Search - Everly Brothers :: Heartaches & Harmonies

Familiar sounds of British Invasion

10/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some Americans called the Beatles the "British Everlys". And the Beatles themselves cited the Everlys and their razor sharp harmonies a major influence. But listen to some of the lesser known material toward the end of CD 2 and on CD 3 and you'll hear not simply those trademark harmonies but a true stylistic prequel to the British Invasion.The Everlys also lent substance to the British groups - even after the invasion was well underway. As one example, "Man with Money" was subsequently recorded by the Who and Wild Uncertainty.
Indeed, the Everlys spent much time touring Britain during the 60s, where they were better appreciated - their popularity had waned here!A familiar feature of the boxed set is the "top-and-tail" - which reminds me of some of Paul McCartney's albums - perhaps the source of inspiration working in reverse. Listen to "Don't Let our Love Die" - the very first track, sung when Don and Phil were young teenagers. Then listen to it again as the very LAST track - some 40 years later.Die-hard fans will enjoy the written information that come with the set, including a little about their father, Ike Everly; Chet Atkins taking them under his wing; their relationship with Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who wrote so many of their smash hits; their association with the Crickets ("Walk Right Back" was written by Sonny Curtis) - there's plenty to interest you."

Heartaches and Memories? How about numbed & forgotten?

gordon@ruraltel.net | 12/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there were any justice (or musical taste) in the world, this would become another Eagles Greatest Hits, saleswise (it far outshines it, quality-wise). In other words it would be a perennial best-seller. I can't believe there is but one customer review of this stellar collection. Sad, very sad.Well, just in case anyone reads this, this is far and away one of the most deserving and well compiled box sets, period. And I own many. There is a comprehensive booklet graced with many pictures and quotes from the boys about EVERY SONG. And lest you think that the quality of their music dropped when they stopped having hits, this box will set you straight. They've made great music throughout their entire career, and a great amount of it is collected here. Of course, Rhino and Bill Inglot have done their usual amazing job with the sound; the remastering is wonderful.In short, everything you would possibly expect of a box set of one of the great acts in the history of 20th century music is here. Now if only some one would care...Please, if you want to discover where the Beatles, Judds, Byrds, Eagles, etc. learned about pop/rock harmony, look no further. Absolutely essential"

Out Of This World!

Michael A. Clark | Londonderry Northern Ireland | 05/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation of Everly tunes is AWESOME! FANTASTIC! OUT OF THIS WORLD! I am thoroughly impressed with this set. This set starts out with their dad introducing them and their ages. Actually, the first song is quite cute for young boys but it is evidence of their blossoming talent. The first song is not a very good one, but is excellent for a beginning. The Everly's talent is quite evident from CD1/Track 1 right on through to CD4/Track 23. The booklet enclosed in this set gives a detailed description of their decades long career. This box set has all their hits that most of us are familiar with and some songs we probably never heard before. One song that I always thought was a beautiful Everly's ballad is So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad). In my opinion, this song is full of sadness and emotion and has the listener feeling what they are feeling in this song. I think that next to George Harrison's (and the Beatles) song Something, So Sad ranks right up there next to it. So Sad is one of the most beautiful love songs of emotion and feeling that has ever been written. This box set is a must for all true-blue Everly fans and even for those who aren't Everly fans. This is a superb compilation worthy of at least one listen. Guaranteed you will listen over and over again."