Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers
Given their impact on generations of country, country-rock, and bluegrass acts, it's amazing theLouvinshaven't had a modern tribute before. Unlike tribute albums that stumble through inconsistent performances and ill-matched material, this one soars, the selections well matched to the paired artists.Joe NicholsandRhonda Vincentcapture "Cash on the Barrelhead's" sassy humor.Emmylou Harris--who spearheaded the Louvin revival--andRodney Crowellare relaxed on the Louvin hit "My Baby's Gone."Merle Haggardand the album's producerCarl Jacksoncapture the anguish of "Must You Throw Dirt in My Face."Glen CampbellandLeslie Satcherwring maximum passion from "When I Stop Dreaming." Obscure gospel tunes receive equally stellar treatment. "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus" teamsPam TilliswithJohnny Cash(handling the recitation) and theJordanaires.Marty StuartandDel McCouryestablish the Louvins' bluegrass ties on "Let Us Travel, Travel On." By seamlessly blending traditional and modern Jackson's created a magnificent tribute that doubles as a fine introduction to the Louvins' earthy, breathtaking majesty.--Rich Kienzle