The Louvin Brothers - Tragic Songs of Life (CA)

All Music Guide

The first album by the Louvins has been lovingly transferred to compact disc, with new historical notes as well as a reproduction of the original art work. This disc is more cheerful than its title would suggest, with even the saddest songs sung with such beauty that there is an inherent joy in hearing them. the Louvins had only been recording popular songs (as opposed to gospel) for a year before they cut the majority of the 12 numbers here in May of 1956. There's a lot that will be familiar, including Carl Davis' "Kentucky" (which the Everly Brothers covered on Roots) and traditional standards like "Let Her Go, God Bless Her" and "Knoxville Girl," which later became a hit single, intermingled with a few originals. All of the material was drawn from the Louvins' own roots, including the first song they ever sang, "Knoxville Girl." The digital remastering is impeccable, with crisp textures on the guitars and mandolins throughout and barely a trace of hiss or noise. - Bruce Eder, All Mu...sic Guide Read more Less