Released 65 years ago this October
Close-Up
The Kingston Trio · 1961
12 tracks · traditional folk music
Traditional folk melodies intertwine with rich harmonies, creating a vibrant tapestry of storytelling and musicality.
Top tracks — play these first
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Coming From the Mountains Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Jesse James — This track exemplifies the Kingston Trio's storytelling prowess, bringing to life the legendary outlaw's tale with engaging harmonies and a lively arrangement.
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Reuben James — The song highlights social themes through its poignant narrative about a man lost at sea, showcasing the trio's ability to blend historical context with emotional depth.
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Oh, Sail Away — With its maritime imagery and catchy melody, this track captures the adventurous spirit of folk music while demonstrating the group's signature vocal 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
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek tightly structured albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, showcasing evolution without being a standout.
- Themes
- American outlaw ballads· social justice narratives· folk revival movement
- Career context
- Released on October 1, 1961, Close-Up is the Kingston Trio's fourth studio album, coming after their breakthrough in the late 1950s. The album showcases their continued evolution in the folk genre, solidifying their status as leading figures in the American folk revival movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Limeliters· Peter, Paul and Mary· The Brothers Four
Tracklist
- 1 Coming From the Mountains Start here
- 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
What to play next
Goin' Places
1961
Continues the folk sound with vibrant melodies and storytelling elements.
Sold Out
1960
Leads into Close-Up with similar folk themes and rich harmonies.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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