We Five - You Were on My MindMake Someone Happy (24 tracks) +Album Reviews

True 60's Classic - finally on CD

John R. Jones Jr. | United States | 03/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"72 reviews (and counting) for what many consider to be a "one hit wonder" kind of group - that should tell you the kind of impact this recording has made on an individual level, regardless of its commercial appeal, especially when almost three quarters of the aforementioned 72 give it a 5-star rating. "You Were On My Mind" is one of the very best folk releases ever, with inspired song selections, creative arranging, but more than anything, the unsurpassed vocals of Bev Bivens, unquestionably the best "unknown" singer of her generation. That the group's second release "Make Someone Happy" is on the same disc is an added bonus, but I would have gladly hocked the farm for just "Mind" and been happy doing it. I have listened to this record since I bought the vinyl version shortly after it's release in late '65, and the music still moves me as much today as it did almost 40 years ago - I have very few recordings that I can say that about. The music here is truely timeless - it is a touchstone repeatedly gone back to over the years - and it is unique in that it is consistently satisfying. If you enjoy Peter, Paul, & Mary, or Pozo Seco, you'll love "You Were On My Mind"."

The best 13 bucks you'll spend this year...

imd9it | Torrance, CA USA | 07/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was fortunate to see We Five in person at Yuba College, CA in 1966. Three weeks later, I shipped out for the Southeast Asian War Games. The sound, depth, and range of Beverly Bivens' voice stayed with me, as well as the group's arrangements featuring the then-new electric "San Francisco Sound". I bought a copy of You Were On My Mind in a PX in Japan, and memorized the entire album. I still have it and regard it as a prized posession, even though it shows the scars of being played hundreds of times on less-than-studio-quality equipment! Make Someone Happy has about four outstanding cuts, the rest are merely wonderful. If you remember the mid-1960's this two-album CD is for you. If you don't remember the mid-60's this is an excellent way to get acquainted with the transition from popular folk to folk-rock.To any We Five members who may be out there: I'll be eternally grateful for your helping me hang on through a very rough time in my life."

An Absolute Gem

imd9it | 03/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oldies radio stations never do justice to We Five. While "You Were on My Mind" is a terrific record and gets a fair amount of airplay 34 years after its release, there was much more to this group than a lone top-40 hit. (Actually, We Five had TWO hits, but you'll never hear "Let's Get Together" on the radio these days...)These albums are classics of the folk/pop genre. Mike Stewart's arrangements lend a warmth and depth to We Five's music, especially the pop and show tunes on their first album, and are a perfect accompaniment to Beverly Bivens' soaring vocals. Her voice was unique and gave the group an instantly recognizable sound.I'm lucky enough to own an original copy of the "You Were on My Mind" album, which is one of the most cherished in my collection. If you have plenty of free time to nose around in used record stores looking for a copy, by all means do so; if not, buy the CD and get "Make Someone Happy" as a bonus. You won't be disappointed.(By the way, I've looked all around the Web for biographical and "where are they now" information about We Five, but I've never found any; there is a great opportunity for a fan to create a We Five website. (And if any "We Five" members are reading this, it would be great to hear from you -- please post a message here!)"

That same old feeling!

M. Colman | Maine, USA | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though I'm an avid Beatles fan, the album 'You Were On My Mind' was my most treasured possession back in the 60's. I lost track of it somewhere along the way and was never able to find a replacement till now. While the title track is a great song, there are other tracks on the album that cut much deeper and still send shivers through my bones, esp. 'Somewhere Beyond the Sea', Can't Help Falling in Love' and 'Softly as I Leave You.' Getting the album, 'Make Someone Happy' as well, is a pleasant bonus, and while it doesn't have the spirit and innocence of the first album, it is better produced and you get a better feel for the harmonies and special talents in the group. In the end, however, it's about Bev Bivens and while it's sad to think of her demise, you listen to this CD and she's right there. Now I am at peace."

A Gem of 60's Folk-rock

Fredpulm | Davie, FL USA | 06/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This bring back memories to me of Nov of '65. What a group! Ahead of their time. Somewhere before early Jefferson Airplane, Mamas and the Papas and Spanky & our Gang...and simultaneous with Bob Dylan by going electric. It is a pity that these then, extremely talented twentysomething olds were not managed aggressively and appropriately and allowed a Nova extinguish. The first album is brilliant, but I would not consider the second expendable or not worth listening to. The energy and the organization may not be evident when you listen to the latter, but the music world changed explosively in those two years in between (65 and 67) that it was hard to keep the original formula fresh, especially when everyone evolved in different directions. Two years when you're on top is a lethal delay in the music business. It still has its good moments. It also reflects the genius of the now departed Michael Stewart (as well as John Chambers, the drummer in those recordings), and Bev's voice is unforgettable. If you watch them on Hullabaloo, you will smile when you see them in action. Excellent!

This disc is a straight AAD going to CD. I agree that there were not too much concern for the sonic quality that this release should have been given (too much hiss and possibly not a first generation master tape). Other releases of even this time are on ADD as a minimum. That is the only complaint I have, but still I agree with the reviewer below, I would have gladly forked out the card for YWOMM alone. I hope Bev, Jerry and the surviving members have had a productive and happy life. Thanks for the Memories!

"

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