Our Men In San Francisco (1963)

by Gary Ginell

The Limeliters were catapaulted to fame in the City by the Bay, and so it was only natural for their next album [after Through Children's Eyes] to be recorded at the site of their initial success, the Hungry I.

The album was part of RCA's series of releases for 1963 with the "Our Men in...." theme. By this time, folk audiences were hip to Lou Gottlieb's deliberately pompous introductions: and one can hear snickering in anticipation of the next "lou-ism." The result is the usual (for the Limeliters) entertaining blend of humor,, poignancy and instrumental virtuosity.

The extended "Civil War Medley" includes not the usual well-worn tunes on the order of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," but some newer songs by folk singer Bob Gibson and cartoonist-cum-songwriter Shel Silverstein. Traditional Songs ("The Jam on Jerry's Rock" and "Wabash Cannonball") were "written" by the group's mythical arranger-in-residence, "Cal Bagby."

Although their albums were being produced and released at a manic pace, comparable to the group's equally hectic touring schedule, it remains amazing that their act remained as fresh as it did. It's a tribute to theingenuity, drive, and imagination of Hassilev, Gottlieb, and Yarbrough.

Tracks:

The Wabash Cannonball, Max Goolis, I'm Goin' Back, Corn Whiskey, Civil War Medley (Bright Golden Butttons, The First Battallion, Yes I see, Two Brothers), By the Risin' of the Moon, Yerakina, The Lute Player, The Jam on Jerry's Rock, Sleep Soft, Medley: Goodnight Ladies/Leaving a Song.

This album has now been released on CD together with The London Concert.

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