1972’s Country Music Then and Now by Virginia’s own The Statler Brothers features one of the best releases from their acclaimed library. I’m speaking, of course, about The Class of ’57. To say that this sobering tale of aged / aging High School classmates is bittersweet would be an understatement. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the song’s rhythmic tone is a bit somber in and of itself, but stir in the slow-moving harmonics of The Brothers, and you’ve got the makings of a Debbie Downer theme song. All of this, of course, makes The Class of ’57 an essential listen. Please be warned: this one tends to hit fairly close to home.