That Louvin Feeling

Anything with the power and weight of religion, which can bring humanity to create great art, can also inspire the ridiculous. I’m still not sure how I label the Louvin Brothers.

Are you (are you) ready
For the great atomic power?
Will you rise and meet your Savior in the air?
Will you shout or will you cry
When the fire rains from on high?
Are you ready for the great atomic power?

– Great Atomic Power, The Louvin Brothers

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6h6FWMxH8E]

Ira Louvin was a great example of the dual personality that seems to permeate rural religion:

Their songs were heavily influenced by their Baptist faith and warned against sin. Ira Louvin was notorious for his drinking and short temper. Married four times, his third wife shot him three times in the back after he tried to strangle her. – Wikipedia