Search - The Brothers Four :: Rally Round/Roamin with the Brothers Four

Two of Their Greatest -- At LAST!!

F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 08/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These two early Brothers Four albums are finally making their CD debut. Kudos to CC music for releasing them.



Though many songs have been released on other collections, nothing can really take the place of hearing an album in it's original state. The BF wrote many of the songs on both albums, and they are just as much standouts as the others. It's an absolute amazing feat that these boys were in the studio so often after their initial Columbia signing. Every album they have put out is a gem, including their later offerings.



To put even a standout song on this twofer would be doing the group itself an injustice. Every song is terrific, and in the original sound. Many compilations have had the left and right tracks mixed wrongly, not so here. "Follow the Drinking Gourd" has always been a favorite, but excluded from other CDs. I have both of these lps, and now am most fortunate to have them on CD. I literally cannot stop playing this super twofer.



I only hope their entire Columbia catalog will be released, along with other great albums after. This would get ten stars if I could put it. This group is my personal favorite of all of the "folk" genre of the early and mid '60s. Viva~!"

Still amazing after 40 years!

R. Hammer | Atlanta | 03/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I was in elementary school my father bought Rally Round Boys and we played it over and over. Once he became a grandfather he enjoyed singing "The Fox" to all of the grandkids. Well they are now in their 20's and it is one of their strongest and fondest memories of grandpa. I bought this for my 83 year old Dad and the smile on his face was beyond belief. The quality of the recording is perfect and there are 2 of the wonderful Brothers Four albums included. Great sound, great songs, great group and wonderful memories. Thanks for an amazing return to the 1960's."

A Mixed Bag at Best

efkasper | Mountain View CA USA | 06/26/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD to update my mono phonograph record of "Rally 'Round" which remains one of my favorite Brothers Four albums. "Rally 'Round" is one of their earliest albums (second, I believe) and still displays an energy and simplicity that began to disappear soon after as the group became more and more a cover group. The songs are, in general, good and performed well. Thoroughly enjoyable.



"Roamin'" is a totally different story. To me, there are only two songs ("Low Bridge" and "Frogg") that are better than mediocre and "The Ballad of Sam Hall" is really distasteful. This album is only tolerable and not recommended by itself.



Thus, this collection really is a mixed bag and only marginally recommended -- probably best for die-hard Brothers Four fans and collectors."