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Let's put an end to all the chatter. Despite what "knowledgeable" reviewers and so-called "music" critics have to say, Donovan was as important an artist to us as the Beatles, Dylan, or anyone else. I speak as one who experienced the era. Those who call his style "hippy trippy pop" know nothing. Truth is, Donovan wrote some great rock songs as well as his much-loved folk songs. His rock style was fresh and innovative and unique (Hurdy Gurdy Man, with Jimmy Page; or Sunshine Superman). He wasn't afraid to experiment, or cross over into other styles such as jazz. (He was one of the first to blend jazz and rock- Mellow Yellow, The Observation, Barabajagal- with Jeff Beck). Donovan's voice and poetic lyrical phrasing were the key ingredients whatever style he chose. But most importantly, Donovan made us feel, and sense, and wonder- the true measure of the man. And for everyone looking for "Mellow Yellow" on cd, look closer. The album is not out, but you can find most, if not all, of the songs. On "Troubador" there's Mellow Yellow, Writer in the Sun, Sand and Foam. On "Sunshine Superman"- the Import- you'll find Young Girl Blues, The Observation, and perhaps Donovan's greatest, yet unheralded and largely unknown work- Hampstead Incident. Those critical of Donovan undoubtedly never heard these selections, or any of his other great writings. Instead, they've based their opinion on the few "pop" records he did make. In summary, I say that Donovan was one of the few inspirational, innovative, and influential singer-songwriters of any era.
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"Ferris Wheel" and "Three Kingfishers" are two of the best songs Donovan wrote, and more than enough reason to buy the disc. They have a certain breezy, seductive, summery, nostalgic feel that's never been captured as good anywhere else. While a lot Donovan albums are better left on the rack, this one is consistantly beautiful and his best alongside of the saddly unavailable (on Disc) "Mellow Yellow" - another sweet and atmospheric gem.
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Truly, in my own humble opinion this is one of Donovan's greatest albums.
Forget what all the music critics would have you believe about his music being one dimensional or even dated or not holding up well over the years.
The majority of Don's music is pretty good but this album, which was one of the few albums almost everyone growing up in the Sixites had, "Open Road" (which for one reason or another has not seen the light of day on CD, let alone remastered), "Barabajagal" and "A gift from a flower to a garden" are simply the best.
This is of course written about the remastered Import version on BGO records and not the original US/Epic records release. Songs like "Season of the Witch", "Sunshine Superman", "Writer in the sun" and "Three Kingfishers" are of exceptional sound quality with the remastering treatment that was done to preserve the legacy that was Donovan at the time to be past on.
I would highly recommend this to anyone, especially if you have children! But that is not a prerequsit.
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the only donovan albums,in my opnion,that equil or surpass sunshine superman are mellow yellow and open road. I wish the powers that be would please get them out on CD!!!!!!!!!!!!
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