The Smothers Brothers Albums (10)
'Aesop's Fables'
Release Date 3/31/1992
Tracks 14
Label Music For Little People
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What The Critics Say
Aesop, the greatest storyteller of ancient Greece, knew that the world would be a better place if we all lived by the Golden Rule. It's a real treat for kids to hear his rich teachings retold and sung by the hilarious Smothers Brothers. In delightfully silly musical dialogues, these brothers go to the heart of 7 profound fables. The tape has a perfect blend of music, laughter and questions children understand instantly. ~ MusD, All Music Guide
'Smothers Comedy Brothers Hour'
Release Date 1/1/1968
Tracks 12
Label Mercury
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'Mom Always Liked You Best!'
Release Date 1/1/1966
Tracks 13
Label Mercury
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'Tour de Farce American History and Other Unrelated Subjects'
Release Date 1/1/1965
Tracks 11
Label Mercury
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'The Songs and Comedy of the Smothers Brothers!'
Release Date 1/1/1964
Tracks 9
Label Mercury
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'It Must Have Been Something I Said!'
Release Date 1/1/1964
Tracks 11
Label Mercury
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'Curb Your Tongue, Knave!'
Release Date 1/1/1963
Tracks 8
Label Mercury
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What The Critics Say
Many of the commercial folk groups dabbled in humor, particularly during personal appearances, so it was only a matter of time until a folk group came along who existed primarily for laughs. The Smothers Brothers were that group, and they were much more successful on albums than on singles because their routines often centered around a theme that carried throughout the LP, with recurring jokes and an internal logic that was lost when cuts were segregated out. Consequently, the brothers' recordings are better heard on their original albums than on anthologies. Curb Your Tongue, Knave! was the duo's highest-charting album and covers a variety of topics, from American history to big game hunting to ethnic Christmas traditions. Tom Smothers mistakes himself for a comic book hero on "Lonesome Traveler," mangles the tunes "Whispering" and "Nola" on "The Incredible Jazz Banjoist," and obliterates Spanish guitar styles on "Flamenco." When the Smothers join together in harmony for "Church Bells," they show that there is some real musical talent behind the funny business, but the highlights are the jokes, some of which were a little risqué for their time. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
'The Two Sides of the Smothers Brothers'
Release Date 1/1/1962
Tracks 12
Label Mercury
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What The Critics Say
The Smothers Brothers usually included a serious performance or two on their albums and, in response to fan requests, eventually made a mostly serious album. The Smothers Brothers Play It Straight, possibly influenced by country comedy duo Homer & Jethro's 1962 album Playing It Straight, spotlights the Smothers' musical attributes with mixed results. Dick Smothers is predictably much more comfortable with straight material than his brother, and sings four songs solo. Tom sings "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" without cracking a joke, but his other two solo turns provide the album's only comedy bits. Much of the material is pop rather than folk, reflecting the extent to which the commercial craze for folk groups had waned. More of a curiosity than anything, The Smothers Brothers Play It Straight makes it clear that comedy was the Smothers' strong suit. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
