The Complete Capitol Albums
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Complete Capitol Albums
The identical twins Jim and John Hager recorded 3 albums on Capitol Records in 1970-71, and they’re all collected here for the first time on CD and digitally, where they’ve been mastered from the original analog master tape sources by Grammy-winner Michael Graves.
The first 10 tracks are from their self-titled album, and opens with “Loneliness Without You”, where warm keys and emotive pedal steel are present as The Hagers bring their smooth vocal harmonies to the melodic climate, and this continues to the spirited guitar and banjo fun of “I Don’t Wanna Make It”, as well as the scrappy “Give It Time”.
The middle tunes are from Two Hagers Are Better Than One, and leads with the intimate beauty of “Silver Wings”, and later on “That’s My Love” glides with a swift, romantic demeanor that’s quite uplifting. “Gamblin’ Man” exits this portion, and is bit more rugged with soulful moments to their country rock formula.
The final 10 tracks, from Motherhood, Apple Pie & The Flag, include the folk friendly and dreamy “White Line Fever”, while “Four Strong Winds” unfolds with a breezy, stirring demeanor. “Back Out On The Road Again” takes the final spot of the listen, and it’s a charming piano rocker that’s as lively as it is memorable.
The brothers made an incredible 135 appearances on Hee Haw from 1969-1985, and though they didn’t reach the level of fame of their peers, these 3 timeless records prove that their craft has certainly aged well and deserves this reissue treatment.
Travels well with: Linda Hoover- I Mean To Shine; Mariel Buckley- Driving In The Dark