Sibling Revelry: The Best of the Smothers Brothers

Dickie and Tommy Smothers' straight man-dumb guy act remains completely irresistible. All this material dates from their 1962-65 prime; includes Pretoria; Jenny Brown; Tom Dooley; Gnus; Mediocre Fred; Mom Always Liked You Best , and more.

Tom and Dick Smothers hit show-biz pay dirt by exploring the lighter side of brotherly competition in their musical comedy act. Combining substantial folk-singing skills with barbed comic repartee, the Smothers Brothers endeared themselves to "hip" crowds and mainstream audiences alike. That feat was a considerable accomplishment in the '60s, when the recordings that comprise this generous sampler were made. The tracks include such memorable numbers as "Pretoria," "Tom Dooley," "The Saga of John Henry," "Cabbage," "I Talk to the Trees," and, of course, "Mom Always Liked You Best." --Scott Schinder