Classic Sixties Folk Pop
davenorton | Christchurch New Zealand | 03/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album may not appeal to the folk music purists, but it certainly captures the folk-pop feel of the sixties. The group were a one hit wonder with the 45 "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" and released an album "The Silkie Sing Dylan". Most of the tracks on that album are included on the CD with the exception of their fine rendition of "Boots Of Spanish Leather" and the equally good "Long Time Gone" The exclusion of these tracks from the CD is the only negative about the CD. Most of the follow up singles releases including the excellent Blood Red River b/w Close The Door Gently are included. "Blood Red River" penned by the group members is a fine example of the "protest" song genre so prevalent in the mid sixties and "Close The Door Gently" a tidy little love song that shows the group did have good song writing talent. The group were able to put their own style into the Dylan song "Girl From The North Country" and this is one of the highlights of the album. Almost 40 years later, the music is still refreshing and delightful. The acoustic folk sound and sixties style of folk pop is sadly missing in record company output these days and for a nostalgia buff like me, the most frustrating thing was actually trying to get this cd, which seems to have been deleted from catalogues and now only available second hand. I enjoy this album because it has good harmonies, good songs that allow the group to perform to their own unique style, backed up with solid acoustic guitar and bass work. It is fresh and enjoyable. The groups latter songs, Born To Be With You, Keys To My Soul and Leave Me To Cry, were released as singles and failed to chart. On these tracks the group has had a slight change in direction and moved into the "electric" folk rock sound of the day, still good tracks but the groups real strength was the acoustic folk sound and fine interpretation of some of the classic Dylan songs. The group was under-rated and deserved greater recognition in their day. Five out of five for me."
The Silkie - A classic
Keith R. Wegner | Linthicum, Maryland United States | 12/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This little known album is literally awesome. In 1965, the group cut their one and only record, mostly of what are now Dylan classics, plus a title song by Beatles Lennon-McCartney. The group is British and there was really no intention of making an album. However, with musicians Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, magic and history were both made, but just one time. This is truely an album that brings back many memories and one that is to be treasured forever."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1