Album Review: Bonnie Prince Billy & Dawn McKenzie - What The Brothers

The Everly Brothers dominated the country rock movement of the late-'50s, and their trademark harmonies influenced a host of major stars. They were right in the guts of a time when writing or recording a hit song could keep you in the charts for years, and even basic pop songs had cultural relevancy and staying power. You know them, even if you don't know them. Bye Bye Love? Wake Up Little Susie? Classic Everly Brothers.

Bonnie Prince Billy and Dawn McKenzie valiantly attempt to rekindle the magic of their old tunes with What The Brothers Sang, and to an extent succeed. The harmonies are there, and they sound as comfortable as a duo could sound (they've collaborated in the past). The Brothers created harmonies using two melodies that could work alone, and Billy and McKenzie both weave in and out of each other like lazy swallows. My Little Yellow Bird is a prime example of two people in perfect balance.

What doesn't quite translate is the bursting-sunshine energy The Brothers used to saturate their performances with. Billy is a quiet performer (sometimes bordering on sinister) and McKenzie echoes that dream-like quality. Somebody Help Me shakes the jar a little, and Billy reaches for some high notes, but there's still a muted feel to it.

Still, this rich, sepia-toned effort is worth a listen, especially if you're not familiar with the genius of The Everly Brothers style of country.