Close-Up cover

Close-Up

The Kingston Trio · 1961

12 tracks · traditional folk music

A vibrant tapestry of traditional folk melodies interwoven with poignant storytelling and rich harmonies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • poignant storytelling with rich harmonies
  • fragmented pacing for casual listening
  • vibrant melodies for sing-alongs
  • nostalgic reflections on love

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek tightly structured albums

Where this album fits

Themes
American outlaw ballads· social justice narratives· folk revival movement
Career context
Released on October 1, 1961, 'Close-Up' was The Kingston Trio's fourth studio album during a period of immense popularity following their breakthrough with 'Tom Dooley.' By this time, the group had established themselves as leading figures in the folk revival movement, capturing a wide audience with their engaging performances and contemporary takes on traditional songs.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan — Shares a focus on social justice narratives and poignant lyrical storytelling within folk traditions.
Joan Baez in Concert by Joan Baez — Captures a similar atmosphere with traditional songs and strong vocal harmonies, embodying folk revival aesthetics.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Coming From the Mountains
  • 2 Oh, Sail Away
  • 3 Take Her Out of Pity
  • 4 Don’t You Weep, Mary
  • 5 The Whistling Gypsy
  • 6 O Ken Karanga
  • 7 Jesse James
  • 8 Glorious Kingdom
  • 9 When My Love Was Here
  • 10 Karu
  • 11 Weeping Willow
  • 12 Reuben James

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata