THE EARL BROTHERS: TROUBLES TO BLAME

THE EARL BROTHERS

TROUBLES TO BLAME

© 2006 Robert Earl Davis (823857129935)

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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.



" 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.



"...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.



Earl Brothers: Troubles To Blame
By: Mark Burnell
Jammed Online

Its not often that a band manages to sound both ancient and modern at the
same time, but that’s what the Earl Brothers accomplish on this fine new
album.

The ancient comes from their sound. Normally if someone mentions
“traditional bluegrass” as a reference point, they mean Del McCoury ; here it
means channeling the spirit of the Stanley Brothers. The modern comes from
the lyrics and the underlying tone of the whole effort, which is dark and more
Nick Cave than Bill Monroe.
The Earl Brother hail from around the country but gathered together in San Fancisco and base themselves around the
impressive songwriting of Virginia Natives Robert Earl Davis (banjo) and John McKelvy (guitar), who are ably supported
by Larry Hughes (mando) and Josh Sidman (bass). On first listen, this album sounds like it could be a reissue from
the early 1950s ; bluegrass back then was recorded quickly and cheaply, with the musicians gathered round a single
microphone , the way they played live , and the result was a reed thin sound dominated by high pitched vocals (the ‘high
lonesome sound’). Hearing a modern era band recreate this sound, which is so far removed from what your ears are
accustomed to hearing, borders on the avant-garde. Make no mistake, though – this is no pastiche, nor is it simple
homage . There might be a sly dose of post modernism at work here, but these guys are talented bluegrass musicians
who choose to express themselves by going further back to their roots than most modern bands would dare to.

And a good chunk of what stops it from being pastiche or homage is the lyrics, which , while dealing with the classic
bluegrass subjects of lost loves and hard times , are as bleak as anything ever written in the genre. When McKelvy
writes lines like ‘My best shirt is stained from your face, Soon I’ll find someone to take your place’ , you realize you’re in a
place closer to Deliverance than Nashville. Davis’ lyrics come from a similarly bleak place : ‘Beer in the front seat, gun
in the back, now I’m on my way’ (Old Gun Road). Suicide, death and murder permeate the world the Earl Brothers
create, mostly from a first person perspective – you hope these guys aren’t writing from experience. The songwriting is
both excellent and provocative– the song Another Broken Hearted Fool elicits sympathy for its singer, a man apparently
unlucky in love, until you realize he is both wife beater and killer. And of course, the song is catchy enough to happily sing
along with.

A fine, original album ; highly recommended.

reviews

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  • The Antidote
    author: Billy Schmidt

    1. CDBaby Rocks! No problems with my order or a larger and different one placed by my wife; they definitely worked with us! 2. Troubles to Blame... Hey I go back with these fellows a couple of years, seen 'em live a few times, etc., so - 3. This project, to me, is a display of maturation. Some rough edges from WWD have changed to better enunciation, better writing, better definition between instruments, and harmony structure between Bobby and John. Bobby delivers a somewhat more varied panoply of doomtone stone cold twang, while singing through one's nose becomes an operatic art between him and John. Larry's mandolin becomes a sort of newly opened door to nuances in the overall music while Josh's bass continues to drive the message and insistancy without overwhelming the others. While I wish John would stay, I've met Danny and he's a really nice and very dedicated fellow.... Doubtless a new asset, and I'm salivating for whatever depravity the upcoming project will bring to us! This project features some "better" writing as well, but still true to the original ghastly vibe. To me, this is the antidote to the namby-pampy, maudlin, flag-waving, giant church-going stuff called "Bluegrass" oozing out of Trashville today! Not that I don't love "real" Bluegrass, Gospel, or Country, but these guys have the guts to let their music speak of men's grief and hopes directly, darkly, and poignantly, as well as the propensities for hope and mischief. 4. Hey, just buy the freakin' thing, pop a beer and a fifth, and see what you think. Bobby's modal sound is putrifying at some yet to be determined place in my genetic code; but you can bet I'm lookin'!!! If I lived in California I'd bring his newspaper to the door jus' to maybe see a lick or two... Unk Willy Hey, I'd give 'em about a 9 out of 5!

  • THE EARL BROTHERS
    author: TRACEY LAWRENCE

    GREAT CD! FAST SHIPPING!! GREAT DEAL!! WOULD BUY FROM AGIAN!!! THANKS!!!

  • Right up my alley!
    author: Michael V. Swisher

    Took me a while to find the C.D. Someone at Mandolincafe recommended CDBaby, had never used them before but will be in the future, great guys!(and gals I assume) This is fantastic music. Just the kind of stuff I was looking for. Old time bluegrass with a dash of Honky Tonk. Wish there were more people out there doing this. But at least we have the Earl Brothers doing it and doing it right!

  • Great googly moogly I like these guys............
    author: RevMike

    Whiskey, Women & Death was a tough act to follow. These fellas stayed true to their grove and did it again with Troubles to Blame. Now if I could only figure out how they know so much about my life that they can sing about it so well.........

  • Thank you... (Again)
    author: Rick

    They've done it again!!! This certain sound, that The Earl Brothers music holds.... It just strikes an inner nerve that reminds me of growing up, being on the front porch at my Aunt Bessie's house, the whole family playing and singing on a Sunday afternoon. WOW!!!! Thank you Earl Brothers, for giving me some REAL music to enjoy. Best of luck!!!! -Rick Feeback-

  • true bluegrass
    author: tim

    This is what high- lonsome bluegrass should sound like. Nothing fancy about this CD, just signing about the hard times. Makes me want to crack open another bottle of beer.

  • finally found the cd.. YAY ME!!!!
    author: me :)

    im happy.. it's all in the title.

  • fanastic
    author: dave in modesto

    this album is great from beginning to end. Do your soul a favor and buy it.

  • author: ron

    buy it buy it buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • a sound of there own
    author: Terry Lee

    earl brothers are great can t stop playing it

  • A great bluegrass CD
    author: Mike J

    As a bluegrass banjo player, I find this CD captures the essence of everything I like about the Earl Brothers amazing sound. Just great!!

  • awesome!
    author: shorty91656

    This cd is the bomb! Bought it for my dad and he loves it even better than the 1st Earl Brothers cd he has.....

  • If this doesn't set your inner hillbilly free, nothing will!
    author: Jason O.

    This CD is worth the price just for "Rattlesnake Poison" and "O'Death". Poignant lyrics mix with dark themes and good pickin' to make you want to grab a beer. Lyrics in the liner notes a nice addition.

  • Less is clearly more!!!!
    author: M Hatley

    I like all kinds of Bluegrass and i think there's plenty of room for everybody,but one listen to this CD and it's no wonder there's so much buzz about it.This traditional sound is far superior to any of the sweet,sugar-coated stuff that seems to be everywhere nowadays.These boys need to be gettin' across over here to the east side sometime soon.

  • Less is clearly more!!!!
    author: M Hatley

    I like all kinds of Bluegrass and i think there's plenty of room for everybody,but one listen to this CD and it's no wonder there's so much buzz about it.This traditional sound is far superior to any of the sweet,sugar-coated stuff that seems to be everywhere nowadays.These boys need to be gettin' across over here to the east side sometime soon.

  • Very unique music.

    This is some of the best bluegrass I've ever heard - the music is great!

  • Some of the most powerful, primitive, and plumb pitiful Bluegrass I've ever hear
    author: Al from Border Banjos

    About the 5th time I jumped for the XM receiver to find out is was the Earl Brothers, I ordered both CDs. It's some of the most powerful, primitive, and plumb pitiful Bluegrass I've ever heard. The vocals are a cross between Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, and Ernest T. Bass. This is some of the best BG I've heard in 40 years!

  • FABULOUS
    author: STEPH

    THESE GUYS ARE THE REAL DEAL BLUEGRASS BAND. NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THEM! HEAD EAST PLEASE!!

  • Buy it. Nothing better.
    author: Jim
  • author: jon

    This is honestly a very good CD. Every song on the album is well played and fun to listen to. Some of the lyrics are hard to understand, but thankfully a copy of the lyrics for each song was included on the CD case. I have enjoyed this CD quite a bit so far.

  • i like it! alot!
    author: jethro d hunter

    i bought troubles to blame and ordered whiskey,women and death the very next week! caution: this stuff can be addicting!

  • Very original old time style. If Earl Bros. ever come to central KY I'll be ther
    author: Ed Childers

    Pure old time bluegrass. The vocals give it an original sound. First heard EB on XM radio. This is bluegrass the way it was ment to sound. Hope EB can come to central Kentucky.

  • author: Kathy Johnson

    Unique sound, would love for the Earl Brothers to come to the Asheville-Knoxville area. Wonderful Bluegrass Sound.

  • Unique sound -- Had to have it.
    author: Wes

    Heard the Earl Brothers on XM. The sound is unique. It is nasal and twangy. Diction is not this group's forte, but it is fun to hear and sing along. A must have for the Bluegrass enthusiast.

  • author: Leon Roberson

    I like every track on this CD, which is highly unusual for me. The songs are sung in a unique style that appeals to me (sort of like Bob Dylan singing bluegrass!). I also like the heavy bass sound.

  • hooo wee
    author: davepsycho

    Bluegrass. I could take it or leave it. Now I need it. Earl Brothers has now become another addiction of mine! Rattlesnake Poison IS damn good medicine!!!

  • Real Mountain, up the creek Bluegrass at it's best
    author: Scott Fanton

    I thought Whiskey, Women and Death was the best album I had heard since Foggy Mountain Banjo hooked me 30+ years ago, but Troubles To Blame tops it. The song writing is even more incredible. The instrumentation is the anchor, and the vocals are the vehicle through which these guys songs take the listener on journey after journey of the most real, raw, no bones about it music being made today! I WANT MORE!

  • This is some of the finest Bluegrass I've ever heard
    author: R H Tigner

    Troubles To Blame is some of the finest Bluegrass I've ever heard. Actually both albums are equally good. I hope that there will be more.

  • Great
    author: Joe

    Great old-time bluegrass sound.

  • Man love theses guys !
    author: Dan~wva

    Hope they come to the east cost next year , love the music ! heard it on xm i was blown away !

  • Awesome sound. What bluegrass used to sound like.
    author: Don McEwan

    This music is from the distant past. The Stanley Brothers, Don Stover, Reno & Smiley. Before Nashville got a hold of it. This is some of the finest banjo and mandolin work in years. I hope they are around for a long time/

  • can't get 'nuff Rattlesnake Poison
    author: davepsycho

    Can't belive it's better than the last. this ol' trains pickin up speed! Damn good medicine!

  • I want them to hurry up and fill up my CD player
    author: Art Jones

    I have a five stack CD player which now only has three slots left. (Troubles and Whiskey occupy the first two.) I hope I don't have to wait too long before I can kick everything else out and fill it with Davis and McKelvey.

  • This cd is awesome, the earl brothers sound like bluegrass is suppose to sound.
    author: d.lee

    Since recieving the earl brothers cd I haven't listened to anything else. They are what bluegrass is suppose to sound like.We are so impressed by them that we even named our new dog EARL.Keep making that wonderful bluegrass music.

  • Superb!
    author: Roger Breedlove

    All of the songs are first rate, the delivery is exceptional and I'm looking forward to the next release. I don't think it is far enough removed from tradition to call the music anything except Bluegrass.

  • Are these guys for real?
    author: kharris

    I bought the cd because I heard them on xm radio. The music is great. I'm glad they included the lyrics because I can't understand what they're saying. I think I will buy their other cd now. Good hard core bluegrass.

  • Are these guys for real?
    author: kharris

    I bought the cd because I heard them on xm radio. The music is great. I'm glad they included the lyrics because I can't understand what they're saying. I think I will buy their other cd now. Good hard core bluegrass.

  • Good writing, original sound and style
    author: Charles Hamilton

    Distinctly unique sound of the Earl Bros. along with very good songwriting sets them apart and ensures the best is yet to come for this group. Excellent CD.

  • a positive review
    author: Luke Taylor

    Although I am not as familar with "Troubles to Blame" as I am with "Whiskey, Women, and Death", I feel that is is a great recording. Especially the stark sounds of "Rattlesnake Poison" and the breakdown "Hillbilly Hero." Furthermore, if I was to give a bad review, I would live in fear of the band hunting me down with razor blades and shotgun lead.

  • Great Stuff
    author: Jeff Green

    Near flawless, a better outing than WWD! The harmonies, musicianship, songwriting and melancholy are all there, just refined and matured. You might hurt your neck grooving to this at times, but the experience is well worth ever asprin. The instrumentals keep pace with the best in the genre. Well done.

  • 2 for 2
    author: Don Cline

    They took a little different approach compared to the first but still GREAT! Waiting for them to come to the BUCKEYE state.

  • More good stuff !
    author: Mike McCoy

    I haven't been able to stop listening to their first CD long enough to give this one a fair rating, but I'd have to say that, as a whole, this group of songs didn't immediately grab me like those on their first CD. But the raw style still comes right at you, and I don't even miss the fiddle. Glad I found their CD's at CD Baby.

  • Wonderful! Just as I expected they would be.
    author: Jackie K

    Great CD. As good as the first. Terrific musicians on CD and live. I am lucky to have seen them play in Dawson Creek, Alberta, Canada. Sorry about the weather they had to endure though. It was horrendous.

  • author: chris

    you guys are the best bluegrass i've heard in years ,keep it up

  • bluegrass - punk friendship?
    author: Marija Bilic

    Bluegrass - punk connection? No, thank you, unless it has to do with this impossible/fantastic fusion of Earl Brothers.This is highest quality bluegrass with one serious mistake - a fiddle miss! Marija Bilic, Croatia

  • Wonderfull. Hard to stop listening to it.
    author: John M. Braden

    I love every song; just as I did on the first album. The banjo parts are awesome. The lead vocals, and harmony vocals are vintage and classic bluegrass. Everyone should have a copy of this album.

  • author: wade mcghee

    great cd cool sound come to an east coast festival

  • great new music
    author: scott ford

    I think this is a great band and it has been a long time since music has come out that has shocked me to the point to repeat listening.Keep up the great work!!!!!!Please make a show in Illinois if you can.

  • author: mary lynch

    first heard the Earl Brothers on XM..i was totally awed and i had to have their music. Their sound is unique which is great. Truly have enjoyed both CDs i purchased and i am spreading the word of the group to others. Thanks guys

  • THAT IS WHAT BLUEGRASS IS SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE!!
    author: Patrick F

    I first heard this group on XM. As soon as I heard them I knew there was something special about them. They have a style of singing and playing all of their own. I finally found their CD's on CD Baby and bought them both. I can't listen to them enough. Buy 'em both, but ONLY if you are a SERIOUS,DIE HARD,HARDCORE Bluegrass fan.

  • Earl Bros DO Bluegrass! As it should be done!
    author: Gracie Muldoon

    Love the Earl Brothers... both their CD's are awesomely bluegrass.... they're sound is an untamed wild bluegrass, lonesome blue and dark! You'll be happy to hear these talented individuals play their brand of bluegrass.. and they'll make you a big fan .. real quick. Keepin' it blue ... pick on fellas! Gracie Muldoon Station Manager/Host www.worldwidebluegrass.com World Wide Bluegrass (an OCRN station) Muldoon in the Afternoon Mon, Tues & Fri 4-6 pm eastern

  • Awesome modern yet traditional Bluegrass pickin'!
    author: Justin B.

    This CD rocks!! Keep up the great work. This CD as well as the first CD set the standard for what a modern Bluegrass album should be. The music says it all. I hope to see you again soon in San Diego. Buy this CD and support the Earl Brothers live . . . you won't be disappointed. Thanks guys!

  • Old sound, modern lyrics.
    author: wrb

    First heard this group on Bluegrassradio.org. Tracked them down on internet and ordered both CDs. Great! Eastern Mountain sound from the West Coast. Noticed that a couple of the guys migrated west. Good Buy.

  • Bluegrass that sound old.. but with a new style
    author: GVP

    I first heard this band on XM radio, but could not find the CD's, until I found CD Baby. This California Bluegrass band has the "Ole Style" sound, but with new twist. They produce great music and I hope they put out more CD's in the near future

  • Good Stuff
    author: Frost

    This is the kind of music that keeps Bluegrass & country alive. We need more Earl Brothers out there, and more radio stations/programs who will take a stand and play good music like this. Rock on...

  • Best music I've heard in a long time!
    author: F. Harris

    Ordered the cd and recommend it to all the bluegrass fans out there. Hope the Earl Brothers play again in Richmond, Va. soon.

  • The best I have ever heard
    author: D.Butler

    Totally AWESOME cant get enough please come to Oakboro NC

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