Customer Reviews

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

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The Weavers' sturdy baritone, Fred Hellerman, compiled this impressive collection taken from the folk foursome's "Town Hall concerts" of 1950-51. Unlike the group's performances at larger venues like Carnegie Hall, the Town Hall renditions are more intimate and informal. Members of the group take turns introducing the songs, and the repertoire is sometimes familiar (including many of their record hits), sometimes surprising ("Benoni" is an overlooked gem taken from an African melody), and sometimes amusing (Lee Hays hauls off and sings "Just a Gigolo," of all things, as the house band playfully follows him). Several songs are unique to this collection, including some Christmas carols from around the world. Thanks to clever editing by Hellerman, the listener can easily imagine (or remember) hearing The Weavers in person. A treat for Weavers admirers.

The importance of the Weavers as voices of conscience and social justice can not be underestimated. Old School folk artists, such as Woody Guthrie and The Weavers, were the nations conscience at a time when being a dissenter made you an enemy of the state. Still, they continued and struggled and made great recordings such as this. There sound is still infections.

my first experience of an entire CD of Weaver's songs - it is terrific. Particularly of note is the recording of Die Gedunken Zind Frie (My Thoughts are Free) that epitomizes the Weavers and their art in the midst of Blacklisting. I'm now an official lover though I am familar with most all of their song. A very good exposure to the breadth of their repertoire while still entertaining one with the classics such as Wimoweh and Kisses Sweeter than Wine!