Search - The Seekers :: Collection

FULL BODIED SOARING FOLK-POP

Pieter | Johannesburg | 05/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Australian group achieved massive success in both the UK and the USA in the middle sixties with their gorgeous blend of soaring harmonies and acoustic but full-bodied instrumentation. I'll Never Find Another You was a number one in Britain and also reaching the top 5 in the USA. World Of Our Own, Georgy Girl and Morningtown Ride likewise did well on both sides of the Atlantic, while my favourite, The soulful Carnival Is Over, was another UK number one. Written by Paul Simon, the song Someday One Day was one of the Seekers' very first commercial successes in Britain. Their unique folk sound is characterised by a strong female vocal and gripping acoustic blend, including prominent 12-string guitar. Besides the original hits, this collection also includes great covers of both traditional and original 60s compositions like Blowin' In The Wind, We Shall Not Be Moved, Whisky In The Jar (remember Thin Lizzy's later interpretation?), Danny Boy, Kumbaya and Waltzing Matilda. Although considered a folk band, their sound has a very distinctive pop edge, beautiful tunes and exquisite vocals. They were not at all like Steeleye Span or Fairport Convention, in the sense that they had more in common with the Mersey sound and didn't use any of that Olde Englishe imagery. The next decade The New Seekers sought to revive the Seekers, but in my opinion they never achieved a sound as timeless and engaging as the originals. This excellent album will appeal to all who love melodic songs, exceptional vocals and rousing acoustic instrumentation."