THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL/DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC KLP 8050 (-65) US MONO

 

One of my favorite US sixties bands and one I always try to buy original issues from if I can find them. The striking melodies to kind lyrics perfomed in a positive way always work when I need an uplift. This was their debute album. Containing five traditional tunes arranged by the band, one cover each of a Fred Neil and a Phil Sector song, all well performed in a jug-bandish style. Though what really gets me here are the John Sebastian-penned "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind", "Younger Girl", "Do You Believe In Magic" and "On The Road Again". All four pop classics in my book, still touching me after all those years. Mixing self-penned with traditional songs and cover versions sometimes leads to uneven results, but there are no such problems here. It all flows melodic and catchy, good to the ears all through. Listening as I write this with a big smile on my face. Issued and reissued all over the world through the years on vinyl and CD, also US 4-track, 8-track and Play Tape. First UK on Pye International (NPL 28069). EU 2002 CD on Buddah (74465 99730 2) came with five bonus tracks. Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover with picture inner.  (YZÄ*)  (ÖXCÅ*)