This out-of-print CD comprises 2 lesser-known LPs by The Everly Brothers: "Pass the Chicken & Listen" and "Stories We Could Tell", both recorded in 1972 for RCA. This explains why these songs do not reappear on compilations usually including their older repertoire: the 1950s Cadence or the 1960s Warner material. At this time, The Everly Brothers were pretty much into country-rock, influenced by The Flying Burrito Brothers

and other groups such as The Byrds who were adopting the country-rock turn in the early 1970s

.

With 24 songs, "Pass the Chicken & Listen" and "Stories We Could Tell" show The Everly Brothers at a mature age, although they were still young, in their mid-thirties, and in full control of what they wanted to record. Some titles were penned either by Don or Phil; others were written by a variety of friends or admirers such as John Sebastian, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

The song selection is very interesting: among them, a wonderful cover of Rod Stewart's "Mandolin Wind" from his classic Every Picture Tells a Story

. They also cover Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away". There are even some solo songs. One should note the song "Green River" included here is NOT the Creedence Clearwater Revival / John Fogerty composition; there were indeed many green rivers in the USA !

But the summum of this CD is obviously The Everly Brothers' incredible version of "Rocky Top". They surpass by miles the previous version by The Osborne Brothers

. Here, The Everly Brothers confirm their status as the champions of vocal arrangements; their voices blend in perfect harmonies. It seems like the song was written for them. In fact, Boudleaux and Felice Bryant wrote many hits for various artists, including The Everly Brothers' standard "Bye Bye Love".

Both albums are similar in style and were rereleased on only one CD by a small, British label that is not distributed as such in the USA, which explains the high price for this Import, although it has always been expensive, even in England where this CD was manufactured in 2008. One should also consider that most of the well known "Greatest Hits" by The Everly Brothers were recorded more than 50 years ago and are now Copyright-free in certain countries, which explains why you can get for just a few bucks various box sets of their early recordings prior to 1960

or

. These are just plain boxes of songs without photos, minimum details, and very small booklet.

In this case, "Pass the Chicken & Listen" and "Stories We Could Tell" include some new liner notes on a booklet, but no original back covers. "Pass the Chicken & Listen" and "Stories We Could Tell" were the last studio recordings made by The Everly Brothers before their sad, dramatic breakup on stage in 1973. The brothers went separate ways for years before their reunion. Subsequent Everly Brothers recordings were made much later, and did not match these ones.

I am a big fan of the Everlys. From the time I was 10 years old and introduced to classics like "Walk Right Back," Crying in the Rain, All I have to do is Dream, Let it be Me, 'Til I Kissed You, Cathy's Clown, etc I believe these guys to be one of the greatest singing teams in the history of recorded music. However this album is only a hint of their vocal greatness. The magic simply is not here. It is my impression the songs are poorly produced as is evidenced by a muddied instrumental sound and vocals that sound more like they are in the background. I am disappointed by this record particularly because I have seen the Everlys live and they have always been phenomenal. Rather than buying this record I recommend listening to the Everly recordings of the late 1950s and 1960s.

This is the disc to get: The Everly's last 2 albums from the 1970's. The production (Chet Atkins produces one of the albums), songwriting and musicianship are first rate. Are all the songs great?...no, but many are. Does it sound like "Bye Bye Love"...of course not. It's great songs in the "country rock" style with the Everly Brothers sound...it will not dissapoint!