Search - Honeycombs :: Have I the Right: The Very Best of

Joe Meek's Great Beat-era Group

Randall E. Adams | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Honeycombs were Howard & Blaikley's first vehicle before they discovered Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. The big hit was "Have I the Right," of course, but they also served up comparable magic with "Love in Tokyo," "I Can't Stop," "That's the Way," "Something I've Got to Tell You" and "Colour Slide." But this collection is more than merely a Howard & Blaikley showcase. The Honeycombs puncture you with a fantastic amphetamine-driven Joe Meek original "Can't Get Through to You." They moved right along with the times and created a gorgeous light psychedelic "That Loving Feeling" that sounds reminiscent of the more arty efforts by the Mamas & Papas. Similarly, the later Howard & Blaikley tune "This Year, Next Year" would have sounded just fine on the radio in 1966. They do TWO Ray Davies songs: the already familiar "Something Better Beginning"--too shrill here for my taste and the bullfight horns sound totally inappropriate--and the exclusive "Emptiness." They didn't write their own material and that was probably deadly in the mid-60s. Given that fact, it's surprising how consistent most of their work is. And they can't be blamed for the clunkers. It's very hard to imagine why either Joe Meek or Howard & Blaikley thought that the dirgelike three and a half minutes of "Eyes" would be an appropriate follow-up to "Have I the Right."The Honeycombs originally recorded for Joe Meek who leased the masters to Pye Records. I don't know how this release wound up on EMI but the sound is a bit more "tinny" than the original on the Pye releases. There are also some other good tracks that did not find their way onto this collection. But it's all you can get right now and it's not at all bad."

Whoops, where are my favorites?

Robert Keith | New York, NY USA | 08/10/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you are fond of great, eerie mid-60s production (with a bit of schmaltz) - this a fun one to have. Most of my favorite Honeycombs tunes are NOT here. Their version of "Something I've Got To Tell You" (also recorded by Glenda Collins) is far superior and incredibly creepy, but it's not on this collection. Also, a fantasic early single called "This Year, Next Year" with spooky guitars isn't here. But, there are some interesting tunes nonetheless - Love In Tokyo, Is It Because, That's The Way, and She's Too Way Out (hilariously weird) are all pretty good. If you think that you may dig this from the clips you hear, you might consider searching for better collections on auction sites."

Honeycombs - 'Have I The Right:The Very Best Of' (EMI)

Mike Reed | USA | 11/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'd been wanting to get a copy of their hard-to-find anthology CD for awhile,but never could find it anywhere.Then,unexpectedly EMI releases this twenty song 'best of' compilation disc.No complaints here.Many of you many not remember much about the UK band,that put out just a couple of lp's in their initial existence,1963-67.They were the genius project put together by infamous producer Joe Meek(R.I.P.).Obviously,their only actual hit "Have I The Right" probably is the tune more fans would recognize right off hand.But,the Honeycombs had several other decent songs,at least I thought.Like "It Is Because","I Want To Be Free","It's So Hard","I Can't Stop" and "Love In Tokyo" which,of course all appear on this 'Have I...' compilation.Notice that vocalist Dennis O'Dell sort of reminds me of '60's pop idol Gene Pitney(big hit,"Town Without Pity").The Honeycombs are just basically good-natured British Invasion pop.Should appeal to fans of the Mindbenders,the Searchers,Gerry&The Pacemakers and Bobby Vee.Heard the group does reunite for a one or possibly two off gig every now and again."