Customer Reviews

Our Men in San Francisco/London Concert

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a CD set of two complete live concerts. The first is as noted "Our Men in San Francisco, live from the hungry I and the second is the "London Concert". I gave this set 5 stars because unlike some other "Classic Collection Set" out in the market this set is two of the Limeliters first albums complete just as they were recorded in the early 1960's. If you collect old Limeliters' albums and want to hear two of their best perfomances without the pops and snaps of old vinyl this set is for you!!!

Folk music is always at its best when performed live, and this CD from the fabulous Limeliters gives the listener not one but two live folk concerts. The first was in San Francisco, the other in London. The appeal of the same kind of music to audiences on opposite sides of the world (and their often culturally unique responses) is what makes this CD so significant, interesting, and definitely entertaining.

Some of my favorite songs, like "The Jam on Jerry's Rock", are here. Glenn Yarborough's "I'm Goin' Back" impressively presages his later solo career. And the international stuff ("Kerakina" and "The Lute Player") is brilliant. (Be careful, though-- the only flaw in this CD is how they've divided up the cuts, if you are skipping around from one song to another... the delightful intro to "Kerakina" is unfortunately left as the last part of the previous song). The reaction of the very British audience to "Hey Li Lee Li Lee Lo" is worth hearing by itself.

Remember, while the Limeliters are still performing wonderfully and successfully, this original version of the group can only still be heard on recordings like this one. Don't miss it!

Like the other reviewers, I too grew up listening to my parent's Limeliters collection. Our Men in San Francisco has got to be my all time favorite. One super collection of songs, performed live at San Frans legendary Hungry I nightclub. This will certainly bring back the memories of this highly talented trio, and for those of you who have never heard these guys, I hope this will be the begining of a long love affair with the incomparable Limeliters. So jazzed to see this out on Compact Disk! Enjoy it.

I grew up with the Limeliters' music, like a lot of kids whose parents had great taste in music. Revisiting these recordings is more than nostalgic listening though. I'm relearning that the Limeliters really were great and the music just gets better each time I listen. Give it a try - this is what folk music should be.

Growing up listening to my dad's albums of these guye, I always considered Our Men in San Francisco as the best live album of all time by ANYONE. Until I bought this 2 disc set I had never heard the London concert. What a gas! Here is a serious challenger to Our Men in SF. Hey Li Lee Li Lee is one of the most fun songs I have ever heard. The arrangement of Hard Ain't it Hard is hilarious, and Wabash Cannonball puts the Our Men version to shame, which is difficult to do! Their interaction with the crowd is so joyous and just plain fun to listen to. I've got my kids (ranging from 11 to 22 years old) hooked on the LimeLiters now. If you don't have this set, WHY ARE YOU WAITING? The only problem with these discs is that they don't go on forever - thank goodness for repeat buttons!

Hearing the original Limeliters with Glenn Yarbarough takes me directly back to Our 1962 Homecoming weekend at Marquette U.in Milwaukee. Folk music and the Limeliters were going strong then, but few groups combined the meaningful songs, comedy and superb music of the Limeliters.

My future wife and I were just overwhelmed with songs like "Have some Maderia M'Dear" and "John Henry" ("a strong union man before there was binding arbitration")
"There's a Meetin Here Tonight" always got everyone in the mood. And "Lonesome Traveler," I still sing that almost nightly when I walk the dog under the stars.
I always thought Alex Hassilev was underrated as a banjo player, singer and entertainer. Maybe because each of the Limeliters was very talented and in tune with audiences.

It was heartwarming to see Yarbarough come back for a reuinon with the group during a public broadcasting fundraiser. And to hear their music through the years, with some new personnel, but stil so much spirit and quality!
Enjoy!
Earl

A lot of duplicative material from other albums. But am a big fan of the Limelighters, so happy to ad to my collection of folk CD's. These guys can sing and the good humor that was part of their act is fully evidenced in these live performances. Recommended.

San Francisco is better than London. Both discs have songs and by play which will make you smile. Glen Yarbrough's voice is outstanding.

If you are a Limeliters fan this is a must have CD. My father bought the vinyl LPs in the 60s when they came out and my brothers and I played them to death. When I saw Alex Hassilev and the current incarnation of The Limeliters in Phoenix last year, my love of their music renewed itself and I bought this CD and a few others.
Their humor, talent and unique harmonies are strong on these two albums and the music holds up well today.