THE EARL BROTHERS: WHISKEY, WOMEN & DEATH

The Earl Brothers

WHISKEY, WOMEN & DEATH

© 2004 Robert Earl Davis (823857129928)

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A unique sound of original songs and instrumentals in the "Hillbilly Mountain Music Style" of honky tonk bluegrass.(3panel Digipack)

notes

The Earl Brothers, there is one thing on which everyone seems to agree... There is something about this band's 'less is more' approach to songwriting, singing and musicianship that makes you stop whatever you're doing and take notice.

The Buzz...

As a promoter of Traditional Bluegrass, I have grown to respect "The Earl Bros" very much. Great songwriting,excellent picking,& a sound all they're own. This is true "Gravel & Grit" Bluegrass. I want them back soon!!

Brad Klabunde
B.K.Prod's Bluegrass Shows
Two Rivers,WI
www.bluegrassbrad.org


Quote from Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, for the definition of Bluegrass Music;

“Fourth generation
It could be argued that a fourth generation of bluegrass musicians is beginning to appear, marked by a high level of technical skill demonstrated. Although it is too soon to see definite trends, the most notable fourth generation musician to emerge so far is probably Chris Thile, who released solo bluegrass albums at age 13 and 16 (Leading Off and Stealing Second), respectively), before reaching wider fame as a member of the bluegrass-influenced acoustic band Nickel Creek. Recently, however, Thile's claim to the throne of bluegrass "prince" has been challenged by Josh Pinkham, a Florida teenager who performed at "Merlefest" only 18 months after picking up a mandolin.
Other notable recent bluegrass bands are The Earl Brothers, who fuse a traditional sound with innovative songwriting and lyrics atypical for bluegrass, and Colorado's Open Road, a traditional-sounding band with strong original material”.



"The only thing to say about traditional bluegrass at it's best is.... THE EARL BROTHERS. Their modern writing style is combined with their traditional vocals and music. They have captured, in my opinion, the best sound bluegrass can offer. As soon as we started playing their music on WDVX, they went straight to #1 on our playlist. With bands like the Earl Brothers in the Bluegrass Circuit, the music that Bill Monroe created years ago will stay in good hands! In my opinion, the Earl Brothers will continue to create traditional bluegrass all over again."

- Alex Leach, WDVX Radio, Knoxville TN.


"...Call it deep-Stanley if you will, or Blue Sky Boys meet Hank Williams, or music dropped out of a time machine built in 1945 and heading pastward, yet inexplicably ending up in 2004. Whatever. This is some of the most gut-wrenching, unapologetically backward-looking, barely bluegrass (albeit purely bluegrass), music you will ever hear."
~Jerome Clark
Staff Writer - Bluegrass Works Magazine

" A GREAT NEW SOUNDING BAND WITH HIGH-LONESOME QUALITIES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HEARD SINCE
THE RECORDINGS OF THE RURAL MOUNTAIN BANDS OF THE 40'S. MY AUDIENCE LIT UP ALL FOUR PHONE
LINES IN THE STUDIO UPON HEARING THEIR MUSIC. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

ROSS HARVEY
CKUT 90.3 FM
RADIO MCGILL
MONTREAL, CANADA.


"...The Earl Brothers meld the mountain music of the 40's & 50's to the sounds of bluegrass today without sounding like every other new band to come down the pike. In a word, I would simply call their style 'refreshing'... less really is 'more'..."
~Chuck Holloway
Former President of Oregon Bluegrass Association
KRVM / 91.9 FM
Eugene, OR

"...Man, every time I hear them I want to grab the closest beer bottle and hurl it into the far wall... They've got the sound, the drive, the feeling we've been missing out here all these years! My HIGHEST recommendation!"
~Ray Edlund
"Pig in a Pen" KPFA-FM / 94.1 FM
Berkeley, CA

"A rickety old steam engine rhythm, rough ole hollerin' pitiful, sad singing,
three layers of what sounds like a bunch of acoustic bluegrass whammy bars,
throw an occasional old metal hubcap down the track, that's the sound of the
Earl Brother's collection of songs called "Whiskey, Women and Death". No
Nashville, slicked-up, cookie cutter Bluegrass here, it's real, and it
hurts!"
Amy Campbell, 89.9 fm WDVX Radio, Knoxville, Tennessee.



"...Both in composition and delivery, these guys somehow manage to capture the hauntingly soulful yet somehow uplifting sound of a far away time, which ensures they'll be around for a long time to come. We northern Californians have lots to be proud of in the Earl Brothers..."
~Rick Cornish
Chairman of the Board - California Bluegrass Association
Sonora, CA

reviews

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  • the finest mountain bluegrass out today!!!
    author: Jim Bob

    this album is hillbilly mountain music at its finest. if you like modern, corporate, jam or nashville style bluegrass, don't buy this album. however, if you like the real ole time bluegrass sound of jimmy martin, ralph stanley and bill monroe; BUY THIS ALBUM. this album sounds raw and old school, unlike the genetically enginered crap coming out of nashville these days. also, the earl brothers are the only bluegrass group i know of that writes 100% of their music.

  • Bluegrass the way it is supposed to be
    author: Brad Underwood

    The first song I ever heard was "Bender" and I loved it. Went and bought the cd the next day. Love the old time sound. Some of the best music there is to listen to while sittin around a fire with some buddies and a cold one or 10. I love it!! Keep it up guys, and maybe play some more over on the east coast!

  • Whiskey,women & Death
    author: Ivan Kelsall

    The best 'true' Bluegrass i've heard in years.As far removed from some of the 'commercialism' that's hit Bluegrass music as you can get. This is the sort of Bluegrass music that got me involved in playing it over 40 years ago. Let's have much more of it. The 2 CD's "Whiskey,Women & Death" & "Troubles to Blame" are 'core' Bluegrass Music recordings & should be in all Bluegrass lovers' collections - terrific stuff !.

  • Wow, this is Bluegrass with a big B
    author: Rudy Minnaert

    This cd is magnificant, this is bluegrass brings me back to the old days of Bill Monroe, Carter Family and other great Bluegrass musicians. Every bluegrass fan should have these cd's of The Earl Brothers in his music collection.Whiskey, Women and Death and Troubles To Blame are excellent Bluegrass cd's with very good old bluegrass music.This is the kind of music i love.

  • Whiskey, Women and Death
    author: Paul O'Mara

    S.F. bluegrass? Boy these guys are fun. Heard them first on WDVX. Folks down our way are pretty picky about Roots/BG, but these guys pass the test. Simple, lonesome and heartfelt. Can't wait for the next release. Tell them boys to come back and set a spell.

  • This band has no competition
    author: Frank Crumit

    I'm 57 years old and live in southern Missouri. This is what the music sounded like on our local AM station in the 1950's.

  • Earl Brothers Whiskey, Women and Death
    author: gerald graham

    This band is the real deal. I saw them last summer at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Wow!!!! All gathered around one mic just like the old days and did they ever cook. Just got their cd and it brought me back to that wonderful summer day listening to some great roots music. They are beyond cool. Just what I needed to warm me up on my drive to work this morning. Cheers

  • Whiskey, Women and Death! Great
    author: Capt. Dale

    A great step in the right direction even if it is backwards. A great mix of ,solid bluegrass and oldtime music. Some a little rough around the edges and some solid as a rock. I can't get Cluck Old Hen out of my head. Real life in every song. Keep up the good work and don't change a thing.

  • wow, just wow. the real deal.
    author: dave
  • author: ron

    someone stole my last copy . just couldn't live without it . had to buy another one . best new bluegrass i've heard in decades

  • WOW
    author: Terry Lee

    If you love real hard core grass this one is a must buy!! Just ask Goldie

  • Bluegrass needs the Earl Brothers!
    author: Jerm

    What a relief! It's about time we hear something original in bluegrass that still sounds like grass. Come to Ohio, PLEASE!!!!

  • O Brother, Where Art Thou?
    author: J. Franklin Roberts

    The excellent soundtrack of O Brother, Where Art Thou, and its accomplished musicians notwithstanding, the Earl Brothers seems a more accurate choice for this movie's musical score. These boys have done their research well, and one would be hard pressed to find among contemporary pickers, a more seasoned sound. From the coal mines, to the California shores, this is as good as raw-boned bluegrass gets.

  • new sound for old time bluegrass
    author: b en pitt

    love the hard driving drinken music. this is what bluegrass is supposed to be keep up that sound and you all will go farrrrrrr

  • smokin' cd!!
    author: shelley -

    this cd is smokin!! love the banjo style and lyrics!! would like to see you guys in north carolina or sw virginia!

  • Such Fun
    author: Francesca

    Heard The Earl Brothers on good old BBC Radio 2 ( Bob Harris) and HAD to buy the CD - Excellent.When are will they tour this side of the Atlantic - they must be amazing live!

  • HEARD THEM ON XM, BOUGHT THEM, LOVE THEM!
    author: STEPH

    THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME. PLEASE COME TO THE MIDWEST!!

  • Loved it, wonderful and easy
    author: Leigh B

    For a requested gift, so I will ask the recepient

  • can"t get enough of an "earl" full
    author: jim white

    have been listening to bluegrass for 40+ years. can't hear it enough. love both cd's. can't wait to hear them in person

  • I think the Earl Brothers are GREAT! More old timey than Bluegrass.
    author: Carolyn McMorrow

    It,s a awesome cd. More old timey than Bluegrass I think. I first heard Earl Brothers on Satalite radio and I think were gonna hear a lot more. I went to a music store looking for it before I went to the web. The music store did not have it. Thanks for the great music.

  • Tremendous, stupendous, and REAL! All at the same time.
    author: Scott Fanton

    These guys take a gift for real life, intentionally not glossed over song writing, and filter it through the most original, hillbilly/mountain, gritty vocals heard since the Stanley Brothers started almost 60 years ago, and come up with the coolest Bluegrass Mountain music anyone in California has ever played. Or anyone from anywhere else in 60 yearsr for that matter.

  • My rock&roll son asked if he could have this CD. Now that's an endorsement!
    author: GA

    This is the best Bluegrass I've heard in a long time - and I live in KY.

  • Great CD
    author: Joe

    On eof the best CDs I've heard in years. Great music

  • right on
    author: julian malcolm

    whiskey, women and death is pretty much what you get with this one, but in a really refreshing way. they've got that haunting Stanleys tone going but with a little more ugly. pays homage with out becoming a caricature. i hope these guys get out East and do some shows. would be great to see them do some festivals in VA

  • A great creation of old time mountain style and bluegrass.
    author: scott jordan

    I first heard this CD on XM Radio and couldn't find it anywhere in stores. Luckily,CD Baby fixed that problem and I have been enjoying it ever since. Not a bad tune on the CD,highly recommend it.

  • Really good stuff
    author: Ron Calef

    I listen to a lot of Bluegrass - all I can say is these guys are now on my top 5 list. Fresh, unique, original, hard driving, strong instrumentalists - they certainly deserve a lot more recognition. I look forward to seeing them in person.

  • Yeow!
    author: Michelle Perkins

    This CD hasn't left my car stereo since I bought it a week ago--and two people who heard it as passengers actually went out and bought it, too! Amazing songs that will make you want to drive too fast.

  • Depressing lyrics but a driving true bluegrass rhythm
    author: RJ

    this is a classic - bringing back the hard times themes; with a hard driving, soulful, and complete bluegrass sound that has been lost until now.

  • excellent!
    author: Roger Breedlove

    Songs are great, playing is full & rich - incredibly enjoyable Bluegrass

  • Different, decadent, delicious new sound
    author: Bill Farren

    It's not often that you hear a new sound in bluegrass. Most groups sound pretty much the same. That's certainly not the case with these guys and this album. Down and dirty with a unique new sound. And a banjo that's as different and as good as I've ever heard. Hot hot stuff. Can't get enough of these guys!

  • More More More
    author: Art Jones

    Best in a long while. Haven't heard anything this good since I played with some tarheels back in 1933. Seriously!!

  • refreshingly new material with an old time appeal
    author: skf

    as a 52 year old true appalachian native, i am familiar with the sound. this is the real deal and proves that our musical roots cross the country all the way to california. the original songs transend time back to the 30's. this version of "cluck old hen" is the best i've ever heard.

  • BEST NEW OLD BLUEGRASS THERE IS!
    author: JOHN MILLER

    This CD is a must have for any bluegrass listener or player. My whole family is singin' along. I will learn these songs myself and sing around the campfire. Can't wait to see them in concert.

  • Refreshing!
    author: Brent Cardwell

    I haven't been this excited about new Bluegrass music since the Johnson Mountain Boys turned the Bluegrass world on it's collective ear! I bet no one will know these songs I will be playing at the next Bluegrass Festival!

  • Can't Listen to it......You HEAR it!
    author: Don Cline

    It's nothing fancy, just straight forward, in your face bluegrass! The best kind. Banjo has nice tone and the picker has some nice tight rolls. If you like bluegrass and haven't bought the CD, your being deprived. Hope they come to the Buckeye state soon.

  • everything I hoped it would be
    author: Tim Rodgers

    this stuff is as good as it gets! Been listening to bluegrass since 88 just waiting for this authentic down home raw sound.I cannot listen to this cd enough,keep up the great work and hope to catch you live in the near future.thanks

  • Just plain good!
    author: Mike McCoy

    If Dylan went Bluegrass, this would be the sound. I just can't stop listening to this CD. Every raw cut hangs in my head. Thank goodness for rush hour traffic, so I can listen to it some more. Hope the boys come East so I can hear them in person.

  • Raw
    author: don

    You'd better like it raw and dirty. Circa 1945 with one mike and right out of the hollars. In fact, I think they recorded this on the front porch, complete with the dogs under it. Best thing I've bought in years. To the Earls, Bring me more cd's!. BTW, you guys look pretty good for 80+. Surely noone younger could get this sound.

  • author: Tom Aderhold

    Prompt and courteous service from CD Baby. Earl Brothers needs more exposure to the southeast US. Has an ancient Georgia Scotch Irish flavor that would go over awesome this part of the US. In Georgia we have the famous Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street, Stone Mountain Park, and Chastain Park - any of these locales the Earl Brothers exposure I do believe would be to their benefit. Keep up the great work. Thanks!!

  • earl brothers , best cottonpicken bluegrass i ever heard!!!!!!
    author: todd painter

    buy this here cd , its the johnbrowndest thing i ever heard . feel like im walking down a old country road singing to my dog while kicking a can . love it!!!!!!!!

  • author: Johnnny Davis Dalton Ga.

    Impossible to give it all it deserves, One of the best I have ever heard. Maybe they can come downt to Georgia and do the Hiawassee Mountain Fair. May God bless and let them continue

  • They make me cry....
    author: Otis Campbell

    for joy!!! As soon as I get feeling better, I'm going out and buy a bottle of Jack Daniels and listen to this CD again! Great music!!! Golly---they sure sang puurrrdy...

  • good stuff
    author: chris craft

    good stuff has the old traditional sound with great lyrics. I love the voices and hard driving banjo. Going to see live in Johnson City TN in June

  • Excellent, hard driving vocals
    author: Steve Whiting

    Just a great album; reminds of the Holy Modal Rounders

  • THE BEST IN REAL BLUEGRASS
    author: chris bright

    The best bluegrass music I have heard in years. Real down home pickin

  • best new band in years
    author: wade mcghee

    this is the best cd i have bought in years.these guys have a cool traditional sound.they need to perform at an mid-atlantic festival

  • Foot stompin', hand clappin', makes you want to dance
    author: Peggy Moeller

    I am an old-time hard core bluegrass fan, don't like any of the more progressive bluegrass, but this CD became my favorite the first time I played it. It has a driving beat that makes you want to dance and/or sing along, even though you can't understand too much of the lyrics (thank goodness, they included the lyrics.) I will definitely buy their next CD.

  • Reminds me of my family's music
    author: Rick Feeback

    The first time that I heard Earl Brothers was on XM Radio... I turned the volume up as high as I could without reaching distortion, the sound they create is what I remember my family sitting on their front porch playing when I was a child on Ticky Fork (near Irvine, KY)feeling good and happy and wanting to be a part of the family "jam". This is what bluegrass music, as a whole, has been missing. I am an amature musician myself, so I am allowed to say that hehehehe Thanks Earl Brothers, you've got a fan for life. -Rick-

  • Heard them on the radio and had to buy
    author: Just another music lover

    The first time I heard them I imediately ordered both of their records. No regrets. I love the dark, stripped down, quality they have. And they manage to do it yet it still is bluegrass.

  • The New Wave of Old Time Bluegrass Music!
    author: Jim Murphy

    All original, Instrumentally exciting, and the Harmonies are right out of the Clinch Mountains. The Earl Brothers are on their way!

  • Bluegrass at it's best
    author: GVP

    This CD is just great. One of the best Bluegrass sounds being played today. Both of the Earl Brothers CD's are good, but I like "Whiskey, Women & Death" just a little more. You can not go wrong with this CD if you are looking for a tradional bluegrass sound with a modern twist.

  • Fantastic
    author: SvenRhapsody

    The subject says it all. Great CD.

  • best bluegrass sound in years
    author: garry

    I have been to several bluegrass festivals and this band makes me want to see them live. They put the bluegrass music where it ought to be,in your heart and mind. Best sound in years.

  • I've had problems with all three
    author: Smelly Kelly

    I just can't get enough of this CD, not a song on there that doesn't stir emotions one way or the other. I recently attended a festival of some pretty slick bluegrass bands, while really enjoyable, I knew I loved the dirty tones of band like this. #1 slot in the cd rack in the car.

  • This is a superb CD!
    author: Jeff Orts

    True musical artists with a very good sound. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the music on this CD.

  • Best I have heard in years
    author: Jim Sharpe

    Being an old guy I grew up on traditional blue grass in the 40's and this band is great. It's the first cd. tape , record or 8 track that I have purchased that I truly like every song. Now they need to get to the Indianapolis area where we can all see them. Maybe BeanBlossom in 2006?

  • It was a dark and foggy night...
    author: George McCeney, Trustee, International Bluegrass Music Museum

    It is a dark and foggy night as the ghosts of Charlie Poole and Carter Stanley silently make their way over to Buzz Busby's home. There, until the wee hours, the three of them sing of Buzz's life, and the darker natures of our lives. Today, The Earl Brothers alone can write and sing of these haunting stories and mysteries of an evening like that, and in doing so take us back to a time many years ago when these black and troubling themes dominated so much of bluegrass.

  • This Album is Great.
    author: Arizona

    Had never heard of the Earl Bros. before the first time I heard them om XM Satellite Radio. Awesome

  • Just heard Hard Times Down the Road on NPR's Car Talk (11/5).
    author: Ann

    I just heard Hard Times Down the Road on NPR's Car Talk (11/5.) I loved it and am buying the CD. Do you tour the East coast, specifically the Charlotte, NC area? Would LOVE to see the band in person. Ann

  • AWESOME!!!!!
    author: joanna webb

    The John Prine of bluegrass music WOW I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Can't wait for more!!!

  • great cd
    author: joe from indiana

    i got the cd and played it a lot the first day i got it they have the sound that i love in bluegrass not a lot of bands have it could be the old time way they play and sing. i hope they come to indiana some day . id like to go see them live hope to see more cd,s from them.

  • author: Francis Slaughter

    What else is there to say? I just enjoyed the hell out of "Whiskey, Women, and Death".

  • Stirring Acid Hillbilly - Honky Tonk Grass
    author: Tom O'Neill

    Loved the CD Whiskey, Women and Death. I am inspired. Got to see these guys in person just this last week end. They did a lot of the numbers on the CD. Great stuff and I can't wait till the next one they record.

  • These guys are great!
    author: Wiley

    My daughter gave me the Earl Brothers cd after taking me to see one of their shows. I thought they were great. The cd is wonderful and every song is enjoyable. I recomend this cd if you like the great old sounds of country/bluegrass. I look forward to another cd soon.

  • Brings tears of joy to my eyes
    author: Debbie Padgett

    I cought the Earl Brothers fever!!!! These guys would make Hank Sr. and Bill Monroe PROUD!!! ORIGINAL and AWSOME. If you like the old school backwoods sounds, these guys will bring tears of joy to your eyes also. I can't get enough!!!

  • In-freakin-credible!
    author: Rich

    New twist on an old form. Absolutely incredible. You've GOT to get this CD. You'll kick yourself if you don't!

  • raw gut grabbing music at its best
    author: Jerald

    Not your normal high lonesome bluegrass. But after seeing them live 5 days ago, I have listened to this cd 4-5 times each day...gotta hear them to believe it. Great stuff.

  • It don't get no better than this!
    author: David Faith

    If this collection of foot stompin' tunes doesn't get you movin around, you're probably dead. Tremendous talent for simplicity, over solid appalachian bluegrass banjo-groove and drag you into it lyrics make this a must own CD. The more you listen to it, the better it gets!

  • Live is killer!
    author: seetee

    Caught them in San Diego at the Roots Festival. I am still kicking myself for not buying the CD at that time, but I was on a high from the live show & forgot I would come down! These guys are the real deal - listen to the clips on their website & you'll know & want more. Great tunes, great performances!

  • This CD is GREAT
    author: Tammy Holt from South Carolina

    It's not often that you get a CD that every song is good...but this one every song is great!! I love bluegrass and this one is one of my favorite CD's.

  • I liked the music.
    author: Clarence Mobley
  • Excellent CD
    author: Jerry James

    Without a doubt, this is one of the best Bluegrass cd's, or CDs of any genre put out in the last year. A refreshing "new/old approach" that sounds pure and simple without all the production that seems to have taken over lately. Great musicianship, sparse and clean, with the minimum of instruments. Catchy haunting melodies that bring out the blue in bluegrass, and great singing that captures that high lonesome sound. I highly reccomend this CD to anyone, and if you don't like it, maybe you should turn your radio to Top 40 and get your dose of "Big Mac" music.

  • Living in San Francisco and hungering for this kind of music........
    author: Deborah Pierce

    Presently I live in San Francisco even though I am originally from Knoxville. Discovering these artists and listening to them in person and purchasing this CD has brought about a revival for the music I did not even realize I was thirsting for. Even played it last night at a spiritual meeting and most everyone is going to purchase the CD. They are blessing the planet with this music from the heart.

  • Appalachia Meets Hank Jr.
    author: Julia Henderson

    I first heard these guys on WDVX.com and flipped for the new "old" sound! The album title tells the story. Solid musicianship and solid lyrics make this a must share recording. A wonderful first effort that leaves me wanting more.

  • Love these guys
    author: Wolfgang Marquardt

    Got my CD as a present from a friend, and had to send one right away to my banjo playing friend in Frankfurt Germany. I think he will love it too.

  • This is what bluegrass music is. Hard and with soul.
    author: Jim McConnan

    It's not often I find a recording that makes me think. The selection of songs and tunes done through one microphone (as done at stage performance) brings out what this music is all about; soul, passion and impeccable picking. Please return to Vancouver.

  • This is what bluegrass music is. Hard and with soul.
    author: Jim McConnan

    It's not often I find a recording that makes me think. The selection of songs and tunes done through one microphone (as done at stage performance) brings out what this music is all about; soul, passion and impeccable picking. Please return to Vancouver.

  • Just plain GOOD stuff!
    author: Gene Carper

    A refreshing breeze in the market today. They appear to click together and genuinly have a good time playing. I hope an East Coast tour is in the future. Thanks for renewing and reviving that old time sound.

  • Earl Brothers The Best of Bluegrass-Mountain Music
    author: Steve Smith (NC)

    Boy, this CD is a work of Art straight out of the mountains of North Carolina. These Guys would be at home playing at MerleFest. If these guys enjoyed making this CD half as much as I love hearing it, then their life is complete. I hope that they will come to North Carolina some day and play live for us.

  • Honky tonk Bluegrass at iis very best.
    author: George McCeney

    Ever wonder what would might have happened if Charlie Poole and The Stanley Brothers went over to Buzz Busby's house and they all three sang about Buzz's life. Wonder no longer. It's all here on Whiskey, Women, and Death.

  • The Earl Brothers Keep It Real
    author: Jack

    I'd only heard of the Earl Brothers by reading about them in Bluegrass By The Bay, the Northern California Bluegrass Society newsletter. BBTB gave them an interesting and favorable review, but then all their reviews are favorable. I played some of the songs via CDBaby's website and immediately ordered Whiskey, Women, and Death. This is an awsome CD! I see where others have a hard time classifying it, but I think this CD is old-school bluegrass/hillbilly at its finest. The sound is pure and simple, played with tightness and drive, but just ragged enough to keep it real. And no angelic voices here, just nice, high lonesome caterwauling. Damn good stuff, boys!

  • Really, really good.
    author: Jeff

    Bluegrass banjo with a Hank Sr. moan. Definitely worth a look. It's not quite a traditional high and lonesome sound, but it's oh-so-right.

  • Killer Old School Bluegrass!!!
    author: Doug

    Great disc by a band with old school roots. If you enjoy Bill Monroe and/or Doc Watson I think you'll dig this disc.

  • Can't get enought
    author: Casey

    Warning: Listening to this c.d. could lead to drinkin', ramblin', cussin', and just plain ol' good times.

  • Cannot wait for their next CD (DVD?)
    author: Sjef from the Netherlands

    While at work, connected to one of the finest Bluegrass stations I heard Cluck Ol'Hen. I do have a lot of Bluegrass LP's CD's and also a couple of CoH versions but the way the Earl Brothers do it is NEW! Apart from raw it seemed a bit disorderly but after hearing their CD I think I listened to it 20 or more times and even like it more. Also the other track's are given me the goosebumps. "Bad Road of Regret" Cannot get enough of this and the Cajunish "Broken Motor" is my wives favourit. In short COME TO THE NETHERLANDS!!

  • If you like bluegrass played in the old tones
    author: dennis greer

    This CD will take you back to a time when bluegrass still had the old tones from Scotland and Ireland. You can close your eyes and see these guys sitting on a porch way up some holler in Kentuckey or West Virginia playing for their own entertainment. I love bluegrass and the cuts on Whiskey, Women and Death are what bluegrass is all about. The Earl Brothers will not disappoint you.

  • Very exciting and fresh. I love the unpolished sound.
    author: Bob Reger

    I often find it hard to tell apart a lot the current bluegrass groups. Not so with this CD. Another reviewer already said it but it has the early Dylan sound and the material is very creative. Am anxiously awaiting their next CD and will certainly see them live as soon as I can. Hope they keep it together for awhile.

  • their music grabs you and don't let go
    author: dave huffman

    all the songs here are original with one exception that i know of. there is something about the vocals that seem to grab that inner something and then stomp on your foot. i like every cut on the release.............buy it!!!!!

  • Destined to become a new classic
    author: Jason Frome

    This CD has such a wonderful traditional sound, that I didn't even notice the missing fiddle... right away. However, as soon as I did notice it, I missed it. That doesn't stop us from listening to it along with the other bluegrass CDs that live full time in the 10-CD player in the car. Of course that means that the jacket is in the car as well and off the top of my head I don't know the name of the lead singer. You know the one, he sounds like Bob Dylan with a hillbily accent. That took some getting used to since I don't particulary care to listen to Bob Dylan's voice for long periods of time. But again, that doesn't stop us from listening to it all the time. Overall, it's a "must have" for any bluegrass collection. Can't wait for their next one!!!

  • great bluegrass
    author: Carol Bee

    We heard one of the songs from this cd played on a local radio station here in Knoxville, TN. It wasn't easy to track down the Earl Brothers, but I'm glad we tried. The entire cd is fantastic. We've listened to it through several times already.

  • Their hard luck stories leave me with an ecstatic feeling
    author: Joe Ross

    Playing Time – 34:56 -- With the exception of the traditional “Cluck Ol’ Hen” which has been arranged and adapted with new lyrics, the cuts on “Whiskey, Women & Death” are originals that showcase the Earl Brothers’ brand of honky tonky bluegrass. While playing original material, the Earls arrange and play their music within the parameters of a dogmatic traditional style that shares banjo and mandolin breaks. While I miss hearing a fiddle in this context, a defining character of The Earl Brothers is that their guttural singing is some of the “lonesomest” around. At times, they have a unique edginess that sends chills up your spine. “Hard Times Down the Road,” for example, speaks of cruising down town, drinking Governor’s Train, listening to the radio, and meeting girls. “Whiskey Bound” states: “I had it coming/Sorrow I’ve found/Long neck bottles/And I’m whiskey bound.” This is clearly a thematic concept album that focuses on some of vices of our society. The Earl Brothers are John McKelvy (guitar), Robert Earl Davis (banjo), Steve Pottier (mandolin), and Pat Campbell (bass). Bobby and John sing the leads with a rustic, mountain sentience. Some of the cuts, like “Broken Motor,” seem to indicate the singers have an affinity for a more Dylanesque bluegrass sound. Without any unnecessary flash, the band can also tear up a raucous original instrumental like “Mountain Rumpus.” I can almost hear them chuckling in the background. From Virginia, Bobby Earl took up banjo in the 60s and played weekly on the New Dominion Barn Dance with The Virginia Gentlemen. John McKelvy, from Florida, is a self-taught guitar picker who has been inspired by such disparate artists as Jimmy Martin and John Prine. Mandolinist Steve Pottier has played bass with Frank Wakefield, Johnson Mountain Boys, and Laurie Lewis. Pat Campbell has recorded with the Good Old Boys (on their 1975 “Pistol Packin' Mama” album with Don Reno, Chubby Wise, Frank Wakefield and David Nelson), as well as with John Herald of The Greenbriar Boys. Since the release of this album, Pat has moved on to other endeavors, and Josh Sidman is now the bass player with The Earl Brothers. If these songs have any truth to them, I’m darn surprised that The Earl Brothers are still alive. After hearing their hard luck stories of boozing, cruising, rambling, gambling and womanizing, I’m left with a ecstatic feeling of relief that such misfortune is there’s and not mine! (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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