The Simon Sisters (Lucy and Carly)

The Simon Sisters (Lucy & Carly) might be the somewhat best known of the duo's rare Kapp LPs, as it includes their small hit single "Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod." Lucy Simon takes the writing credit for that with one E. Field, though for the most part the LP contains adaptations of traditional folk songs. The sisters' close, conscientious harmonies were in a style that was already starting to date by the time this was released, but within the clean-cut '60s folk boom genre, the pair was definitely above average. Although somewhat chaste in delivery, the singing -- sometimes solo, sometimes in harmony -- is strong and pure. The arrangements, too, have more texture than many a folk album of the time, with the Simon Sisters' guitars embellished by a couple of extra guitars (one handled by Bernie Krause), Seymour Barab's cello, and bass by ubiquitous folk session man Bill Lee. "Once I Had a True Love," perhaps better known under the title "Once I Had a Sweetheart" (which is how Pentangle recorded it a few years later), is a highlight with its graceful underscoring cello and serious, mature singing. Carly Simon has just one writing credit on the album, "Rise Up" (penned with sister Lucy), a typical strident statement of rousing folk revival optimism. Also on hand is "Wind Spiritual" by Billy Edd Wheeler, better known for his folk (and later folk-rock) classic "High Flying Bird." ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide