Reviewed by Dave Brassington A distinguishing feature of country and folk music is of families singing together in various ensembles. Here we have a budget line compilation bringing together four LP releases from the late 1950s when albums were still quite new to the record industry, and 'hit' singles would not be included as it was deemed the album buying public were different to those buying single releases! For those not familiar with Ira and Charlie, The Louvin Brothers were a highly important and influential brother duet who began life purely as a gospel act, but who then became successful in mainstream country music. Personally I have been listening to them for 50 years and at one time possessed all these original albums beginning with the opening album, the truly classic 'Tragic Songs Of Life', which includes such tracks as the opener, a very strong version of "Kentucky", their native "Alabama", which they co-wrote and one of the very best versions of the traditional "Knoxville Girl" you are ever likely to hear! The second album on CD 1 'Ira And Charlie' contains mainly popular country love songs of the era, including a standout version of "We Could" and other great tracks such as "Tennessee Waltz", "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" and the one classic Louvins original song "Are You Teasin' Me", which is still highly popular amongst lovers of traditional and bluegrass music. The second CD takes us into gospel territory with the classic album 'Satan Is Real'. It is simply amazing that after all these years during which time the music of the Louvins seemed almost forgotten, that this album is sometimes referred to as the best gospel release ever (though one with one of the worst ever sleeves!). On this album we find the Louvins at their most creative writing powerful songs like the title track, "There's A Higher Power", "Christian Life" and the classic "Are You Afraid To Die" which Ira is said to have written after watching a Billy Graham TV show. The fourth album featured, 'My Baby's Gone', contains original material such as the title track, the haunting "Lorene" and one of their most popular and moving songs "I Wish It Had Been A Dream". To sum up if country brother harmony singing of the highest order interests you, look no further than this fantastic release. Ira had an outstanding lead voice and Charlie's much lower tone proved an ideal foil. Ira played mandolin and Charlie guitar on almost all of these tracks, and the backing of tasteful electric guitar, plus a little drums and occasional piano still sounds very fresh all these years later. Sadly their personal lives were not as they should have been, Ira seemed affected by personal demons, which led him into failed marriages and a musical split from his brother, soon to be followed by his tragic death in a road crash in 1965. Charlie had already commenced a long and successful career in country music which lasted almost till his death in 2010. But their music is truly timeless. Highly recommended.
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