Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 10/29/1996
Run Time: 151:57
While by no means a complete retrospective, this two-disc compilation contains a healthy sampling from
Donovan's first dozen years as a formidable musical figure. His chameleon-like sensibilities not only adapted to, but likewise defined the '60s
folk,
pop,
acid rock and the scene of swingin' London. As well as hitting some of the more obvious high points,
Donovan -- who personally oversaw the project -- included a couple of unissued demos (
"London Town"/
"Codine"), alternate versions (
"Museum"/
"Superlungs"/
"Riki Tiki Tavi") and previously unearthed titles (
"Breezes Of Patchulie"/
"Age Of Treason"/
"What The Soul Desires"). The set charts a chronological examination commencing with a handful of the earthy acoustic demos and sides cut for the
Pye (U.K.) /
Hickory (U.S.A.) label(s) -- ultimately yielding
Catch The Wind (1965) and
Fairytale (1965) as well as over a dozen knock-off titles sporting the exact same material. [Note: Enthusiasts looking for a more thorough overview of the nearly three dozen sides documented during this era are encouraged to investigate the two-CD
Summer Day Reflection Songs (2000) collection.]. The remainder of the first volume focuses on the fruitful '66 through '67 era that produced a string of hits ranging from the happy hippy anthems
"Sunshine Superman" and
"Mellow Yellow" to the decidedly dark and foreboding
"Season Of The Witch" and the Mod trendy
pop art of
"Sunny South Kensington"." Also included are a healthy sampling of album tracks.
"The Trip," "Writer In The Sun" and the
"Tinker And The Crab" are among the most timeless as his folksier nature resurfaces. The second volume of
Troubadour picks up with
Donovan at the peak of his popularity with
Hurdy Gurdy Man (1968) -- which featured the respective talents of
Jimmy Page (guitar),
John Paul Jones (keyboard/orchestral arrangements) and
John Bonham (drums). This was followed by the equally impressive line up that included
Jeff Beck (guitar),
Ron Wood (bass),
Nicky Hopkins (keyboards) as well as
Jim Gordon (drums) for
Barabajagal (1968).
Donovan slowed down as the decade came to a close re-emerging with the understated
Open Road (1970) and
Cosmic Wheels (1970). Again, he surrounded himself with top-shelf talent such as
Cozy Powell (drums) and
Chris Spedding (guitar). This produced works such as the quaint and bouncy
"Maria Magenta" and the ethereal
"I Like You" -- which is reminiscent of the
Incredible String Band's choral
folk leanings. Among the latter standouts are the unreleased tracks
"Age Of Treason" and
"What The Soul Desires" -- both of which were recorded just prior to the Nashville sojourn that resulted in
7-Tease (1974). Until his seminal
Epic Recordsdiscs are offered in an expanded and remastered form,
Troubadour is as definitive a collection as is available under one title.
~Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
;)
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