2003 compilation for the UK's finest 60s folk singer-songwriter. Highlights include 'Catch The Wind' (Original & Single Version With Strings), 'Colours' (Original Single Version), 'The Universal Soldier', & 'Turquoise'. Castle Pulse.
Danielle Lane | Horseshoe, North Carolina | 07/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a folk type record with Donovan accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica. Though many people of the day were heralding Donovan as the British Dylan, his music is really quite different. True he does play the harmonica, but Donovan has a melodic voice that Dylan, and most anyone else for that matter, could ever equal. "Josie" is one of my all time favorite Donovan songs. I heard him sing it when I was sixteen at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, California and was really blown away.
Of course, "Catch the Wind" Donovan's first huge single is everybody's favorite (if it's not it should be) and as a bonus the single version is included on this disc as well as the LP version. But one should not overlook "Colours" when listening to Don's early work. It's one of my favorite songs. "The War Drags On," is an anti Vietnam war song and I wish I was alive back in the day to see how people reacted to it. "Candy Man" is simply outstanding. I've heard Bob Dylan's version on the bootleg "Great White Wonder," and believe me, Dylan may have turned out to be the Poet of a Generation, but Donovan beats him hands down when it comes to performing and interpreting traditional songs. Just something about his Scottish voice I guess."
Dylan? I don't think so. Donovan. His own man. His own music
M. C. Meyer | Minneslota. Ya Den!! | 08/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was born in 1956. My uncle, Walt, lived with us while he went to college in the 60's. He didn't serve in the war & as far as I know, was not a war protester. He was and is, however a true humanitarian.
This album vinyl was in his collection and he played it often. He played guitar, he played in the snow with his nieces and he's playful in life. But in his heart there is a reflective man who continues to make a difference in the lives of all lucky enough to know and love him.
Donovan and this album will forever remind me of the times, the issues and those things that helped mold the man I currently know as "Bink".
Donovan went on to sing during my time, the 70's. Songs such as Hurdy Gurdy Man & Mellow Yellow are still among my favorites but if you really want to feel what was in Donovan's heart and those coming of age during the 60's , then this is the CD you want to get. You won't regret it.
Peace."
Great
Marco Dini | Italy | 05/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to confess that I've always loved the old Donovan songs and his suggestive slightly imperfect voice.
If you are like me it is the best CD you can by in the world."
Cat is sleeping
K. Ayers | Bandon, Oregon | 03/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd of the original release does not contain Donovan's poetic masterpiece, a song with lyric "cat is sleeping in the sun"; the combination of lyrics and guitar is one of the all time great poetic visions."
More than just the "hits"
G. Bereschik | north of San Francisco, CA | 05/08/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think most people know Donovan from his hits - Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow, etc. Nothing wrong with that. (I own the "Greatest Hits CD myself.) But this (and other individual albums) shows that he was a talented singer and songwriter. This was his first album, so it is a little more "folksy" than subsequent releases. But I recommend listening to each song for itself, not just listening to the big hits."