Few beat groups of the mid-sixties could match the impact of Liverpool’s The Searchers, whose first four singles on the Pye label included three number ones – Sweets For My Sweet, Needles And Pins and Don’t Throw Your Love Away – and Sugar And Spice, a number two hit which is fondly remembered today. The band’s upbeat, folk-influenced guitar pop was hugely successful and their choice of songs inspired, often sourced from then-obscure imported American singles. After vocalist Tony Jackson was replaced by Mike Pender the hits continued, with When You Walk In The Room easily identifiable as a direct influence on The Byrds and others that followed. This new collection gathers 60 Searchers tracks across three CDs – all twelve top 40 hit singles are included, along with key album tracks and B-sides. The Ultimate Collection is a must for current and future Searchers fans.
