"This is the most complex and complete boxed set that has been done on the trio to date. The in depth photography and background information has been thoroughly researched by master historian Paul Surratt.There is a picture of my dad that I had never sewen before. Enough of that.The music is an accurate representation of Dave's creative input to the folk genre.Let's look forward to the "Stewart Years" not forgetting that Bob and Nick were there for all of it.Josh Reynolds Son of Nick Reynolds"
Hear Your Own Favorites
R. S. Osborne | Nashville, TN United States | 07/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first configuration of the Kingston Trio occupied a special time for some pop music devotees like me-roughly those years between (a) the earth-flattening emergence of Elvis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry, and (b) the Beatles.The Trio was providing what was, then, unusual material drawn from a dizzying variety of sources, but their sound was also so very accessible to unstudied ears. Moreover, their music arrived twelve tunes at a time via LP-rather than on 45-rpm singles. Eager listeners could, in effect, select their favoritesThat's why this collection is wondrous. It has all the songs, not simply various experts' or sales staff's' selections. In my case, two songs from the LP "Goin' Places" have rung through my head for nearly forty years. They are "Speckled Roan" and "Guardo el Lobo." They have often occurred to me even though I have not actually heard them since the original vinyl record succumbed to pops, nicks and hisses long ago.I now learn from this collection's handsome accompanying book that Bob Shane, for one, thought "Goin' Places" was little more than "filler," another release to put in the commercial pipeline. Perhaps that is why those two memorable songs have never been available on collections before this gigantic release.Well, I've sated myself with "Speckled Roan" and "Guardo el Lobo." They are, if anything, even more satisfying now than they were then. I've also spent hours becoming reacquainted with dozens of other songs ("The Escape of Old John Webb," "Bonnie Hielan' Laddie," and on and on) that also lurked in the deeper crevasses of my brain.Buy this release? It may, for you, depend on whether some of the Kingston Trio's many, many tunes caught your ear and remained in your mind. It's a steep investment, admittedly. For me, this collection is worth the price."
What A Rush!
Gerald D. Clement | Miami, FL - USA | 01/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Were you a fan of these boys during the years that Dave Guard led them? Did you groove to the musicianship, arrangements, and material selection as much as I did? If so, this is THE definitive collection to have! Surely your old LPs must have worn thin like mine did, no matter the care given them? How terrific it is to hear their rich sound without age-related drawbacks like dings, static, and skips. It's all here, PLUS! And the accompanying book is a wonderful tribute to the impact these young men made on music of the time - inspired by the person of Dave Guard. The price may seem steep, but there is no other collection like it for less or more money. As a fan, I recommend it with no hesitation."
COMPLETE SET
WKT | Knoxville, TN United States | 07/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Obviously quite expensive--BUT exhaustive collection. If you are a fan of the Guard years you couldn't ask for more...ya you could but as much as we wish--this is all there is. It goes without saying these guys were the best vocal, harmony group of all time. And I know the Beach Boys, CSNY, are fantastic as well--but the nostalgia factor is what does it for me. This music was made in what I would call Americas Golden years (post Korea through the Kennedy yrs). After 11/22/63 the country just started spinning into a loud, cynical, violent ten year period that made the KT seem corny and instantly out dated. But when I hear these tracks now I treasure them more than ever...and long for a time that will never be again."
Track Listings (25) - Disc #1
