THE 5TH DIMENSION/UP, UP AND AWAY SCM-91000 (-67) US MONO

When spring arrives I usually feel dark and in need of something bright, something to pick me up. I sense this will do. Group formed as The Versatiles 1965. Between 1967-73 they were a hot item, managing twenty top 40 hits on Billboard, whereof many top ten, making frequent TV appearances and getting a grammy award. Two of their recordings - "Up, Up And Away" and "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" also became big international hits.  Still active and performing, now with Florence LaRue as only remaining original member. This was their debute LP.  Though today overlooked by many collectors and/or music lovers there are many reasons to pick it up and give it a chance.  A mix of covers and self penned, but all sounding very much them. A couple of the songs are ballads, but most positive and happy sunshine pop. All nicely done - the vocals are magnificent, production (by Johnny Rivers and Marc Gordon) and arrangements (Jim Webb) top notch. Also the audio is just dandy providing pleasant listening. Don't have a stereo to compare with, but after spinning it quite a few times I'm positive the mono mix is legit. No fold could be this good. I'm most taken by the happy cuts here so those would be my favorite tracks - "Up,Up And Away", "California My Way", "Go Where You Wanna Go" and "Learn How To Fly".  Issued and reissue on vinyl and/or CD pretty much all over the world through the years, also reel, cassette and 8-track. First UK on Liberty (LBL/LBS 83038). US 2000 CD on Buddha Records (74465 99665 2) came with three bonus tracks, including two 45 cuts from The Versatiles.  Premiere US (also as stereo SCS 92000) had label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a glossy cover.  (YZÄ*)  (ÖXCÅ)