Sings Murder Ballads And Disaster Songs

Country Music Hall of Fame legend Charlie Louvin explores visions of heaven and hell on two new albums. Steps to Heaven, released September 16th, 2008, features ten traditional sacred songs, a collection The New York Times' Amanda Petrusich calls "raw and stunning." The release is followed by Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs. Both albums were produced, recorded and mixed by Mark Nevers (Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Andrew Bird, Bobby Bare Sr.) Louvin's 2007 self-titled album was nominated for a Grammy, Best Traditional Folk Album. Although some might be surprised at a thematic Charlie Louvin album dealing with death and destruction, one needn't look any further than the very first Louvin Brothers album to find a connection. Tragic Songs of Life, released in 1956, is full of emotional songs detailing heartbreak, betrayal, violence and loss. Inspired by Tompkins Square's recent Grammy-nominated 3CD box set People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs, 1913-1938, Charlie reached back for a couple of songs from that first Louvins album, and pulled five songs from the box set to create a moving and sometimes raucous new take on traditional songs of tragedy.