Customer Reviews

Greenfields & Other Gold

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Brothers Four were my favorite folk group of the 1960s. I have several records and tapes of their original music but this CD is better, if that's at all possible, than the originals. The sound is so deep it almost shocks you back into the '60s. The first song on the CD, Greenfields, is the one most often associated with this fantastic group, and it's done so well it stops you in your tracks. Shenandoah, Green Leaves of Summer, Scotch and Soda, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, and Lady Greensleeves are so mellow and smooth - completely familiar in every way. I don't remember them singing San Francisco Bay Blues (I have that song by Peter, Paul, and Mary and love it, but back then songs were often recorded by several different artists). The Brothers Four rendition of San Francisco Bay Blues is now one of my favorite songs. A wonderful wonderful CD. I loved their music on my scratchy little record player of 35 years ago but I love it more on a high-quality sound system of today. If you were once a Brothers Four fan and wonder where they are today - they can be found in this CD - and you'll feel young again, too!

This is one of the few groups with all original members still performing. They still sound great (the material was apparently recorded in 1996 according to the liner notes). Although most of these were folk hits, most were made hits by other artists (They tend to choose a lot of songs with the word "green" in the title, don't they?). The Brothers Four interpretations are pleasant and well-done. If you like to sing along in the car, this will be a much-played CD. I don't think it's a 5-star classic, but it is a worthy addition to a folk collection and makes me hope I get a chance to see them in person.

The Brothers 4 were in the forefront of the folk movement in the 1960's and without them, I am not sure if it could have reached the height that it attained.

This new compilation offers the best that this fantastic group could offer. Although many of the songs are re-recordings, they sound just as fresh and as good as the original recordings, though some rearrangements had been made here and there.

The passing years have not dimmed the group's talent to interprete traditional folk songs. This album is a solid proof of that.

These ex-university students were part of the early sixties folk revival, although according the liner notes, they were still performing in 1996 when this collection was compiled, but the line-up had changed somewhat by then. Their one big song was Green fields, an American number two pop hit, which opens this set.

Many of the other songs here are covers, including Walk right in (a 1920's ragtime song which they would have covered after hearing the Rooftop singers), Lemon tree (Peter Paul and Mary), The John B sails (better known as Sloop John B, the title used by the Beach boys), Michael row the boat ashore (Highwaymen), Blowing in the wind, Don't think twice its alright (both Bob Dylan), Tom Dooley (Kingston Trio), This land is your land (Woody Guthrie), Both sides now (written by Joni Mitchell and popularised by Judy Collins), Green green (New Christy Minstrels), Where have all the flowers gone (Pete Seeger) and Lady Greensleeves (a traditional song allegedly written by King Henry VIII around 1580). Another Pete Seeger song here, If I had a hammer, became a hit for both Peter Paul and Mary and Trini Lopez.

The line-up when these tracks were recorded consisted of Bob Flick (upright bass), Mike Kirkland (guitar, banjo), John Paine (guitar) and Richard Foley (guitar). All four sang vocals.

Anybody interested in the early sixties folk revival will enjoy this album, even if many of the songs are familiar.

It's the best Brothers Four compilation, both in repertoire and in quality sound.

This is an excellent CD which I recommend for everybody and anybody. The songs have a beautiful and gentle touch on the ears. Great to hear while driving, with the breeze flowing through....Hear it to believe ! Guaranteed...you'll sail thru' the air....I found all the previous reviews helpful. I would like to thank them all too.

The Brothers Four were in concert in Midland, TX last night and I enjoyed their performance tremendously. The harmony was excellent, and the instrumentals were great.

The selections are well chosen and performed. For a CD of an early musical recording, I found this to be an excellent transfer: Well balanced between tracks (no variation of quality or volume) and no distinguishable tape hiss or distortion.

Having seen them in person and still having 11 of their 33&1/3's I was wondering what this would sound like. It was wonderful. Brought back fond memories of the concerts where the audience would sing along with the proformers. They had great humor and would like to see more of them on CD. Thank you

This is a relatively new CD which does not contain their "original" redentions but it's simply wonderful.
The sound is beautiful and the new interpretations of the fantastic Four Brothers are a confirmation that an artist remains "artist" all his life. These new arrangements don't beat and are not beaten by the "originals" there is just no match, they walk hands in hands as real Brothers do. If you love the Brothers this CD is a must have because, it completes the picture of their immense personality.
The sound clearly is top notch, impossible to do better.
If you are intersted read also my reviews of "Brothers Four/B.M.O.C." and "Rally 'Round/Roamin".
...now forget what you are doing and fly away on the wonderful B4 notes.
Ciao,
Franco

If you love the B4 don't forget:
"BROTHERS FOUR/B.M.O.C."
"RALLY 'ROUND/ROAMIN'"