Customer Reviews

Folk Hits Collection

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Highwaymen were one of the most popular groups on the folk scene of the early 1960s. In addition to their recording of "Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)" (the best-selling folk music record of all time), they played a key role in the unearthing of an overlooked Leadbelly song, "Cotton Fields," which later became a major hit for both Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Beach Boys.

* This collection traces The Highwaymen from the early years of their very first recordings in 1961, to new songs released in 2007.

* This "all-folk-music" album features The Highwaymen's best-known songs as well as songs written by folk greats like Woody Guthrie ("The Sinking Of The Reuben James" and "Roll On Columbia, Roll On"), Tom Paxton ("Ramblin' Boy"), and Bob Gibson ("Well, Well, Well") among others.

* The release also includes an unreleased bonus track from 1975 "Old Folk Music (With Some Sweet Rock 'N' Roll)."

* Many songs are appearing on CD for the first time.

* Mastered from the original United Artists analog tapes.

These are the original Highwaymen of "Michael, Row The Boat Ashore" fame. They were folk of the early sixties and were covering Leadbelly, Buffy Sainte Marie, Tom Paxton, Woody Guthrie and made (eight or nine) great albums until they went their own professional ways. Largely thought of as a vocal group, they could also play their instruments. Primarily Wesleyan University (Connecticut) grads who eventually pursued prestigious careers on their own, they still tour on selected weekends and it's a treat to hear them. This is a compilation of what they did and still perform.

Their legacy remains and their talent and their humor and their professionalism. If you listen to the song "Number 1" (it's a long way down) you can't help but get it.

This is definitely worth listening. Great vocals, playing and arrangements. They weren't one hits - and if they are playing, catch them if you can. They are still interpreting new material from all over the world. The Highwaymen at their best.

If you're a product of the fifties I can't imagine you being disappointed.
I give it a 5 star rating without compunction.