Peter, Paul & Mary - In The Wind (1963)

You could have some fun with the title in more suggestive times, but In the Wind refers here to the popular trio's classic recording of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind." Interestingly, their recording did as much for Dylan's career as it did for PP&M's, for, while it sealed their image as the troubadours of the '60s civil rights movement, it helped posit the then-little-known Dylan as the voice of a generation. Other highlights here include their gorgeous interpretation of Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" as well as spirituals, a lullaby, and even a Civil War ballad. It may all seem quaint now, but when this LP reached No. 1 in 1963, only weeks after John F. Kennedy's assassination, the folk movement was in full throttle...and something was definitely in the air. Or in the wind, so to speak. --Bill Holdship

Their third recording was one of the group's stronger outings, even if it confirms their status as folk popularizers rather than musical innovators. In particular, this record was essential to boosting the profile of Bob Dylan, including their huge hit cover of "Blowin' in the Wind," their Top Ten version of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," and the bluesy "Quit Your Lowdown Ways," which Dylan himself would not release in the '60s (although his version finally came out on The Bootleg Series). "Stewball," "All My Trials," and "Tell It on the Mountain" were other highlights of their early repertoire, and the dramatic, strident, but inspirational "Very Last Day" is one of the best original tunes the group ever did.      

Tracklist:

1. "Very Last Day" (Peter Yarrow, Noel Stookey)
2. "Hush-A-Bye" (traditional; arranged by Peter Yarrow, Noel Stookey)
3. "Long Chain On" (Jimmie Driftwood)
4. "Rocky Road" (Peter Yarrow, Noel Stookey)
5. "Tell It on the Mountain" (arranged by Mary Travers, Peter Yarrow, Milton Okun, Noel Stookey)
6. "Polly Von" aka Polly Vaughn and Molly Bawn (Mary Travers, Peter Yarrow, Noel Stookey)
7. "Stewball" (Mary Travers, Milton Okun, Noel Stookey, Elena Mezzetti)
8. "All My Trials" (traditional; arranged by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, Mary Travers)
9. "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (Bob Dylan)
10. "Freight Train" (Elizabeth Cotten)
11. "Quit Your Low Down Ways" (Bob Dylan)
12. "Blowin' in the Wind" (Bob Dylan)

Peter, Paul & Mary - In The Wind (1963)    
(320 kbps, cover art included)