Description
Everly Brothers – Pass The Chicken & Listen – Vinyl Record
Pass the Chicken and Listen is an album by the iconic American rock and roll duo The Everly Brothers, released in 1972. This album represents a return to their country roots, a genre that had heavily influenced their early music. Known for their close harmonies and influential hits during the late 1950s and early 1960s, The Everly Brothers—Don and Phil Everly—were pioneers of rock and roll, but they also had deep connections to country music.
Pass the Chicken & Listen is the last record the Everly Brothers cut under their RCA Records contract, as well as being the last record they cut before breaking up later that same year, 1973. It’s fitting that they chose their first producer, Chet Atkins, as the producer of what almost turned out to be their last album. Atkins produced the album with a more stripped-down, pure country approach than the Brothers’ previous disc, Stories We Could Tell.
By the early 1970s, The Everly Brothers had experienced both the heights of commercial success and the challenges of the changing music landscape. After a string of hits in the 1950s and 1960s, they faced a period of declining popularity as rock and roll evolved. However, their talent and influence remained undeniable, and they continued to produce music that showcased their unique harmonies and strong songwriting.
Pass the Chicken and Listen was produced by the legendary Chet Atkins, a key figure in the Nashville sound, and released under RCA Records. The album was part of a series of efforts to reconnect with their country roots, a genre that had always been at the heart of their music.
Pass the Chicken and Listen features a mix of original songs and covers, highlighting The Everly Brothers’ ability to interpret country music with their distinct style.
‘Lay It Down’ – This track opens the album with a smooth, country-rock vibe. The Everly Brothers’ harmonies are front and center, giving the song an emotional depth that reflects their maturity as artists.
‘Husbands and Wives’ – A cover of a Roger Miller song, this track is a poignant reflection on relationships. The Everly Brothers bring their trademark harmonies to the fore, adding a layer of melancholy to the already introspective lyrics.
‘Woman, Don’t You Try to Tie Me Down’ – Written by Kris Kristofferson, this song has a more upbeat, rebellious tone. The Everlys’ interpretation is lively, with a touch of their classic rock and roll energy blending with the country instrumentation.
‘Sweet Memories’ – A gentle ballad with a melancholic undertone, ‘Sweet Memories’ allows the brothers to showcase their emotional range, delivering a heartfelt performance that resonates with nostalgia.
‘Rocky Top’ – A lively, energetic take on this popular bluegrass tune. The Everly Brothers infuse ‘Rocky Top’ with their characteristic harmony-driven style, making it a standout track on the album.
‘Not Fade Away’ – A cover of the Buddy Holly classic, this track sees The Everlys returning to their rock and roll roots, but with a country twist, showing their versatility and deep connection to the music of their contemporaries.
Pass the Chicken and Listen is characterized by its return to the Everly Brothers’ country roots, with a blend of country, country rock, and traditional tunes. The album’s themes include love, heartache, reflection, and a nod to traditional American music. The Everly Brothers’ harmonies, as always, are the focal point, bringing a richness and depth to each track.
The production by Chet Atkins ensures that the album has a polished, yet organic feel, with instrumentation that complements the brothers’ voices without overshadowing them. The album’s sound is warm and intimate, reflecting the duo’s maturity and their comfort within the genre.
Upon its release, Pass the Chicken and Listen was met with modest success, but it didn’t make a significant impact on the charts. However, it was appreciated by fans and critics for its return to the brothers’ roots and the authenticity of its sound. Over the years, the album has been recognized as an important part of The Everly Brothers’ discography, particularly for its exploration of country music.
While it didn’t revive their career to its former heights, Pass the Chicken and Listen remains a testament to The Everly Brothers’ versatility and enduring talent. The album is a reminder of their ability to blend genres seamlessly and their influence on both rock and country music.
Pass the Chicken and Listen stands as a significant, though often overlooked, album in The Everly Brothers’ catalog. It highlights their deep connection to country music and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The album is a must-listen for fans of the duo and those interested in the crossroads of country and rock music in the 1970s.
For those who appreciate the craft of harmony singing and the blending of traditional and modern influences, Pass the Chicken and Listen offers a rich, rewarding experience that showcases The Everly Brothers at a reflective, mature stage of their career.
Brand new, never played , unsealed
Demon / Edsel Records 1991 ED 319
Track Listing
Lay It Down
Husbands and Wives
Woman Don’t You Try to Tie Me Down
Sweet Memories
Ladies Love Outlaws
Not Fade Away
Watchin’ It Go
Paradise
Somebody Nobody Knows
Good Hearted Woman
A Nickel for the Fiddler
Rocky Top
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