Written by Lauren Rosier
The Idiot Grins’ fourth full-length album is a song-for-song covers album of the Louvin’ Brothers’ revered 1959 album, Satan Is Real.
Idiot Grins’ Randy Strauss explains: “This all started back in 2017 when the band went to Nashville to master our last album, State of Health. At the Country Music Hall of Fame gift shop, I bought a brand new vinyl copy of Satan is Real by the Louvin Brothers, one of my favorite albums. This is a 1959 classic that has some of the most beautiful country gospel ever recorded, together with one of the most interesting homemade album covers ever. As the State of Health was released and generated two digital radio hits, we were looking around for ideas for our next project. I suggested that while we wrote new songs, we dash off a cover album of Satan is Real, just for fun. It took just about three years from that germ of an idea until the completed album due to a variety of unexpected twists and turns.”
This album is about as raw and authentic as it gets. We hope you enjoy Thoughts & Prayers.
Upon the first listen to the album, it was definitely unexpected. I hadn’t heard the 1959 Louvin’ Brothers’ album previously, so this was completely all new to me.
The first track, “Satan Is Real,” was a surprising track, because I’ve never heard any band or artist sing about Satan, so it was definitely a topic that was surprising. But nonetheless, the music itself was super catchy.
On “There’s A Higher Power” and “The River of Jordan” the band continues its infectious melodies and descriptive lyricism.
Idiot Grins are a five-piece rock/soul band from Oakland, CA. This record is the band’s 4th record, following 2012’s Quarry, 2015’s Big Man, and 2017’s State of Health featuring the Byrd Sisters.
Idiot Grins is Mike Conner (piano and organ), Evan Eustis (bass, mandolin, and vocals), John Hansen (vocals), Michael Melgoza (drums), and Randy Strauss (guitars).
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