Louvin Brothers

Satan Is Real   LP

(Bad Billy Records)

Bad Billy offers this 1959 classic on red vinyl; copies are limited to 300 units.Veteran critic John Morthland (whose early 1970s Creem writings impressed) observed professional songcraftsmen penned some tracks, here. (One of several exceptions being the title cut, written by the crooning brothers). I don't know whether 'just a job' insincerity was implied. And accounts of mandolin-picking Ira's addictions and combustability also suggest conflict. But just as he and Charlie are now hailed as among vocal-duo elites for their stratospheric, high lonesome stylings, wooden pews once teemed with country folk for whom Divine spirit embodied each tranquil passage. And for those good souls, that meant everything.

Recommended: "Satan Is Real," "There's a Higher Power," "The Christian Life," "The River Of Jordan," "The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea," "Are You Afraid To Die," "He Can Be Found," "The Drunkard's Doom," "Satan's Jeweled Crown," "The Angels Rejoiced Last Night"

Videos: "Satan Is Real,"   "The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" (This standout song was written by Mother Maybelle Carter and several of her daughters, of the storied Carter Family.)

Bad Billy