The Battles Rage On
True North Records
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Brothers Ira and Charlie Louvin occupy a privileged position at the altar of country music, thanks to their gospel-tinged, close-harmony music in the years up to the mid 1960s, when Ira was killed in a road accident. Charlie continued to make occasional solo albums and became a much-respected figure in the country sphere. This fascinating collection, recorded at the seasoned age of 83, centres on Louvin’s empathy with the ordinary soldier, what he and those close to him go through. There’s a rich seam of military conventions at play here, from the grieving mother to the dying concerned son. All are served up in bright string band settings, with Louvin’s voice bravely navigating the course, the unsteadiness adding to the impact. See charlielouvin.net
Download tracks: Smoke on the Water, Weapon of Prayer, Just Before the Battle Mother