By late 1964 The Searchers had lost Tony Jackson and were consolidating their position as Britain's leading folk-influenced rock group. 'What Have They Done To The Rain' had been another hit, as had 'When You Walk In The Room'. Yet live in Sweden in December 1964, they were still closing their set with 'What I'd Say' and showcasing John McNally on 'Let The Four Winds Blow'. It sounds as though The Searchers couldn't quite decide on their forte: blasting rock 'n' roll or introspective folk rock. Chuck Berry's 'Memphis Tennessee' is followed by 'Needles And Pins'. The December 1964 "Needles And Pins' is smoother and more delicately played than the March version. Frank Allen's melodic bass playing doesn't have the attack of Jackson's simpler rhythm-based style. The undoubted highlight of the December 1964 set is 'What Have They Done To The Rain'. It's an understated performance, wherein Chris Curtis' bongos?underpin some beautiful ensemble vocals. The version of ‘When You Walk In The Room' isn't far behind, with its melding of the power of their rock'n'roll delivery to the folk rock of the arrangement and vocals. taken from the booklet Swedish Radio Sessions |
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This period shows the Searchers as a real group, all members sing, especially compared to Sessions 1 (Jackson) and 3 (Pender). |