Customer Reviews

What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul

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If you're familiar with this music, you don't need me to tell you how stunningly great it is. If you're not, and you're the least bit inclined towards bluegrass or old-time country, this CD will change your life. The Monroe Brothers inspired and influenced virtually everyone who came after them, and the quality of their harmonies and musicianship has never been surpassed. The remastered sound is terrific too. This is the first volume in a projected four-volume series - may the other three come quickly!

This forthcoming 4-volume set has been long awaited, and it is thrilling to finally have this material available on CD. Many know how influential Bill Monroe and bluegrass music has subsequently been, but this material was equally influential on country music in the late 30s. Many of the stars of country grew up listening to and being inspired by these recordings. It's easy to see why-- just listen to the combination of Bill Monroe's blistering mandolin work (which single-handedly rescued the mandolin from increasing obscurity) and the unearthly and haunting quality of the harmonies. Few other brother acts of the time made music as unforgettable as this. To use one of Bill Monroe's favorite expressions, this is 'powerful' stuff!

If you're at all a fan of folk music, bluegrass, or early country - and if you have any appreciation for the Monroe Bros.' achievement in music - you need this album. Rounder has done us all a great service by remastering and rereleasing these seminal cuts from the late 1930's. This is volume 1 of a 2 volume set - which will hopefully include other volumes in future. This volume includes some of the most important songs ever recorded in the "brother duet" genre - "What Would You Give?", "What Is Home Without Love?", and "Drifting Too Far from the Shore" are my personal favorites - but literally every single track is good. Fans of Bill Monroe's later work will recognize some of these tunes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is one of the starting points for American Music of the 20th century.The interplay between these two brothers is outstanding.It's like Bob Dylan once said there's probably nothing I'd rather listen to then the Monroe Brothers.I strongly urge real music fans to buy this and all subsequent volumes if they are interested in something that really endures.

It was good to hear that these early recordings of Bill and Charlie Monroe are now available on CD. They were only be released on vinyl and CD in Japan some years ago. Now you have here the beginning of a career that began in the 30s and lasts until the 90s. The Monroe Brothers are fine example of early country music. You can also find wonderful gospel music. Highly recommended for every fan of the Monroe Brothers and the sharp tenor vocal of Bill Monroe.