The Louvin Brothers ‘Tragic Songs of Life’ (1956)

Tragic Songs of Life is the epitome of traditional country music, featuring the aspects that has made the genre an American mainstay for the past 100 years. Two-part harmonies (one low, one high), 3/4 time signatures with a pitter patter of drum brushes, jangly acoustic guitars that skip and bounce between rapid-fire notes, and songwriting that is committed to crisp storytelling. If you’re looking for one of the true original country groups to ever do it, and have a penchant for enjoying sordid tales of heartbreak, murder, and pre-ordained misfortune wrapped up in major keys and sung in a sing-songy voice with a healthy helping of good old fashioned twang, then The Louvin Brothers’ Tragic Songs of Life is your ticket to a piece of classic Americana.

Standout Songs: “Kentucky”, “Knoxville Girl”, “In The Pines”

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