The Limeliters were catapulted to fame in the city by the bay, and so it was only natural for their next album to be recorded at the site of their initial success, the hungry i. The album was part of RCA's series of releases for 1963 with the "Our Man In..." theme. By this time, folk audiences were hip to Lou Gottlieb's deliberately pompous introductions; and one can hear snickering in anticipation of the next "Lou-ism." The result is the usually (for the Limeliters) entertaining blend of humor, poignancy, and instrumental virtuosity. The extended "Civil War Medley" does not include the usual well-worn tunes on the order of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," but some newer songs by folk singer
Bob Gibson and cartoonist-cum-songwriter
Shel Silverstein. Traditional songs ("The Jam on Jerry's Rock" and "Wabash Cannonball") were "written" by the group's mythical arranger-in-residence, "Cal Bagby." Although their albums were being produced and released at a manic pace, comparable to the group's equally hectic touring schedule, it remains amazing that their act remained as fresh as it did. It's a tribute to the ingenuity, drive, and imagination of Hassilev, Gottlieb, and
Yarbrough. ~ Cary Ginell