An excellent introduction to the music of The Seekers.
Gray | Kansas City, MO | 12/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having achieved international acclaim in the mid 1960s, The Seekers are remembered today in the U.S. primarily for three songs: "I'll Never Find Another You," "A World Of Our Own" and "Georgy Girl." This well-paced anthology presents these tracks along with twenty others which showcase the group's dynamic mix of folk, traditional gospel and pop. Highlights range from Judith Durham's soaring vocals on "We Shall Not Be Moved" and "Come The Day" to the infectious folk-pop arrangements on "Love Is Kind, Love Is Wine" and "All I Can Remember." If you missed The Seekers during their heyday or if you just need a reminder of why they were so good, this album is highly recommended."
Four Strong Winds..The Seekers and Judith Durham..
R. Barnes | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | 06/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Judith Durham, Keith Potger, Athol Guy, and Bruce Woodley make up this Folk and Traditional group from Down Under, who had great success here in the mid sixties, but internationally were stars from about 1963 till now. They actually are being rediscovered by a new generation today.To the people who do not know this group, they were primarily folk and traditional, and made great use of their contempories including Paul Simon, Tom Springfield, and many others. They are led by one of the worlds greatest voices - Judith Durham. When you hear the voice, you know immediately who it is, and listen since her use of lyrics is easily understood, clear, and melodic. It's hard to compare with anyone today, it's that good. Of course the music. There hits are mentioned in the album listings, but this is a sampler of their better known works here. The multi box set "The Seekers Complete" is recommended as a companion to this one for those who discover this group as I did.Some of the biggest were written by Tom Springfield of "The Springfields" and whom is Dusty Springfield's brother. "I'll Never Find Another You" and "World Of Our Own" are examples of his work, and you will hear the distinctive 12 string guitar and stand up bass that is characteristic of their early work. The lyrics and rendition are excellent, and are some of the greatest folk releases of the generation."Morningtown Ride" and "Sinner Man" ae other favorites. Remember in this Genre, folk means usually entire albums are good, and are not necessarily aimed at "single" release.This CD is an excellent example of their work, and is well worth having. If you like them, go deeper as many other albums exist, and showcase more of their Australian folk songs as well.They recently had a hugely successfull reunion, (huge in Britain as well) and have released material again and solo. Nothing has really changed, they continue to excel. The Voice is still there, the energy, and the love of the folk tradition..and it shows. I actually have Judith Durham's single solo releases, (Jazz-Blues), which demonstrates the breadth of the work.MOST highly Recommended..For Folkies and 60's Lovers alike. A requirement for The Folk Generation, an a band too often overlooked by US "Folkies" since they are not from the US. The sound quality of the CD is excellent, and is one of the best "greatest hits" packages out there, from their original label.You WILL like them. They are that good. 5 Stars all the way."
Beethoven Goes to Oz
Mamalinde | Dallas | 03/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Australian Quartet is amazingly versatile, with an inspired set of talents and range in this collection mostly from the 60s, which not only endures but becomes richer. Judith Durham's ethereal intonations grace numerous songs on this CD and bless it with a magic and purity that must be listened to with your heart, not just your ears. Nostalgia convinced me to buy this CD, and I wish I'd bought the bigger Australian version in hindsight. While this CD contains a number of the big hits, it is the lesser known melodies that have simply charmed me. Take Me To the Emerald City, with Beethoven's Ode to Joy melody traveling over the rainbow to Baum's Land of Oz is truly imagination meeting inspiration, "children gather fragile flowers, stars will sing a lullaby." Romantic, mellow and even melancholy, soulful - the songs on this CD have a timeless air that will hopefully allow another generation of idealists and dreamers to soar. The first song, I'll Never Find Another You, would have seemed deeply romantic 30+ years ago, now carries a different sort of message of love and celebration of friendship overlaid with eventual loss. I highly recommend this CD."
One of my favorite 60s music CDs
R. Barnes | 05/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like other reviewers, I bought this CD just for the hit song "Georgy Girl." However, as time went by, I realized "Georgy Girl" is far from the strongest track on this CD. Rather, this surprisingly turned out to be one of most enjoyable CDs I own, equally strong from beginning to end. If you like 60s pop music or have any interest in folk music or the roots of contemporary folk-rock, this CD will be a most pleasant surprise. Aside from the big hits "Georgy Girl" and "Ill Never Find Another You," this album has a number of other lesser-known but also catchy Tom Springfield-penned songs (Dusty's brother and one of the top 60s pop song writers), especially "The Carnival is Over," "A World of Our Own," "Walk With Me," and "On the Other Side." This CD also has some catchy folk ditties written by group members, like "Cloudy" and Love is Kind, Love is Wine," and "All I Can Remember." Oh, and if you like old time religious music, they do several traditional folk religious songs: "Open Up Them Pearly Gates," "We Shall Not Be Moved," and "Sinner Man." Judith Durham's voice is truly lovely, pure and uplifting. In summation, anyone who likes 60s pop music or appreciates folk music will absolutely love this album. Most of its twenty-three songs make you want to tap your feet or get up and clap to the simple beat. It would make great karaoke material for 60s music fans. I was a child of the 60s and 70s and I remember listening to endless hours of music on the hi-fi. I'm only sorry I was not then familiar with The Seekers' other great songs. On the last inside page of the CD booklet, the Seekers are pictured together. Judith Durham has her hands together angelically, smiling and looking as sweet as her voice. The other Seekers are all grinning in their Sunday suits. This pictures seems to sum up their music: Happy, wholesome and uplifting."
A Unique and Enduring Style
Steve Rawlings | Denver, CO USA | 02/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many artists in the music industry proclaim a "unique style" but few can actually support those claims. The Seekers do. The group combines the traditional sound of Folk with the more up-beat tempo of 60's pop to create a musical style that is their's alone. Their songs exhibit an extraordinary range; frequently robust, yet often tender, and occasionally sensual. Judith Durham is a consummate performer with the rare ability to combine the smoky, torch-like passion of a jazz singer, with the clarity and beauty of a folk balladeer. The production values on this CD are impeccable...the harmonies are carefully overlayed and accompanied by a bass and 12-string guitar.This CD contains 23 of the group's most celebrated hits. I also recommend the "Complete Seekers," a 126-track, 5-CD collection produced in Australia. The additional tracks are well worth the price, featuring a number of Australian and American Folk classics. The enduring appeal of this group is evidenced when they reunited in the 90's to produce yet another album entitled "Future Road." Like fine wine...The Seekers only improve with age."