REVIEWSLouvin Brothers, ‘Satan Is Real/Handpicked Songs 1955-62’

9

• SPIN Rating:9 of 10

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Release Date: November 8, 2011
Label: LIght in the Attic

The first disc here, from 1959, is country and white-folk gospel as pure and sturdy as freshly planed wood. The occasional silvery glint of electric guitar, no sweaty Baptist hysteria -- the Louvins' intensity comes from their patience, how confidently they stay in their lane. The bedrock is those boyish, unassuming voices (Ira up high, Charlie down low), which create harmonies so geometrically perfect you're forgiven for wondering why anyone would want more -- that, after all, is how they intend to save your soul. The second disc features secular selections from fans Dolly Parton, Will Oldham, Beck, et al.