Sire Sessions: Rockfield Recordings 1979-80

Even if you weren't a fan of the Searchers' output in the 1960s, or missed those classic recordings entirely, you MUST get this incredible compilation of their late 1970s material, culled from the two great albums they recorded for Sire Records. At this point in their career, the Searchers were trying something a bit "new," going for a power pop sound during the new wave era, and they succeeded brilliantly. Well, at least the material here was performed flawlessly and energetically. Sadly, sales were almost non-existent. Blame that on the shabby state of radio at the time. But the band chose their songs wisely, picking the cream of the crop from writers like John Hiatt, Tom Petty, and Will Birch of the Records (the effervescent "Hearts in Her Eyes"). Over 70 minutes of music on a single CD and not a bad track to be found. If you like Nick Lowe or Rockpile, or the Records, or any of the melodic power pop acts of the late 70s and early 80s, this CD is one you're sure to savor. Music to make you smile.

THIS IS A GREAT CD. Yes, these are THE Searchers who went to the top of the charts in the `60s with Needles And Pins and Don't Throw Your Love Away. Their music was built around the sound of the 12-string guitar, with strong lead vocals and exquisitely arranged harmonies. This sound would become a key ingredient in the success of groups like the Byrds (who beget Tom Petty and the like). At the end of the 1970s, their recording fortunes were revived once again as Sire Records signed the Searchers for two albums. Those records, The Searchers and Love's Melodies, combined here on one CD at a great price, were the best work the group ever did, highlighted by beautiful and vibrant playing and singing, and memorable hooks and melodies. If you love good pop tunes in the mode of the aforementioned Byrds, Tom Petty, or other great British pop like Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, The Kinks, etc., you won't be disappointed by this CD. You can get a sense for that even from the samples available above.

I have all the original Rockfield albums. During a time period that the airways were cluttered with junk, The Searchers were still producing great music with those magical harmonies that were second to none. The only complaint that I have is that the digital transfers are quite brittle sounding (as are so many transfers of great older material), the records sound far better on a good hi-fi than does the CD. But, oh well, I don't have a record player in my car, and that's what I purchased this CD to play in. Despite the digital quality transfer I still gave the CD five stars, these recordings are not among the Searchers better known material, but are still very well worth having . Oh, those vocal harmonies !

When I first bought "The Searchers" 79 release on vinyl, I thought two things:"Man! I miss these guys" and "Eat your heart out Petty". One of the most underrated groups of the british invasion they again showed they could keep up with the big boys. When I recently found the CD my reaction was:"Man! I miss these guys" and "Why don't they get together and do it again?". My favorites are "Hearts in her eyes" "Silver" and "Murder in my heart". They also do a fine job on "Lost in your eyes". It just proves once again that great music is timeless. If you are a Searchers fan this is a must have.

A lost classic,from a very under appreciated band that has stood the test of time. Well worth checking out for any lovers of the first wave of the British Invasion.

Some great songs

This is one of those inspired reissues by Raven that does EXACTLY what a music collector wants: it puts together everything from a discrete overlooked period. And was this period ever overlooked!When the earlier of the two albums included here came out, I snapped it up hoping for something reminiscent of the excellent U.S. version of "Take Me For What I'm Worth." I have no good explanation for the fact that the only tracks that appealed to me at the time were "Hearts in Her Eyes" which I loved (and still do) and "Switchboard Susan" which I liked. My failure to get beyond these first two songs was quite a lapse of taste. In fairness to myself, I never heard the second Sire album "Love's Melody" on which the band really played up its mid-60s hallmarks with a more reverbed, silky recorded sound recalling Tony Hatch's work with them and assembled an even stronger set of songs. A generation later when I bought this CD issue, I was delighted by The Searchers' wonderful update on their own classic sound complete with the jangling twelve string, those familiar voices both singly and in the smooth harmonies, and the inspired choices of top-drawer songs often from the folkie/songwriter scene. Where in the 60s the Searchers covered Ian Tyson, Jackie Deshannon and P.F. Sloan, at the turn of the 1970s and 80s, they covered Tom Petty, John Hiatt, John Fogerty and Alex Chilton. They offered their own superb versions of great songs from Big Star and the Textones. And they offered a pair of their own originals on each album, the best of which is the mournful but beautiful "Changing" which closes out the set. This last song hits the same nerve as "Don't You Know Why" or "Goodbye My Love" from 1966. These albums are not desperate cash-ins by a spent force; they are instead fine demonstrations of the continued relevance of a classic British band with a firmly grounded musical philosophy who had not stopped listening to new music.Too many people in the States forget the Searchers (and sometimes even the Beatles!), giving all of the credit for the formation of the archetypal 12 string jangly rock sound to the Byrds. I'm sure that many of the later jangle bands from REM forward listened to the Searchers as much as they did the Byrds and I'll bet they listened to these two albums.

The superlatives I'd heap on this album are pretty well used up by previous reviewers of it. It demonstrates (with bells on) that The Searchers as we remember and loved them had a few extra gears hidden under their bonnet. This should have been big, had the DJs actually listened, looking beyond the name of a band successful in the 60's, thus being by their 80's definition uncool. This might explain why it took me 35 years to discover it. The album is 80's contemporary, with fine vocal work from Mike Pender, who is all over this 23 track cd, barring track 9 (sung by Frank Allen). Not a duff track on it.

The Sire Sessions are recordings from 1979/1980 and to be honest until recently I'd never heard of them.At that time I was listerning to Bob Dylan, Dire Straits and After The Fire, among others.Having recently discovered the excellent album Hungry Hearts from 1988, I decided to check this one out.With good production standards throughout and skillful guitars/harmonies etc it provides 75 minutes of lively entertaiment which show that The Searchers had moved on from their first successful phase to climb the heights again.Highly recommeded if you like Tom Petty, The Byrds and Roger McGuinn's solo efforts.

I'm a dedicated follower , Mike P had and still has one of the best and distinctive BRITISH pop voices in the business. The Searchers made some respectable money but they were mismanaged! Supergroup material Shame !

the searchers always were a good band in my opinion. I only docked it one star because I would like to have occasionally liked to have bits of their trademark jangly guitars now and then. searchers fans should still buy it.

I only recently discovered this cd and what a great discovery it was! For any Searchers fan this collection is an absolute must, and if heard for the first time, will be a truly rewarding experience. Timeless music from great musicians. Don't think twice; BUY IT!