Simply Streisand – BARBRA STREISAND****

My Funny Valentine/The Nearness Of You/When Sunny Gets Blue/Make The Man Love Me/Lover Man/More Than You Know/I’ll Know/All The Things You Are/The Boy Next Door/Stout Hearted Men

For Simply Streisand songstress Barbra Streisand trawled the American Songbook in the closing period before she updated her vocal style and choice of material. (US:12)

"This album is almost an example of the kind of work Columbia probably originally intended for Streisand. Middle of the road songs with generic slightly jazzy arrangements, nothing histrionic and nothing dramatic. The result is a very pleasing album but none of the tracks will really knock your socks off."

"Everything in Simply Streisand is the result of a theatrically trained singer, singing classic jazz and theatre songs. The only problem is that the arrangements tend to be alike, with their rising crescendos, practically begging the audience to rise to their feet for a standing ovation. Maybe she was afraid of sounding less than perfect in comparison to the originals."

"No vocal histrionics here, simply some of the finest interpretations of songs from the Great American Songbook ever recorded. This recording is a masterpiece."

"She didn't sing her heart out like she had on her previous studio releases. Her song choices could also have been better. But she still puts out an excellent performance with each song. With Simply Streisand, she chooses a straightforward singing style without the interpretive theatrics. What you hear on Simply Streisand is a much less Broadway and a much more radio friendly vocal style."

"Simply Streisand sees the singer make the transition from nightclub belter to romantic balladeer, performing some of the great love songs. While it doesn't have the fire or excitement of earlier albums, it's still a very worthwhile listen."

"Perhaps the reason why this album failed to make an impression during it's debut was because, on the surface, it seems so one-dimensional. Streisand's earlier albums had been a collection of many moods and styles. Still, Simply Streisand is a fine record of the vintage Miss Barbra in full-flight."

"A perfect album for a fan of jazzy music who isn't necessarily a fan of Barbra."

The Serpent Power – THE SERPENT POWER***

Don’t You Listen To Her/Gently Gently/Open House/Flying Away/Nobody Blues/Up & Down/Sky Baby/Forget/Dope Again/Endless Tunnel

The self titled sole album from the San Franciscan psychedelic group Serpent Power. Their music featured male and female vocalists and the first use of an electric banjo.

“According to my ears The Serpent Power is a convincingly poetic and introvert psych/folk record with gorgeous male/female vocals. Side A captures a priceless set of winners and the LP remains an important example of 1967 West Coast psych.”

“There is a competent female vocalist and lead guitarist but the tones are dishwater dull. A Doors pastiche, with very constrained performances, as if they were recording in the bedroom and didn’t want to disturb the neighbours. Amazingly few psychedelic albums are complete duds but this is one of them.”

“This is the only album of the San Francisco band led by poet David Meltzer and his wife Tina. The music is mellow west coast folk rock with fine guitar work, jazzy organ and solid bass and drum, but some songs are really boring. The closing track Endless Tunnel is an interesting amalgam of western and eastern music with long banjo improvisation.”

“Most of the tracks on The Serpent Power are open jams, and some shimmering psychedelia like the elegant Gently Gently. This and a lot of other tracks used instruments in a way rock had not before, what was then called the new music."

“Two elements are at work on The Serpent Power's only album from 1967. The first is being different than your contemporaries was the name of the game in the competitive 60s underground. The second is, during the very early days of psychedelia, no one quite knew what psychedelia was supposed to sound like. Serpent Power were unique in that they used an electric banjo.”

“The Serpent Power will be remembered by those of a certain age and cultural inclination for Endless Tunnel, which received quite a lot of airplay on progressive FM radio. But this isn't a case of a countercultural one-hit wonder. The entire album is a fine collection of songs, obviously owing much to the San Francisco sound of the times, but notable for their pure, often melancholy melody and their distinctive lyrics.”

Seen In Green – THE SEEKERS****

Love Is Kind Love Is Wine/The Sad Cloud/59th Bridge Street Song/If You Go Away/All I Can Remember/Chase A Rainbow/Angeline Is Always Friday/When The Good Apples Fall/Cloudy/Can’t Make Up My Mind/Rattler/Colours Of My Life

Seen In Green was the Australian pop folk group The Seekers final studio album before their split. It contains the UK No. 11 hit single When Will The Good Apples Fall. (UK:15)

"This was the final studio album produced by The Seekers before their split and it's convincingly the best. Without a single poor track, the group showed what they can do with great material, some of which they wrote themselves. Sadly, the potential of this album was not to be realised in further releases. Some of the songs are very short - but who cares? Just play it again."

"Some writers have called the 1967 Seen In Green The Seekers' Sgt. Pepper. Comparisons may be invidious, but this album is a tremendous accomplishment. From the songs on this album, you really feel that The Seekers were in love with what they did. The weakest number perhaps is Judith Duham's solo on the Jacques Brel/Rod McKuen number If You Go Away, which was covered by so many artists at the time. Her performance is perfectly good, but her youthfulness acts against the experience of the song's persona. Still, this is a wonderful album by a group that was around for too brief a time."

"For the follow-up to Come The Day, The Seekers largely avoided the cover versions that were so much a feature of that album. That said, there are covers here of Feeling Groovy (Simon and Garfunkel) and If You Go Away (an English translation by Rod McKuen of the Jacques Brel song). I realize that there isn't much to choose between any of the songs here. They're all brilliant."

"The Seekers' final album was nothing out of the ordinary, for either the group or pop music in general. The pleasant folk-pop harmonic blend was seasoned by orchestration, including trombone, harpsichord, trumpet, clarinet, flute and celeste. About half of the material was original, but Bruce Woodley penned a couple of interesting collaborations with Paul Simon (Cloudy) and Tom Paxton (Angeline Is Always Friday). One outside contribution was Kenny Young's When Will The Good Apples Fall, which gave the group their last big British hit."

Safe As Milk – CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & HIS MAGIC BAND****

Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do/Zig Zag Wanderer/Call On Me/Dropout Wanderer/I’m Glad/Electricity/Yellow Brick Road/ Abba Zaba/Plastic Factory/Where There’s Woman/Grown So Ugly/Autumn’s Child

Captain Beefheart's first outing Safe As Milk is far more accessible than some of his later offerings, being firmly based in the blues, spiced with more than a dash of the Captain's idiosyncratic musical outlook.

"Safe As Milk is basically a psychedelic blues album with some soul, surf music, doo wop and world music thrown in. However, the schizophrenic Howlin' Wolf vocals, the tightness and aggressiveness of the band's playing, and the songwriting itself are what make it really special. The range in quality may differ a little, but there isn't a weak song on the album. Electricity is definitely the best cut here."

"Safe As Milk is not the kind of bold, introductory record you would expect from someone as imaginative and free spirited as the Captain, but it is a stellar record filled with wonderfully light hearted blues, pop and psychedelia. As always, the Captain manages to find a way to turn what should be a straightforward pop song into a much more creative spin, without sacrificing any warmth or enjoyability."

"An undisputed classic of early Beefheart that will appeal to those who are interested in his music but aren't able to stomach Trout Mask Replica. It's a lean album, but all for the better, since there's not a weak track in the whole set. Beefheart's voice is not yet in full force, but you know when you hear a song like Electricity that he'll be moving towards that wildman persona pretty soon. Enjoy Beefheart's twisted take on Delta Blues, infused with just enough weird to keep the fans of his avant-garde stuff satisfied, but always listenable to ears unaccustomed to his idiosyncratic sound."

"At his best, Beefheart's nonsense lyrics, his almost childlike wonder at the world and everything in it can evoke a joyousness beyond words. Safe As Milk captures this spirit and melds it to some of the most committed music he ever recorded."

"The Captain mixes the blues with rock, pop, and his own avant-garde weirdness. And Ry Cooder's slide guitar playing on this is just phenomenal. Without a doubt the Captain's most commercial and publicly attainable album. This makes it the perfect place to start or to back off to when you need a break from avant-garde."

Val Doonican Rocks But Gently – VAL DOONICAN**

Scarlett Ribbons/If I Were A Carpenter/Rainin’/Hold Me/Yesterday/Small World/He’ll Have To Go/A Man Chases A Girl/Visions/Bella Rosa/Lazy/Colouring Book/The Folks Who Live On The Hill/Take Me

With his Rocks But Gently LP Irish crooner Val Doonican knocked Sgt Pepper of its perch at the top of the UK album chart. Back in 1967 Doonican's MOR style of music was mainstream taste for the grown ups. It was only the young 'uns who were into the psychedelic music for which that year is now best remembered. Despite huge sales at the time, none of the Val Doonican chart LPs from the sixties have yet been released on CD, which must be some reflection of their artistic merit. (UK:1)

"The thing about Val is, not only was he an easy listening demi-god who deserves to rank up there with Jim Reeves, he was also a very decent guitarist with some genuinely good songs."

"It’s an album of crooning easy listening, very old fashioned sounding tracks from the multi-coloured jumper wearing Irish singer. It’s quite 'dinner jazz' in places too. It’s not unpleasant, I could probably bear this more than something by Westlife, but it’s clearly not a classic by anyone’s standard."

"Title refers to onstage gimmick of singing from a rocking chair. Although record sales fell away, his easy-going style (derived from Perry Como: he often hired Como's producer, Ray Charles) kept his TV music/variety show going for many years."

"Val was unique in 1967 as he was the only solo artist to have a number one album whilst the Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Sound Of Music dominated the top spot."

"Generally overlooked by many rock fans as just one more in a long line of super suave mid-60s crooners, and epitomized for a generation of TV viewers by the image of him smiling gently, cardigan clad in his rocking chair, Val Doonican nevertheless possessed one of the most distinctively restful voices of the age."

Power Plant – THE GOLDEN DAWN***

Evolution/This Way Please/Starvation/I’ll Be Around/Seeing Is Believing/My Time/A Nice Surprise/Every Day/Tell Me Why/Reaching Out To You

Power Plant was the only album release from the Texan psychedelic rock band The Golden Dawn. This album comprises mostly concise garage rock and blues inflected songs.

“Most of the tracks are good, but I would have liked to see a bit more of the signature garage guitar and organ work. The haunting guitar and desperate vocals of This Way Please makes for a great psych number. Starvation shows how the vocalist must have been listening to a lot of Roky Erickson and perhaps tried imitation, something done on many tracks here. Overall though a fine album.”

“It has a good vibe, far out lyrics and although the singer has a limited range I liked it. despite the over hype, a very nice addition to your psych/garage collection.”

“Golden Dawn were one of Texas' major psychedelic exports. You will be transported back to the days when things were so much easier because the lines were drawn more clearly between those who were enlightened and those who were not. Every song transports you to the era when and where we thought we were going to change the world by combining drugs with music. Golden Dawn is as fresh today as it was back then.”

“Some of this reminds me of Love but some tracks are heavier. Lots of sitar and some great guitar work, trippy lyrics for sure. An LP worth searching for as it is an excellent example of late sixties rock and fun to reminisce.”

“Every song on this album is psychedelic through and through; there is a unique energy to each song. I just wished they had put out more albums.”

“While Power Plant by The Golden Dawn isn't a bad album I probably expected too much from it. It's pretty basic garage pop/rock album and it's not as psychedelic as I hoped. Of course there is some psychedelic flavoured rock but not as much as I thought there would be. The vocals are pretty annoying. This Way Please and Seeing Is Believing might be the best songs here. The album closer Reaching Out To You is also pretty beautiful. There are also some very mediocre tracks which I don't enjoy at all.”

Pleasures Of The Harbor – PHIL OCHS***

Cross My Heart/Flower Lady/Outside Of A Small Circle Of Friends/I’ve Had Her/Miranda/The Party/Pleasures Of The Harbor/The Crucifixion

Pleasures Of The Harbor was the first of his A & M albums, in which folk songwriter Phil Ochs moved away from simple acoustic guitar performances to experiment with ensemble and orchestral instrumentation, a style that was dubbed baroque-folk. (US:168)

“For those seeking more musical content, rather than just social commentary, this has to be considered his most interesting release to date. Too bad so much of that new musical content is by an orchestra.”

“Something of a baroque folk album this time around from Phil Ochs. Highly ornate and florid stuff. There are only eight songs, and most of them are rather long - some too long. Most of the arrangements are very busy and feature layers of different instruments - guitars, pianos, strings, horns and numerous other instruments and sound effects. Despite their excessive lengths and cluttered arrangements, the songs are very well written, in general.”

“This record was Ochs' first for A & M, and a departure from his signature strict-folky 'singing reporter' style. He dives into the pop and burgeoning experimental scenes of Southern California for musical inspiration, and uses more poetic, but straight-forward lyrics and longer, more free song-structures to create an album that is an early blueprint for what is now known as chamber-pop.”

“Pleasures Of The Harbor starts off with a harpsichord laden, jaunty pop song that's definitely not about social injustice lifted from the headlines. This track really sets the tone for the rest of the album. Phil Ochs decided to stretch his music and songwriting to include not only rock instrumentation and themes, but also jazz and classical elements as well, all the while painting lyrical pictures of society's ills using satire and narrative to expertly get the job done.”

“Deep down at the bottom of his protesting, politically minded heart, Phil Ochs is a guy that deeply longs for romanticism and beauty. He just wants a little bit of peace, and finally, this ideal has manifested itself into the actual music. He takes on a strictly musical based, baroque style of folk music that incorporates plenty of strings and piano arrangements into the magic of Phil Ochs' brilliant consciousness.”

Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd – THE MONKEES****

Salesman/She Hangs Out/The Door Into Summer/Love Is Only Sleeping/Cuddly Toy/Words/Hard To Believe/What Am I Doing Hangin’ 'Round/Peter Percival Patterson’s Pet Pig Porky/Pleasant Valley Sunday/Daily Nightly/Don’t Call On Me/Star Collector

Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd was The Monkees fourth studio album in little more than a year. Includes the top twenty hits Pleasant Valley Sunday and Words. (US:1 UK:5)

"This album contains some gems. Most of the songs are good, some are excellent. The Monkees were trying harder to create their own style and break away from corporate control. The results may have been a bit bizarre, but the 60s were a great time to take chances and do something different. The Monkees will forever be a wonderful part of rock's musical heritage."

"This album by the splintering pop band is excellent with many different music styles on it. There is the straight pop of She Hangs Out and Star Collector, the folk rock of The Door Into Summer, countryesque rock of Salesman and What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round and the psychedelic Daily Nightly. This is the album I listen to when I want to hear great 60s pop. If you like good pop you'll enjoy this album."

"Destined never to be taken seriously, The Monkees did manage to put out a couple of legitimately good albums and this is one of them. They didn't write very much of the material and they're not the greatest players or singers. But forgetting where they came from, and comparing this to other pop albums of the time, this holds it own."

"It takes a few songs to realize that this is not a typical Monkees album. For one thing, where is the sunshine pop sound, and boyish vocals of Davy Jones? They're not absent, just not featured. This has a west coast, almost San Francisco sound. Every song is much more mature than previous efforts. The songwriting is not superb, but it is still very good, way above average. One could argue that it lacks the singles of earlier albums, but it makes up for this in consistency."

"This is probably their high point as album creators, though they do have plenty of great singles. Still, there’s no denying the quality of some of these songs."

The Time Has Come – THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS***

All Strung Out Over You/People Get Ready/I Can’t Stand It/Romeo & Juliet/In The Midnight Hour/So Tired/ Uptown/Please Don’t Leave Me/What The World Needs Now Is Love/Time Has Come Today

The Chambers Brothers were a psychedelic blues band from Mississippi, comprising four brothers and a white drummer. Their most successful album The Time Has Come featured the title track US No. 11 hit single. They are little known in Britain. (US:4)

"The Chambers Brothers mix of harmony, soul, blues and funk was way ahead of its time. It is probably for that reason that it still sounds good today."

"The Time Has Come is a heady mix of blues, soul and rock and roll, varying between upbeat tempos, ballads and spaced-out psychedelia. An excellent, clean recording, with fine mixing and production, this is a must-have album for anyone wanting a comprehensive sampling of 1960s rock and roll. Songs by Burt Bacharach, Curtis Mayfield and Wilson Pickett flesh out a largely original album."

"A black four-piece vocal group with a white drummer in the '60s may not have been unique, but it was still something of a revolutionary act. Their hit, The Time Has Come, revolves around the band's gospel roots, which are effectively used to sweeten and develop a variety of R & B and pop material. Their version of People Get Ready is the most obviously gospel-based cut, and with hindsight it's apparent that, rather being a new direction, the band's trippy excursion was something of a detour."

"The Chambers Brothers Time Has Come Today reminds me of how simply diverse music was in the 60s. They covered all music types with style, rhythm and a sound that was completely unique at that time."

"I bought this specifically for the track Time Has Come Today. Several of the songs sound like a time capsule, transporting you straight back to the 60s. I've never been a huge fan of gospel-inspired blues, but there's enough rock infused here to make this collection enjoyable. Made me dance. And there's that cowbell."

"This could be another run of the mill late 60s soul album, were it not for that timeless anthem Time Has Come Today, which is this album's saving grace."

The Last Waltz – ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK*****

The Last Waltz/Dance With Me/Two Different Worlds/If It Comes To That/Walk Hand In Hand/A Place In The Sun/Long Gone/All This World & The Seven Seas/Miss Elaine ES Jones/Everybody Knows/Nature Boy/To The Ends Of The Earth. US album includes Misty Blue/If I Were You/Am I That Easy To Forget & omits Dance With Me/Walk Hand In Hand/Nature Boy

The Last Waltz was a second collection of superb MOR tracks sung beautifully by Engelbert who still remains unfashionable after all these years. The title track was a UK No. 1 hit single. (US:10 UK:3)

"If you're a fan of good-time '60s music, even though this one is more on the easy, smooth and crooning side, check this one out."

"This is one of my favourite Engelbert Humperdinck albums, with songs recorded in the late 1960s. Look out for wonderful versions of All This World & The Seven Seas and Two Different Worlds. The album features Engelbert at the top of his career, and it truly proves why this incredible talent is called the King of Romance."

"Engelbert really is for the romantic at heart. I love his songs."

"I grew up with Engelbert Humperdinck. So again an album which I've heard a lot. Two Different Worlds and All This World & The Seven Seas being my favourites. All in all a super album."

"Definitely the best part is to acknowledge the texture in Engelbert's voice. So many people believe that singing is all about who hits the highest notes, and I just don’t believe that. Strengths were The Last Waltz and If It Comes To That, followed close behind by Two Different Worlds. Good lengths and respectable song structures. Tempos varied just enough to keep this one flowing well. No real vocal gymnastics to deter from the mildly produced music is a definite plus. If you are into the other side of romance - the more wholesome side, this is a good choice."

"An amazing voice and The Last Waltz is my favourite song absolutely."

"One of the best love songs in the world. The Last Waltz is really a once in a lifetime creation. He has such a beautiful voice that he makes it look easy. He brings his own essence to every song he sings and makes his own. I used to have every album he recorded."

Tangerine Dream – KALEIDOSCOPE (UK)***

Kaleidoscope/Please Excuse My Face/Dive Into Yesterday/Mr Small The Watch Repairer/Flight From Ashiya/The Murder Of Lewis Tollani/(Further Reflections) In The Room Of Percussion/Dear Nellie Goodrich/Holidaymaker/A Lesson Perhaps/The Sky Children

Debut album from the short lived British psychedelic band Kaleidoscope who had previously traded under a variety of names. Although they failed to dent the charts the group retained a loyal fan base, which continued through to their next name change.

“This album has sparkling, joyous, magic vibes in spades and is one of the most essential late 60s albums and one of the definitive flower power psych pop platters. The vocals and lyrics, the lean guitar sound, the sweet warm grooves - tons of special happening here. The vocal style and clean, basic, slightly jangly guitar sound is one I could listen a thousand times more.”

“Though strongly British flavoured, the psychedelic aspects can best be described as subtle undertones, certainly not heavy. It is a great album, and well worth investigating by any fan of the genre.”

“Tangerine Dream is an excellent psychedelic album very much of its time. It's soft, off-catchy, and right up a lonesome eccentric's alley, a real pleasure to behold.”

“All the songs are lovingly produced with excellent orchestral arrangements, whimsical lyrics, gorgeous harmonies and easily accessible music experimentation. From Dive Into Yesterday, Flight From Ashiya and Dream For Julie, the material here really does stand the test of time.”

“This is a very groovy sixties album which deserves a bigger audience. If you like thoughtful psychedelic pop with a twist, then this is for you. Its full of offbeat yet catchy tunes, both uplifting and dark. Very English and very 1967 in its style and content with great production. Its amazing they never achieved mainstream success with this effort.”

“Tangerine Dream was nothing short of brilliant. The band was rightfully delighted with the record, the label was smitten with it and disc jockeys couldn't get enough of it. Yet like so many bands, it is now largely forgotten. A technicolor gem produced at the exact moment British psychedelia went for a full on overkill of whimsy.”

History Of – OTIS REDDING*****

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long/Try A Little Tenderness/These Arms Of Mine/Pain In My Heart/My Lover’s Prayer/Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa(Sad Song)/Respect/Satisfaction/Mr Pitiful/Security/I Can’t Turn You Loose/Shake

History Of Otis Redding was a rush released tribute compilation album launched shortly after the legendary soul singer's untimely death in a plane crash. (US:9 UK:2)

"Its all excellent stuff here. Otis was, along with Aretha and Sam Cooke, one of most essential 60s soul artists. You can't talk about 60s soul without mentioning Otis Redding. Superb collection of tracks which would surely inspire you to seek out the rest of his albums."

"All of these are great and essential, but this compilation just scratches the surface of Otis's 'History'. If you are wise enough to own Otis then you need a compilation with at least 25-40 tracks, along with one of his amazing live performances."

"What a treat to listen again to so many familiar songs. Hard to believe he cut so many records yet died so young."

"Listen we can, to some phenomenal music from that too short career. He could burn down the house (as he did in Monterey) with cuts like I Can't Turn You Loose, Satisfaction and of course Respect. He could also croon with some of the most deeply soulful love songs, like Pain In My Heart and the incomparable I've Been Lovin' You Too Long."

"Otis Redding - what an extreme talent, from the glory days of R & B/soul. This LP is a great compilation of the legendary singer. To this day, I have never heard a singer with so much 'feel' in his music. My Lover's Prayer almost makes me cry with all the emotion behind it."

"Great collection. But the cover art has to rank as one of the worst designs in history. Did a 6th grader draw that poor picture of Otis?"

"This is a great record and the best introduction to Otis you'll find. He sings with such soul it is almost painful at times, It is not the definitive Redding collection, but with that said you can put this on your player and forget about it. Every song here is great. You can listen to this album over and over again."

Golden Hits – THE TURTLES****

You Baby/So Goes Love/She’d Rather Be With Me/Is It Any Wonder/Let Me Be/Grim Reaper Of Love/It Ain’t Me Babe/Can I Get To Know You Better/Happy Together/Outside Chance/You Know What I Mean

Golden Hits was a slightly premature greatest hits package from good time US pop group The Turtles. Better compilation CDs, which include their later hits, are currently available. (US:7)

"Although The Turtles' beginnings found them aligned with the folk-rock world, they soon repositioned themselves as more of a good time pop band, starting with their big hit Happy Together."

"Grim Reaper is an early psychedelic song, though not as breathtakingly so as Eight Miles High by The Byrds – but anyway, at least that was a moment when The Turtles, often remembered as a '60s pop hit group who always played other people's songs, were progressive on their own."

"We have some of the best bubblegum of the 60s here (Happy Together, She'd Rather Be With Me) and some stuff that I could really do without. Such is the case with this genre."

"There are a few inferior songs here, but there is enough great stuff to make for a good greatest hits package. The Turtles were really underrated - one of the '60s American bands that were overshadowed by the British Invasion."

"The Turtles created a lot of great music. No, they didn't break new ground, raise the bar with innovative musical ideas, or leap traditional barriers with a single bound. They did, however, present some very pleasant tunes with great hooks that make you feel happy no matter how many times you've heard them."

"An American band from the 60s with an upbeat tempo that even the younger people of today will enjoy. The Turtles have an awesome rock 'n' roll sound that you will love forever. The music from The Turtles is so positive and enjoyable that you just want to sing along with them."

"This is a band that I have admired since I was a teenager. They play romantic songs with the necessary musical strength."

Golden Hits Part One – DIONNE WARWICK*****

Don’t Make Me Over/Anyone Who Had A Heart/Make It Easy On Yourself/I Smiled Yesterday/Wishin’ & Hopin’/ Walk On By/Reach Out For Me/You’ll Never Get To Heaven/This Empty Place/Its Love That Really Counts/ (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me/Any Old Time Of Day

Golden Hits Part One was the first half of a two part hit package from Dionne Warwick, which includes many classic songs specially written for her by the Bacharach-David songwriting team. (US:10 UK:31)

"Dionne found fame with one of the most talented teams in pop music, pianist Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. Here are some of the loveliest songs in sophisticated 60s pop, each of them a superb tune sung by a superb talent. The melodies are complex, the phrasing perfect, the words wistful and the entire package is a remarkable effort."

"This has most of her signature songs from her collaboration with Burt Bacharach and Hal David. This is classic Warwick, deceptively simple lyrics delivered in near whispers or soaring crescendos."

"I forgot how good the Bacharach music was. He was a master. Of course, his music is accompanied by Dionne Warwick's beautiful voice."

"Burt Bacharach and Hal David are arguably one of the greatest songwriting pairings ever, writing spritely heartfelt missives which have become classics. Although recorded by many artists they are most famously delivered by Dionne Warwick. This collection features some of her early classic recordings."

"Warwick's collaborations with the superior team of Bacharach and David are deservedly legendary. This match made in heaven, is presented here in a concise collection."

"Dionne Warwick's music is so integral to popular music that we forget a couple of things. One thing we forget is that she recorded so many hits, to a large extent thanks to the great songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The second thing we forget is how good she is on these records. Her voice is strong, smooth, and clear, singing with passion, and a yearning that comes from deep within. This collection captures her earlier 60s hits."

Forever Changes – LOVE*****

Alone Again Or/A House Is Not A Motel/Andmoreagain/The Daily Planet/Old Man/The Red Telephone/Maybe The People/Live & Let Live/The Good Humour Man/Bummer In The Summer/You Get The Scene

Love's third album Forever Changes is a recognised rock classic with every track distinctive, melodic and memorable. The chart placing is absolutely no reflection of the glory within. (US:154 UK:24)

"This beautiful, seminal piece of work from 1967 is one of the very best examples of 1960s artistry. Quintessential psychedelia with a hard edge, wry and humorous with a hint of cynicism, musically fabulous and totally original. From a quiet start in 1967 the reputation of Forever Changes has grown with the years by word-of-mouth to now be included in just about everyone's top ten best albums of all time."

"I've heard this so many times but when I come back to it, it always sounds fresh. Although it is 'of its time', it is quite unlike anything from that time and has a timeless quality. The band seemed to just come together on this album, in a way they hadn't before or since."

"This psychedelic wonder was a huge influence on progressive rock and on many bands. It's full of gorgeously amazing songs that leave you in a state of amazed jaw-dropped wonder."

"It is very hard to categorise. Not quite rock, not quite soul, not folk, yet it has all these elements within it. Although you can tell this LP was recorded in the late 60s, it has a timeless quality to it that makes it very relevant today. I would recommend this album to anyone. My only advice would be to make sure you listen to it quite a few times. It has a strange hypnotic quality that grabs after repeated spins."

"Love's third is a moody and atmospheric pop album, with acoustic guitars that flutter, harmonies that shiver, melodies that seduce, and a string section that peers over the shoulder of everything else with murder in its eyes. The vocals are remarkably pretty and very haunted, and the lyrics brim with anxiety."

"The arrangements are incredibly inventive and colourful, sounding always familiar yet also ever so slightly weird without one being able to point a finger at the source of this feeling."

Fapardokly – FAPARDOKLY***

Lila/The Music Scene/Sorry For Yourself/Glass Chandelier/Tomorrow’s Girl/Suzie Cryin’/Mr Clock/Gone To Pot/ No Retreat/Too Many Heartbreaks/When I Get Home/Supermarket

Self titled only LP from the studio creation Fapardokly. In reality it was recorded by the Californian group Merrell & the Exiles led by folk rocker Merrell Fankhauser.

“It's just solid record of mostly relatively uninspired pop tunes. As is fairly well known by now, not all of the tracks from the original album were by the band that has come to be known as Fapardokly.”

“Another work from Merrell and company that shows them progressing towards their later more psychedelic sound. Lila is a very solid opener complete with Byrdsian guitars and vocals, and even a brief horn interlude. Tomorrow's Girl is somewhat of a progression into more rocking territory with some solid guitar and haunting organ. Suzie Cryin' and Too Many Heartbreaks return to the more basic rock roots formula very well, sounding again like some of the teen idols of earlier years. This is a very interesting album, and pretty good all around.”

“An interesting, if uneven, piece to the 60s psych/pop puzzle. Some tracks are amazing (Lila for instance), while others haven't held up so well against the ravages of time. There are psych tracks, stereotypical pop ballads and the occasional political/social commentary number.”

“Fapardokly started out as Merrell and The Exiles, led by Merrell Fankhauser. They put out three singles and had some personnel changes along the way. In 1967 they changed their name to Fapardokly, put together from the band members' names.”

“Their only album is a mixed bag of Exiles singles and newer Fapardokly material. The music ranges from the lovely 12-string Lila to the biting The Music Scene. The album is a bit schizophrenic because of the span of time between some of the songs, so there are more traditional pop songs such as The Exiles' Sorry For Yourself and Tomorrow's Girl as well as weird psychedelic songs like Mr. Clock."

“The songs are mostly a mishmash of every popular 60s band you ever heard of, with very little musical innovation. The lyrics are absolutely horrible, loaded down with clichés and easy rhymes, and all about girls."

Hello I’m Dolly – DOLLY PARTON***

Dumb Blond/Your Ole Handy Man/I Don’t Wanna Throw Rice/Put It Off Until Tomorrow/I Wasted My Tears/ Something Fishy/Fuel To The Flame/The Giving & The Taking/I’m In No Condition/The Company You Keep/I’ve Lived My Life/The Little Things

Hello I’m Dolly was the appropriately titled debut album from country star Dolly Parton. Her homespun appearance on the cover is a long way from the look she would later adopt.

“The charismatic Dolly Parton came on strong with these early sessions for Monument. At least half the songs are among her classics, while the rest of the material is hardly weak. The pedal steel playing is fantastic.”

“The personality that Parton brought to her material is here in full force. Dumb Blonde and Something Fishy are her wisecracking, smart-cookie side, while The Company You Keep and I've Lived My Life show how adept she is at cramming country songs full of moralizing while providing the listener with plenty of enjoyment.”

“Its incredibly sweet, spunky debut from Parton who sounds like everybody's favourite baby sister, and incredibly for the times, she wrote or co-wrote ten of twelve songs here, its all her own work.”

“Because this is hard core country, the music is either assertive argument with no good lover or tearjerkers, and Parton swims like a fish in the sea here, to which she really brings her personality. I love the uptempo material the best but she is equally good at ballads. This album would later get the attention of Porter Wagoner who will add Parton to his TV shows and her star will burn even brighter.”

“Even at this stage of her career you can hear she's a genius. How can you not like Dolly? Best song - I'm Only 18.”

“Dolly Parton's first album was on the independent label Monument. This was before she had met Porter Wagoner and developed the Dolly look. It isn't surprising Dolly became the superstar she is today. There are some clunkers since this is a first time, but overall it's pretty good. She shows herself as a talented songwriter here. Dumb Blonde and Something Fishy are catchy numbers too.”

“Overall, it’s hard to find a better debut effort than this one. Strong vocals and material makes for great listening, and that’s what the listener gets here.”

Disraeli Gears – CREAM*****

Strange Brew/Sunshine Of Your Love/World Of Pain/Dance The Night Away/Blue Condition/Tales Of Brave Ulysses/SWLABR/We’re Going Wrong/Outside Woman Blues/Take It Back/Mother’s Lament

Disraeli Gears was a classic psychedelic album from Cream which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of '67 in cover, title and content. Includes the UK No. 17 hit single Strange Brew and the US No. 5 Sunshine Of Your Love. (US:4 UK:5)

"This album, is one of the most important and great albums in the history of popular music. Eric, Jack and Ginger, influenced by some of the greatest music released up until 1967, went into the studio for their second album together and recorded something that not only paid a respectful homage to the blues legends, but something that stood near the forefront of the blossoming psychedelic scene. It remains today one of the great psychedelic albums, perhaps even the greatest, and its influence on popular music thereafter is immeasurable."

"There has never been a power trio quite like Cream. All three members are virtuoso masters of their instruments. Eric Clapton was never better or more of a guitar god, than on Disraeli Gears. This album is an epic of the highest order. And that just scratches the surface of the album's brilliance. Tales Of Brave Ulysses is possibly the greatest psychedelic guitar song ever written. And the overwrought, brain beating, primal stomp of Sunshine Of Your Love is very nearly heavy metal thuggery. This album is just glorious."

"This is one of the most influential records ever, and single handedly captures the feel of the late 60s. Eric Clapton's phenomenal guitar is as good as it ever has been, fusing blues, rock and a healthy dose of psychedelia."

"Great blues/psychedelic rock album. No album combines the two genres of blues rock and psychedelic rock better than this one."

"Cream were one of the best psychedelic rock groups from the 60s and Disraeli Gears is one of the landmarks in rock history. The best way to describe it is taking a trip to a psychedelic place - basically it describes the whole 60s era of music."

Days Of Future Passed – THE MOODY BLUES*****

The Day Begins/Dawn Is A Feeling/Another Morning/Peak Hour/Forever Afternoon/(Evening) Time To Get Away/ The Sun Set/Twilight Time/Nights In White Satin

After nearly three years in the doldrums The Moody Blues make an explosive return with this seismic release. The concept album Days Of Future Passed is one of the most creative and original musical ventures ever, with some sublime songwriting. Contains the classic progressive hit single Nights In White Satin, No. 2 in the US and No. 9 in the UK. (US:3 UK:27)

"Days Of Future Passed is a near-perfect classical-pop album. The songs here are excellent and the production is strong. The orchestra works very well with the pop songs. The only problem is that the 'poetry' parts are somewhat long. Buy this album, listen to it at night and get hooked. Just a masterpiece. No more, no less."

"This is an amazing masterpiece of progressive (or symphonic) rock - whatever you choose. Well balanced, accomplished and ahead of time. Perhaps the best album of the genre."

"Days Of Future Passed is a must-have album for anyone interested in 1960s rock at its best, or for anyone claiming a basic knowledge of music. This album is cited on lists of most influential and pivotal albums, partly because it's an early and great example of the thematic album. It's a 'Day in the Life'. The music ranges from beautiful orchestral to the uplifting Tuesday Afternoon, the hard-driving Peak Hour and finally to the anguished Nights In White Satin. I could listen to this album twice every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it."

"What really amazes me most about these songs is how perfectly they set exactly the desired mood that corresponds to a certain period of the day."

"The album is a conceptual one, making an analogy between the times of day and periods of life, and the songs follow the pattern solidly, with their melodies really setting 'dawn', 'afternoon' and 'evening' moods. And they're catchy. Not bad for the first truly conceptual art rock album."

"This needs no review - it is simply a pivotal icon of modern music - soaring, thoughtful, riveting and technically marvellous."

Buffalo Springfield Again – BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD*****

Mr Soul/A Child’s Claim To Fame/Everydays/Expecting To Fly/Bluebird/Hung Upside Down/Sad Memory/Good Time Boy/Rock & Roll Woman/Broken Arrow

Buffalo Springfield Again is considered to be the finest album from this highly influential group. It is a good example of chart placing failing to match future acclaim. (US:104)

"This is simply one of the greatest pop records ever recorded. Buffalo Springfield do it all here: rock, soul, country, experimental, etc, all with remarkable skill and flair."

"A brilliant album, the perfect mix of folk-rock and pychedelic music with many standout tracks. Buffalo Springfield along with The Byrds were the two defining folk-rock bands of all time with their unique guitar sound."

"This is one of the great rock albums of its generation. Stills and Young were burning with creativity, and Richie Furay smoothes the rough edges with his sweet southern voice. The instrumentation and production is dense enough to stand up to decades worth of listening. There are a plenty of classics on this one album - Mr. Soul, Expecting To Fly, Bluebird, Rock & Roll Woman - all with beautifully woven guitar and shimmering harmonies."

"What a spectacular explosion of talent this group had, making one of the most listenable albums of all time. Brimming with ideas, technique, harmony, melodies. A high production album with ten things happening at the same time. I go back and listen to it today and the consistent quality of each cut just blows me away. Young, Stills and Furay would go on to dominate rock music for the next decade."

"Solid psychedelic release. They demonstrate great diversity while still maintaining consistent high quality from start to finish. The lyrics are good stuff, and the band can be creative with a vast array of instruments. Overall it is very enjoyable."

"It's a pity that Buffalo Springfield only released three official albums. They were all fabulous, but this one is the most creative and consistent. It has many Buffalo Springfield classics, including Neil's brilliant Mr. Soul, Richie Furay's lovely A Child's Claim To Fame, and another Neil masterpiece Broken Arrow. But my favourite has to be Stephen Stills's Bluebird. It has some really amazing guitar picking on it."

The Blues Alone – JOHN MAYALL****

Brand New Start/Please Don’t Tell/Down The Line/Sonny Boy Blow/Marsha’s Mood/No More Tears/Catch That Train/Cancelling Out/Harp Man/Brown Sugar/Broken Wings/Don’t Kick Me

With the exception of drums, blues legend John Mayall dispensed with backing musicians for the budget release The Blues Alone, playing all the instruments himself. (US:128 UK:24)

"With a release coming only two months after Crusade, The Blues Alone, the first Mayall 'solo' album (i.e. without The Bluesbreakers), was John Mayall's third album of 1967. It was released initially on Decca's discount Ace of Clubs label to distinguish it from a regular Mayall album, although the distinction has been lost over time. Mayall played and overdubbed all instruments except drums, which were handled by Bluesbreaker Keef Hartley, which was one way of dealing with his ongoing personnel difficulties. It also served notice that, despite his band being a spawning ground for several British stars by now, the real star of the group was its leader."

"Mayall performing solo all the instruments except drums. A fine rarity of British Blues. This album is so intimate, so personal, and it has a very unique vision of Mayall to feel and interpret the blues."

"This is a surprisingly good album from Mayall. Quite laid-back and introspective in feel. Don't expect any wailing guitar solos, because there aren't any. What we have are nicely crafted songs with sympathetic accompaniment from Mayall. His keyboard and harmonica work is particularly good. My favourite track is Marsha's Mood, a slow moody organ instrumental, but there is plenty to enjoy here."

The Lettermen!!!And “Live”! – THE LETTERMEN****

Up & Away/This Is My Song/Windy/Goin’ Out Of My Head-Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You (Medley)/Sally Was A Good Old Girl/Meditation-Quiet Nights (Medley)/If She Walked Into My Life/What Now My Love/I Believe/The Lettermen Bows

The Lettermen epitomised 1960s easy listening harmony singing. This was the group's most successful live LP and includes the medley Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You, a US No. 7 hit single. (US:10)

"Simply beautiful, just having Meditations-Quiet Nights is worth it alone, but then their rendition of If She Walked Into My Life sends it over the top. Some of the best music and the best harmonies ever."

"This album was released at about the same time as The Beatles' Sgt Pepper, Jimi Hendrix and the Stones, etc. It immediately went top ten and earned a gold record. Going Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You was released as a single, which also went top ten and earned a gold record. It still pops up occasionally on oldies radio even to this day. In 1967, The Lettermen were voted the No. 1 concert act on American college campuses. Yes, the same campuses that were becoming hot beds of left wing anti-Vietnam radicalism. So, to answer the question as to who was listening to The Lettermen in 1967, the answer is practically everybody."

"The medley Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You, sounds so sweet when The Lettermen sing it; and I'm really impressed. The track also demonstrates just how well The Lettermen could establish and hold a fantastic rapport with their adoring audiences." "Unlike many of the performers of their era, The Lettermen were legitimate musicians."

"The soft, romantic sounds of The Lettermen sooth the soul and lifts the heart in joy. There has never been a blending of voices as pure and as wonderful as these, and any lover of lilting, relaxing music will want this album."

"They have never taken a break from performing, and this is part of the magic that makes them a group that has staying power, with a style that is all their own."