Charlie Louvin Gets Help From Friends for New CD

Country legend Charlie Louvin (of the great Louvin Brothers) is set to release his first new album in more than a decade. The self-titled 12-track set will arrive Feb. 20 via New York’s Tompkins Square Records and be supported with an extensive tour.

Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Elvis Costello and George Jones are among the artists pitching in. Louvin, who turns 80 in July, recorded the album earlier this year in Nashville with producer Mark Nevers. Also contributing to the sessions were Will Oldham, Tom T. Hall, Bobby Bare Sr., Marty Stuart, The Clean’s David Kilgour and members of Lambchop, Superchunk, Bright Eyes and Clem Snide.

The repertoire encompasses Louvin Brothers songs plus tracks long associated with the Carter Family, the Monroe Brothers and Jimmie Rogers. The album also includes a Charlie-sung tribute to his late brother and collaborator, Ira.

The Louvin Brothers remain a towering influence over country music; a Universal South tribute album, “Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ — Songs of the Louvin Brothers,” won the 2004 Grammy for best country album.

Here is the track list for “Charlie Louvin”:
“Must You Throw Dirt in My Face,” featuring George Jones
“Great Atomic Power,” featuring Jeff Tweedy
“Blues Stay Away From Me,” featuring Bobby Bare Sr., Tom T. Hall and Marty Stuart
“The Christian Life,” featuring Eef Barzalay
“When I Stop Dreaming,” featuring Elvis Costello, Mac McCaughan and Pete Cummings
“Waiting for a Train,” featuring George Jones and Marty Stuart
“Kneeling Drunkard’s Plea,” featuring Alex McManus
“Worried Man Blues,” featuring Bobby Bare Sr., Kurt Wagner and Marty Stuart
“Grave on the Green Hillside,” featuring Marty Stuart and Tift Merritt
“Knoxville Girl,” featuring Will Oldham and Marty Stuart
“Ira,” featuring Marty Stuart
“My Long Journey Home,” featuring David Kilgour

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