Greenfields & Other Gold
The wholesome folk movement of the late 1950s--an era where every frat member worth his letterman's sweater strummed an acoustic guitar--was led in part by Washington State's the Brothers Four. The group boasted a similar repertoire to the better knownKingston Triobut outdid them on at least one count: they had an extra member. They also had some truly great hits, including "Greenfields," "Yellow Bird," and "Green Leaves of Summer." On this best-of compilation, the Brothers play some of their most enduring songs (yes, decades later, they're still touring with these legendary tunes). On "Lemon Tree," they show their balladic skills; on "If I Had a Hammer," they unleash their spirited side. On standards such as "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore," "Tom Dooley," "This Land Is Your Land," and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," the Brothers Four don't pull any punches in their delivery; their singing is a clarion call to restful youth. For a more rambunctious look at the quartet, check out their liveTokyo Tapesdouble-CD, where medleys and even a few solos will have your toes tapping. Gold, indeed.--Jason Verlinde