DONOVAN'S Greatest Hits

Original released on LP EPIC BXN 26439

(US, March 1969)

Donovan is a sometimes forgotten figure in today’s music world, but during the 1960s many ranked him second only to Bob Dylan in the pantheon of folk poets. His series of hit singles and successful albums made him a superstar during the second half of the decade. His mystical prose, for want of a better definition, and quiet music explored the gentle side of the violent sixties. His place in the upper echelon of folk artists and troubadours made him a 60s icon. He released this Epic's "Donovan's Greatest Hits" album at the height of his popularity. It was the most successful album release of his career in the United States, reaching number four on the Billboard’s Pop Album Chart. The album contains the re-recordings of two of his earliest folk songs, "Catch the Wind" and "Colours," (longer versions) and that is the first reason to have this album in your collection. I've bought it when it came out 50 years ago (I was just 15 years old), and it was my first Donovan album. I heard all these great songs over and over for months and only much later I went to discover the early albums. And all the songs here, prove Donovan and producer Mickie Most could craft irresistible folk-rock and psychedelic pop singles. Some of the sounds and sentiments may sound a little dated, but the productions and the songs - "Sunshine Superman," "Jennifer Juniper," "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Season of the Witch," "Mellow Yellow," "Hurdy Gurdy Man," "Epistle to Dippy," "There Is a Mountain," "Lalena" - have proven to be classics of the era, and this is the best place to get them all on one collection.