|
Livin',
Lovin', Losin' - Songs of the Louvin Brothers
Album review by: Cheryl H. Hill
It is not surprising that an album of this caliber comes from the most
dynamic and innovative new label to take up residence in Music City in
decades. Universal South Records, headed up by the incredible and
creative Tony Brown and Tim DuBois, has joined forces with Grammy Award
winning producer Carl Jackson and Kathy Louvin (daughter of
Ira) to produce a unique and extraordinary album.
Jackson says that he considers the Louvin Brothers to be "the
greatest country music duo of all time!" Judging from the list of
artists who sing on the album, the sentiment is widespread in the
industry. The liner notes state, "The album features a stellar cast
of collaborators." Even calling it a "stellar cast," may
be an understatement. The artists who joined forces on this album read
like a "who's who" in country music. You will hear legends
harmonizing with new artists that you already know are going to be
legends. This album is obviously a labor of love for all involved.
Although the music on this CD would have been enough for me to give it a
four-star endorsement, there is so much more to appreciate. It relates a
country music history that began in the late 1930's and is still going
strong. Through the use of archived audio clips from radio, we meet the
Louvin Brothers at the beginning of the album. Through the same
technology, they introduce various songs throughout the recording. In
keeping with the harmony tradition of their music, all sixteen songs
feature more than one vocalist. Some of the pairings are surprising -
even more surprising is how delightfully
they harmonized. Just reading the list of artists singing on the CD
(below this review) impresses; moreover they vocally transport you on a
great trip down a marvelous, musical memory lane.
Despite breaks to serve in the military during WWII and Korea, the
Louvin Brothers career continued. Later, notwithstanding a music
evolution (rock-a-billy) that urged them to betray traditional country
and sponsor pressure that forced them to push their music beyond it's
gospel roots, the brothers managed to carve a permanent and unique
niche' in country music history. Even with a solid reputation as gospel
singers, they were compelled to expand their repertoire when they joined
the Opry in 1955. Their first success outside of the gospel realm was
the classic, "The Get Acquainted
Waltz" (with Chet Atkins on guitar). Although they started their
career in 1943, their first number one hit on the Billboard Charts
didn't arrive until 1952 when Carl Smith recorded their "Are You
Teasing Me." Decades later, in 1975, they would give an unknown
singer by the name of Emmylou Harris her first hit with "If I Could
Only Win Your Love."
With the release of this CD, a new generation will be introduced to the
music of the Louvin Brothers and, no doubt, they will add many new fans.
After all, who can't relate to Livin', Lovin', Losin'.
Charlie Elzer Loudermilk and Lonnie Ira Loudermilk - Charlie and Ira -
or the Louvin Brothers - whatever you call them translates to
"legendary." Livin', Lovin', Losin' - Songs of the
Louvin Brothers is pure, certifiable, undeniable, totally
buyable, musical perfection!
1. Intro To Charlie and Ira
2. Cash On The Barrelhead - Joe Nichols/Rhonda Vincent
3. My Baby's Gone - Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell
4. How's The World Treating You - James Taylor/Alison Krauss
5. I Can't Keep You In Love With Me - Vince Gill/Terri Clark
6. Must You Throw Dirt In My Face - Merle Haggard/Carl Jackson
7. If I Could Only Win Your Love - Ronnie Dunn/Rebecca Lynn Howard
8. When I Stop Dreaming - Glen Campbell/Leslie Satcher
9. I Wish You Knew - Kathy Louvin/Pamela Brown Hayes
10. The New Partner Waltz - Linda Ronstadt/Carl Jackson
11. Are You Teasing Me - Patty Loveless/Jon Randall
12. I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby - Harley Allen/Dierks Bentley
13. You're Running Wild - Larry Cordle/Carl Jackson/Jerry Salley
.
|
