grass?
Huh. There's no reason I should like this album. I am not a country fan on any level. I don't generally enjoy sad-sack crooning and I'm not into the whole murder ballad aesthetic. And yet... This album is a masterclass in performance and engineering. This is from back in the "do it all live in a single take" days of recording. There's no room for mistakes. And there are none. These boys know their art and are very good at it. It's hard not to get sucked into the storytelling when the performances are this good. So. Here I am. Giving good marks to, of all things, an old country album about murder and lost love. Strange days.
Tragic songs of life indeed! Each of these songs is like a Terrence Malick movie. And sure it's a bit dated and quaint sounding, but the harmonies are amazing. My favorite part of their Wikipedia page: Ira Louvin was notorious for his drinking, womanizing, and volcanic temper. He was married four times; his third wife Faye shot him four times in the chest and twice in the hand after he allegedly tried to strangle her with a telephone cord. Although seriously injured, he survived. When performing and drinking, Ira would sometimes become angry enough on stage to smash his mandolin when he was unable to tune it, and - when sober - glue it back together. Ironically, Ira died from being hit by a drunk driver at the age of 41, when he himself had an arrest warrant out for a DUI. Even though it's not something I'll probably listen to again, I'm going with 4 stars on this one.
That pretty dark album. A gem of an oldie.
Valse présente, mandoline, harmonies, histoires tristes: proche de ce qu’on appelle au Québec le western. J’ai trouvé ça très attachant
Sounds fun and folksy but those lyrics are dark
A solid, traditional country album. This has to be one of the first true albums in any genre, right? It's a bit heavy handed with its themes at times, but I don't find them to detract too much. While I said this was solid, nothing really stands out. It's a bunch of good songs, no great ones. A 3.5 being bumped to 4 because country is a genre that gets too much hate.
I can appreciate the role that this album might have in musical history. I think the brothers have honed their harmonies to produce a traditional folk-country sound, and I really thought that I would enjoy listening more than I did. It all just started to drone on after a while and the lyrics in many tunes just didn't appeal to me today.
A year or two ago I would’ve given this a 2, but I’ve come to really appreciate country/Americana so this worked for me. Also a pretty interesting album title for the 50s.
ahoooooooooooy
cute little record , great harmonies
My favorite hobby is finding songs I already like on albums I’ve literally never heard of
From High Lonesome to High Dysfunction to High Crimes and Misdemenanors. Friends and Enemies in Low Places all across Weird Old America, including all the best trailer parks, and different, non-best housing tracts. One could listen to this all day.
I liked this one. A lot of the songs told little stories.
I love this style of music. The harmonies and story telling have a comforting sense about them. Twangy but lovely.
I loved it. I was also shocked at how good the recordings sounded considering how old they are. The songs were all simple and some of them kinda blended into each other, but there was really nothing to dislike. I'm sure I'll run this back a few times this year.
Phenomenal dual singing style. Ira Louvin's high over Charles Louvin's low shows them to be masters of the form. The mandolin breaks are fantastic as well. Overall, this is traditional country played best.
If you’re into crazy murder ballad waltzes, Jesus, southern culture, and/or heartbreak, then the Louvin Brothers are for you! And yet… I listened to it all and kind of liked it.
Loved this!! Brilliant bass playing, simplicity done really well.
I actually quite enjoyed this
Got a bit too god ish at the end
This was a perfect album for a lazy Sunday morning. Incredible harmonies and takes on a lot of traditional songs. The recording is very worn and lived in and it just feels so comfortable to put on. Great record.
decent classic stuff
Wow, this is remarkable, how had I never heard of this before? Such tight harmonies.
I just love the 50s lol.
Decent.
album had terrible quality but right up my street. somewhere between statler brothers and nick shoulder with a sprinkle of ol hank
Agradable sorpresa! No he escuchado mucho country con este rollo de dos voces armonizando, pero ha estado guay!
A bit of a nostalgic album for me, as I remember some of these songs from visiting my grandma as a kid. Simple, but fantastic songwriting and storytelling.
It’s like Hank Williams/Bluegrass. We’re they the originators of In the Pines? Their yodeling on it is beautiful. A lot of violence against women in this album—I think o heard a podcast about Knoxville Girl. But I think these songs are old Appalachian songs. Eerie to hear them with the dulcet tones of bluegrass and country. Oh, haha, the title is “Tragic Songs of Life” didn’t catch that. Interesting how my mood affects my rating. Given that this is repetitive if’s probably give it a lower score, but I’m really giving with it, sonic going to give it a 4. And in spite of the violence.
countryy
Bueno en su época
Awesome harmony duo ❤
Classic two handed country
Randomness is sending me all countrified lately. Not really my genre. This is good, although a lot of that leans pretty heavy on the traditional and folk music it draws from.
I had heard “Satan Is Real” which is a banger but had not heard this one before. I thought it was much of the same 50’s doo wop country which I really like. I like the stories on this album and a lot of the music they played was traditional tunes that have been around for a long time. Their voices work really well together. Favorite song: Knoxville Girl Least favorite song: Alabama
Lovely Americana. Great harmonies, love the mandolin. Knew them from "Satan is Real", glad it's a bit less religious. Interesting rendition of "In the Pines" Favorite tracks: "Kentucky", "Knoxville Girl"
Ur-country, and a shining example of what a few voices and instruments can accomplish. Any sameness here exists in terms of tone (which is hardly a bad thing for a record) and in terms of the basic rhythmic structure. But that's what you get for committing popular music to a recording.
Two brothers oozing with talent harmonizing over a small bluegrass string arrangement. I believe most of the tracks are covers or heavily influenced by other's works/traditional songs, and most of the central themes are pretty bleak. All in all it's a decent listen, unclear if I would reach for this again.
beautiful singing damn some of this is so dark and violent
RATING: 6/10 HIGHLIGHT: Alabama LOWLIGHT: Knoxville Girl
I like these country boys.
ok
Typical old school country. Not bad
Some neat ol country, nothing too strong to say on this but its cromulent.
I enjoyed it, but I’m going to echo with the others say. The format works well for a couple songs, but it drags on. Each song sounds exactly the same.
tight harmonies. Pretty fun songs, though I bet the satan one is funner.
A solid collection of Bluegrass. Great instrumentation. A unique experience for a list that feels so saturated in Newwave. In the Pines, is a jam.
Never heard of them but a good sound.
𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 is about as traditional as country music gets. The album lives and dies by the close-harmony singing of the Louvin Brothers, which is either going to be the main attraction or a major hurdle, depending on your taste. Personally, I can appreciate the musicianship and the atmosphere, even if the vocal style doesn’t always click with me. The songs themselves are simple, but the harmonies give them their identity. If you’re curious about traditional country music, this feels like a good place to start.
Much better than I expected. The manner in which they sing kinda pisses me off tho. Can’t listen to this again but it was aight for what it was.
It’s like listening to the tales around big ass campfire
Never been a country fan but I guess that was O.K.
5.5/10
Country music with a dark and folky twist. I added “In the Pines” to my playlist.
Pretty cool. Dug that song about the devil.
A nice old country album. I do like duets. But why does it sound like reggae. Bouncy bouncy.
Some old old country that sounds a lot like music I’ve heard a lot growing up in Appalachia. But because of that, it’s not really anything remarkable. I’ve gotta be in the mood for this but it’s not offensive to listen to.
Here's the thing. Everyone agrees that modern country music is trash. No substance or style. Just pop songs about beer, guns, and trucks sung in an accident. Everyone says classic country is the best until they listen to an entire album like this. A song or two is nice to listen to to get that original sound and feeling. A whole album of the same repetitive sound gets old fast though. A blend of classic sounds like this and the modern pop country we have today would be my ideal style.
This had some good songs and was enjoyable. Maybe a bit long though.
Alright so this was a pleasant enough listen but holy frijoles: EVERY. SONG. SOUNDS. THE SAME! Like I get that's part of the style but my god could there be a LITTLE variety here?! I know for a lot of people that's part of the comfort of the genre but when every song starts up and I know I can already sing along to the melody and rhythm of a song I've never even heard before it gets a little repetitive.
Fun fact of the day - After wondering what was up with the homicidal song, Knoxville girl, I learned murder ballads are a thing!
Honestly kind of wild there’s not more religious music on this list since that’s basically how music started. This is pretty standard stuff, didn’t blow my socks off, definitely didn’t hate it. Short and okay enough, a couple songs feature a pretty dark sense of humor, surprising for such religious stuff.
Well, this is something I wouldn’t normally get exposed to. Strangely weird and wonderful. Great harmonies and some choice subject matter. Sort of addictive
fun, not super my vibe of the day but that’s ok
Appalachian harmonies and beats
I didn’t listen to the whole thing but what I heard was good. Not really my genre.
Wow -- not familiar with this at all. But there is some great musicality here. I really like the guitar and mandolin picking on this album -- they really lend some energy to the songs. And the vocal harmonies really pop -- reminded me quite a bit of the Everly Brothers. They would cover the same song Kentucky found here a few years later. My only complaint is that there is less of the guitar and mandolin soloing on the second half of the album... and I could feel a drop in the energy level. Though I am not likely to revisit this, I can appreciate this solid effort.
Well done overall. Plenty of nice harmonies and storytelling, mostly. 1 listen
It’s more of a collection of singles but they still provide good examples of country musics state in the 50’s
nice enough
These guys need fucking help
In another era, another place, this album lingers like an old-timey breeze. It's the kind of charm that wraps around you, warm and familiar, even seven decades on. A simple melody repeats.. and repeats.. and repeats.. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - I'll Be All Smiles Tonight - In the Pines - Knoxville Girl
Good voices
Old school country with a touch of bluegrass. In The Pines is a classic but the rest of the album is just ok.
5/10: I liked the songs about murder and broken hearted children, less so the ones about god. Clearly very influential and the melodies were pleasant, but I don’t see much re-listen value in this one to me. Best song: A Tiny Broken Heart
Did I love this album? No, but I did find this to be quite impressive for its time. Some really crisp country folk here which I enjoyed quite a bit more than I had anticipated. Usually, gospel like country would annoy me with all the preaching but seeing as this came out in the 50’s it really didn’t bother me so much. Had a look at some of their other albums and the album art for “Satan is Real” is 10/10 fantastic and the title track is something. This was fine for what it is. 3 stars
Now that’s how you make violence against women sound good.
Would make a good soundtrack for the Hillbilliy Horror genre.
Very country very western some excellent songs a source I think for some of half man’s ideas the tragic comic love song parody.
ok
Very old time.. Not bad, but gets old quick.
je suis jamais allée aux USA mais on s'y serait cru. j'ai bien aimé après c'est vrai que c'est pas du tout mon style de musique, donc je ne réécouterai peut-être pas.
The kind of bluegrass/country music that was all about love, death, and the heartbreak both cause. Love the mandolin, and the harmonizing was kinda neat. As morose as the subject matter was, it wasn't a bad time.
Mostly cover songs being performed just fine. Not much to say because that's just what was typical, they sound nice, at least
(2.5) this album is exclusively meant to be listened to when sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of a cabin in rural appalachia
Pretty twangy, but despite that, I enjoyed some of the songs.
Do you like harmonies? Waltz time? Songs either about murder or Jesus? Then this is the album for you. Being honest it is pretty much what it is. 50’s backwoods gospel country. The brothers voices mesh perfectly if they are singing hymns or murder ballads. A fascinating listen
Reminds me of my Grandpa
yeah, this was fun. sounds like home in a silly way
Fine folk ballad compilation. I wouldn't be able to discern it from other folk ballad albums, but it does well.
Better than expected! Reminds me of the old drugstore music I used to hear every Saturday morning. 3-3.5
“In the Pines” is one of my favorite songs of all time. This was fun!
When the mood is right, this is a delight. Me, hurtling down versailles road on a sunny evening, trees blooming and Keeneland opening? And the first track is a love song to the Bluegrass state? Unbeatable. The mandolin is perfection. Me, driving back home in the dark listening to a harrowing tale of a freak hunting accident: ah jeepers, I’m not enjoying these tragic songs of life anymore. And the Righteous Gemstones-core “Satan Lied To Me” had me scared that Danny McBride would pull up behind me to pull “car pranks”
Technisch sehr gute Sänger, fühle die Tragik leider nicht
I like the 1950s style of country music, but man some of those songs do not hold up well (looking at you “Knoxville Girl”). Decent country, enjoyable enough, just wish there was more representation from the 80s and 90s from this genre. It feels like most of the country on the list is from the 50s and 60s.
My dad listened to a lot of gospel when I was growing up, so I have some exposure and appreciation. It's good this is on the 1001.
シンプルで綺麗なハーモニーで落ち着けるアルバムだった。
I means it good, but just kind of got old. Sounds like these two were dickheads too.
A lot of identical songs with different lyrics. I love that song though.
A nice old country album
Run of the mill old school blue grass. I can see where Ricky Skaggs got his schtick from.
There’s some kind of charm here but after the seventh song all I can think is thank goodness I was not born in the 40s.
In the pines was the only highlight since it's always interesting to hear a new version of that song. Otherwise I did not care about this
Enjoyed it!
Had this on in the background and I really can't say I hated it. Was pleasant and jovial. Don't know if I'd go out of my way to ever listen again though. It's a 2.5, feeling generous today so I'll round it up to a 3
Just fine country. Nothing particularly standoutish on this album
Classic country. This was good. Some good ol' storytelling. It got pretty christian at the end though, but I think that's the expanded edition.
I'm not much for spirituals (or country music, for that matter), but I like how the Louvin Brothers harmonize, and it's nice to hear the mandolin again.
Nice, but ultra repetitive. Each song sounds the same.
For two cherub-looking young men on many of the covered, there was some dark stuff in their songs!!!
The 7 minutes of My Brother's Will and Knoxville Girl was troubling to say the least, but it had me hooked at times
Classic old school country
1. I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight 2. Kentucky 3. Alabama
Cute
Old fashioned country - quite enjoyed - very much if it’s time