Rating:  -
This is Donovan's third or fourth album, depending on whether or not you're British or American. Gone is the innocent folksinger, accompanied by only his guitar and harmonica. With "Superman" Donovan burst onto the scene as a rock and roll force to be reckoned with, a power matched by only the Beatles, Stones and, of course, Bob Dylan.
This is probably some of the first psychedelic music to be released, out before the Jefferson Airplanes "Surrealistic Pillow" and the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper." Even Playboy magazine recognized this record for what it was, a new direction in pop rock. The drug culture had arrived (even though in the not too distant future Donovan would disavow it). This record made Donovan a superstar, no doubt about it and the psychedelic songs interspersed with sort of a medieval atmosphere captured the rock and roll world.
"Sunshine Superman" is one of my favorite all time records. Donovan was cooking back then, really cooking. It's just too darned bad that we can't stay young forever. If you wanna get a good taste what is was like back then, get this record, cuz this is what the cool people were listening too. The others, whose names I won't mention, but I think one of them is the leader of the free world, were listening to something else.
Rating:  -
This is one of the more evocative records in my collection. Many of the tunes benefit from the lush string and harpsichord adornments that, some of the more pop'n'roll tracks aside, conjure a misty, medieval feel. I was a little curious as to the editorial comment from Roy Francis Kasten with reference to the Pennebaker film 'Don't Look Back'. For a kickoff, it was Donovan who requested that Dylan play 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue' as opposed to it being a pointed 'put down' on Dylan's behalf. As for the metaphorical disappearing into the wallpaper, maybe that was part of the DVD special features 'cos I don't recall it.
Rating: -
This is a fine album, filled with highly crafted pop music. This album, along with Epics' Donovan's Greatest Hits are great 'starter discs' for this artist.
[...]
Rating: -
Through my childhood, teen years, and most of my adulthood, I
was under the impression that DONOVAN was pretty much about
bubblegum music(sorry about that Mr.Leitch). Now, in my middle-
age, of all places, I find that this talented musician is a
master of psychedelica, right up there with SYD BARRETT, early
PINK FLOYD, and other of my favorites. Heres to him. I wish I
had discovered all this great music earlier in life. But not to
worry, I'm making up for lost time, buying all I can get my
hands on by this guy. I find that this release is a very good
one, and for '66, well before it's time. There is not a bad
song on this c.d. I did not give it a fifth star due to the lack
of information on the packaging, and I think that in this day
and age, they could have done more with the sound production quality.
Thanks and keep on keepin' on,
Tom
Rating: -
Contrary to what someone says above:
"Fly Jefferson Airplane, get you there on time" was not what gave the Airplane their name, it was Donovan's tribute to them after being in San Francisco. Four stars only because that's what i thought of it at the time. Really good, but sometimes too precious. Worth knowing if you don't. Unquestioned classic.
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