The Sprague Brothers
Forever and a Day
Hightone Records

These guys aren't really "easy listening," but they do make for easy listening. They're somehow related to Buddy Holly, and you can hear a little of Buddy's influence in their oldies-inspired tunes. Maybe the best way to describe the Sprague Brothers is "The Beach Boys meet the Everly Brothers," but maybe not. If you want an abundance of high notes and upbeat, happy tunes, check these guys out.

-DJ

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Reader Responses

One of the problems being a guy in his late 50's and being in love with the music of the late 50's & 60's is that after 30 - 45 years of listening to the same great classics, they actually start to get stale. Don't get me wrong, I love those songs, but you can lose your taste for anything if you get too much of it. (try eating two gallons of strawberry ice cream in one sitting and see if you still love it).

So, I'm sitting around feeling sorry for myself and the state of music today, when a 35 year old co-worker comes to my cubicle and hears the Shadows playing on my computer. He asks "IS that the Shadows?". Well, after I got up off the floor, being totally amazed that a 35 year old Californian would know a 60's English instrumental group (to many of us, the greatest instrumental group in the world), I said yes.

That started the most amazing musical year of my past 30 years. He has introduced me to the Sprague Brothers, Big Sandy, Deke Dickerson, Horton Brothers, Los Straightjackets, Eddie Angel, Kim Lenz, The Ghastly Ones. etc., etc.

And I, in turn, introduced him to the original rockabilly artists of the 50's, plus the Blasters.

I have totally regenerated my love for music by listening to these great artists, all of whom, unfortunately, fly underneath the national music radar (well, maybe not unfortunately, as there is a tendency to sell out once you hit the really big time). Also, of interest, is that I buy most of these CDs via the internet as I can't find them in my local Tower/Virgin outlets.

I love the Sprague Brothers - as the reviewer said, "the Everly Brothers meet the Beach Boys". The same with all the other artists. The latest by Deke is one of my favorites. I listen to it all the time.

I just wanted to share with you the above comments. An old rocker has been rejuvenated by coming in contact with a younger generation who loves the same music.

Thanks,

John Pinkerton
Sacramento, CA