Donovan The Hurdy Gurdy Man
Full Details
Donovan's The Hurdy Gurdy Man on AAA 180g LP from Impex: All-Analog-Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and Pressed at RTI, Includes 4-Page Booklet with New Liner Notes
"Although Donovan had already captivated listeners with hits like 'Sunshine Superman' (a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit in September of 1966) and 'Mellow Yellow' (#2 on the chart in December of that year), it's The Hurdy Gurdy Man issued in the fall of '68 that became a benchmark of the psychedelic era. The album artfully captured the essence of the moment with its fresh, smart and stylistic approach to songwriting, endearing melange of rock, pop, drone, folk, world and jazz overtones (coupled with deeper psychological undertones, i.e. transcendental consciousness and a yearning for an 'ideal' world).
"Musically, Donovan and [producer Mickie] Most made liberal use of multiple feels inspired by a wide range of styles, most remarkably the drone: a harmonic effect in which a note or chord is continuously repeated throughout a composition and commonly forms the tonality on which the piece is built. This brought an unusual and memorable quality to many tunes on the album, as did Donovan's whimsical, spiritual-esque vocals. Then, too, both 'The Hurdy Gurdy Man' and its namesake album reflect a tougher rock sound than the singer's earlier recordings." - Charles S. Granata
Impex's AAA HQ-180 33RPM LP is mastered from Epic Records' analog master tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, and plated and pressed at RTI for flat and silent surfaces and incredible detail. A 4-page insert features a new appreciation by producer, author, and historian Charles S. Granata that puts in context the positive effects of Donovan's clever, innovative writing and performances.
Features
- AAA Audiophile 180g Vinyl LP
- 33RPM
- All Analog Mastering by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
- Pressed at RTI
- Packaging features a 4-page heavy-stock booklet with rare photos and new historical notes by producer/author/historian Charles L. Granata
Track Listing
Side 1:
- The Hurdy Gurdy Man
- Peregrine
- The Entertaining of a Shy Girl
- As I Recall It
- Get Thy Bearings
- Hi It's Been a Long Time
- West Indian Lady
Side 2:
- Jennifer Juniper
- The River Song
- Tangier
- A Sunny Day
- The Sun Is a Very Magic Fellow
- Teas





