The Kingston Trio - Sold Out (1960)

Though the packaging might seem to imply that this is a live album, the 12 tracks are definitely studio cuts -- meaning that, as always, the very slick and studied Kingston Trio sound is intact. The majority of those songs are spirited and up-tempo, such as the classic "El Matador" and the banjo-driven "Don't Cry Katie," though the collection does boast some fine balladry on "The Mountains of Mourne" and "Raspberries, Strawberries," which is included in its second version, and is notable for its slower tempo and slightly different lyrics. Most of the tracks haven't turned up on too many compilations over the years, though nearly all of them can be found on the massive ten-CD The Guard Years. Overall, Sold Out is solid, pleasant listening, though not particularly challenging in any sense.~Sold Out Review by Matt Fink