Donovan -

Hurdy Gurdy Man

Posted: October 4th, 2008

Date: 1968
Release: EPIC #EK 26420
Cover Art: view / download
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A memorable album filled with folk-tinged psychedelic pop gems by the man once touted as the British answer to Bob Dylan. While Donovan Leitch lacked the depth of Dylan, he certainly was capable of crafting catchy hits that were both cosmic and clever. Hurdy Gurdy Man is a prime example of Donovan’s creative powers. The title track, an enduring classic of the late ’60s, combines loud-guitars with mystical lyrics to great affect. The album’s second major hit, “Jennifer Juniper,” frolicks along with its flowery arrangements, precious melodies, broken French, and bouncing rhythms. This track begs you to dust off your love beads and skip through the forest with your true love holding hands.

While it may sound a bit dated in places, Hurdy Gurdy Man is much more than a mere hippy relic with a couple of kitchy hits. On “Peregrine,” Donovan experiments with the sounds of India, creating an entrancing song that is strongly reminiscent of George Harrison’s “Within You and Without You” from Sgt. Peppers.

“Get Thy Bearings” features a funky drum beat that sounds strangely contemporary as it mixes with the song’s swaggering bass lines and sinuous saxophone musings. On the more retro side are “West Indian Lady” and “The Sun Is A Very Magic Fellow,” a quintessential pair of psychedelic-pop tunes that resonate with a distinct ’60s sound recently revived by such bands as Belle & Sebastian. Hurdy Gurdy Man flows nicely like a good acid trip, requiring no use of the fast forward button to reach its satisfying conclusion.