I used to think that The Exploited was the consummate manifestation of 'Stupid' until I saw and heard this record!This makes wattie and the boys seem like Philosophers.
If that isn't the most Insane album cover ever released on a major label I dunno what is!? Also, I notice that the Louvin Brothers seem to actually be in Hell!?
This kinda stuff frightens the shit out of me.Satan may be 'real'(in fact there's no credible evidence pointing in that direction), but Rednecks are certainly very Real. They exist in a post-cowboy Saudi Arabian style bubble,where you are in serious danger of extreme violence if you're Gay, Black, or a godless Atheist. There's nothing more horrific than Stupidity,and this album is it.
Ira and Charlie Loudermilk were The Louvin Brothers,a bluegrass harmony duo that existed from 1955 until 1963 when they broke up due to Ira's volatile temper.I dread to think what brother Ira, ironically the acronym for a catholic terrorist organistation in Ireland, was capable of if he was confronted by a communist,or any of the usual suspects previously mentioned.Thankfully, Ira met Satan after a car wreck in Jefferson City in 1965,and I doubt he was singing "Are You Afraid To Die" as he smashed through the windshield,just before he found out that Satan and God most certainly are NOT real.
Tracklist:
Satan Is Real 3:00
There's A Higher Power 2:21
The Christian Life 2:16
The River Of Jordan 2:17
The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea 2:51
Are You Afraid To Die 2:33
He Can Be Found 2:14
Dying From Home, And Lost 2:46
The Drunkard's Doom 3:14
Satan's Jeweled Crown 2:56
The Angels Rejoiced Last Night 2:18
I'm Ready To Go Home 3:08
Being a native of the dark industrial wastelands of the Midlands in the worlds first industrial economy of Great Britain, Country Rock and Americana did not sit comfortably in my understanding.Living in the birthplace of Doom Metal,Black Sabbath is our country music,It took me decades to listen to Country Rock stuff such as Bob Dylan,Neil Young,The Byrds and that singer-songwriter awfulness. At the same time I can get lost in the romance of the American Road Movie.
Marjoe Gortner was once the 'worlds Youngest Evangelist Preacher' between the ages of 4 to 8, and earned hundreds of thousands of Dollar for his parents, before he became an actor,and during his career revival in 1972 recorded an album of rather good Americana country tinged balladry.Under the aupices of Tom Scott, the writer of the marvelously funky theme to 'Starsky and Hutch'.....did i tell you I had a pint with Huggy Bear in a pub in mt hometown of Leicester back in the nineties.....he said 'I Like to meet the people'!?
Marjoe was a celebrity,like Huggy Bear, after a documentary following his revived Evangelist career.So, he had to try and cash in.Especially as he came out as an Atheist and revealed he only preached 'God's Word' for the Cash.....and I don't mean Johnny Cash. either.
Looking at the images on the cover,he just seems to be the perfect manifestation of the mid western bigot, but now we know otherwise, I kinda like this album a lot. I've played it three times so far,which is a rarity for me in these dark days. I may play those religious period Bob Dylan albums next....whats happening to me?
Tracklist:
A1 Hoe-Bus 5:05
A2 The Ballad Of Spider John 4:30
A3 Lo And Behold! 4:05
A4 Wind Up 5:35
A5 I'm A Man 3:37
B1 Collection Box 4:25
B2 Glory Glory Hallelujah 3:40
B3 I Shall Be Released 3:10
B4 Faith Healing Remedy (Jesus Is Your Friend) 4:17
