Such a fun episode! I was VERY lucky to see Donovan live in the mid-80s. I was entirely too young to have been around for his heyday, but I was fully in on '60s psych in the '80s, and of course I had to see him when he came to San Francisco. And he put on one of my favorite shows EVER. He had shed the image of the psychedelic guru, and wore a short sleeve outfit that showed off his REALLY jacked body. He was probably around 40 at the time, and was obviously staying in shape. The show was just him and an acoustic guitar, and he sang all of his hits and well-known album tracks. And the best part was that he invited the whole audience of a few hundred (it was a small-ish but well-known venue in The City) to sing along, and we experienced a good, old-fashioned 60's love-in. Most of us in the audience were my age, and had missed that whole era, but he brought it back just for us. A magical evening with a brilliant performer. I'll always give him a high place on my list of "best shows", and respect him as a performer as well as a writer.
oh that sounds amazing, you’re so lucky! and in san fran no less! my best friend saw donny in dublin a couple years back. he’s a lot older now (and less “jacked” lol) but i hear he’s still a wonderful host, telling lots of stories when he plays. and his son opened for him!
"Gift" is one of my faves. I think I paid $9 back in 68. I was 12 . The best part was the portfolio of lyrics and drawings by the minstrel himself Every song is amazing . As a matter of fact I will play it now. Thanks for the stories.
I garee! Donnovan was a grat innovator. Marriane Faithfull recorded an awesome version of 'Sunny Goodge Street" and Judy Collins did as well. Marianne also recorded a version of "Young Girl Blues" and a version of "Bert's Blues" as "Good Guy". The great Mary Hopkin recorded several of his songs: "Lord of the Reedy River", "Happiness Runs" and "Voyage of the Moon" and. King Crimson recorded "Get Thy Bearings" for a BBC Radio session in 1969. Peggy Lipton, the actress recorded a version of "Wear Your Love Like Heaven". Deep Purple did "Lalena" and Julie Driscoll, Brina Auger and the Trinity covered "Season ff the Witch", and Bridget St. John recorded "Pebble and the Man" to name a few.
I thoroughly enjoy both albums for different reasons. The first album is brimming with optimism. The session musicians did an outstanding job throughout. I, for one, am partial to the song Mad John. As a lad, I was hooked in by the understated urgency of the music, which matched the lyrics. Things like allotment sheds and railway sidings seemed both exotic and ordinary at the same time. Mad John holed up in an allotment shed By a railway siding (hide hide hide) In walked the man with the watering can He didn't see John hiding Good boy man John! The children's album is perfect for cozy mornings and pairs well with herbal tea and incense. A standout for me is The Enchanted Gypsy. The hand drums and flute are the perfect orchestration for this droney yet catchy tune. I did see Donovan in concert back in 1971 (I think.) He was joined by flutist and sax player Paul Horn, another meditator. British folk-rock was so strong in those days. Some artist who come to mind are Pentangle, Fairport Convention, The Incredible String Band, Nick Drake and many others. Wow, what a scene! Over here in the states we had Tim Buckley, Richard and Mimi Farina, Phil Ochs, Leonard Cohen, and all the rest. Nothing compares to that now.
Grew up in Canada LOVING Colours, To Susan on the West Coast Waiting, Atlantis, Sunshine Superman, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Jennifer Juniper, Catch the Wind, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Season of the Witch. Finally saw him warming up for Yes, to a pathetically small crowd. He was important to more than psychodelia - he was an anchor of '60s progress.
about 10 years ago, I decided to further explore the albums of Donovan. his Donovan in Concert (1968) is unbelievably good, and the material he plays with a very jazz-oriented ensemble weighs heavy in favor of Gift From a Flower’s material. this is my favorite period of Donovan’s career. the singer is sincere, charming, and oh so hippy-dippy, and I unashamedly love him. wear your love like heaven, Abigail!
I have a particular fondness regarding "For Little Ones" as I was teaching myself to play the guitar at the time I got that album, and there were a number of songs on it one could play knowing only a few chords and having a basic facility with fingerpicking. Wonderful songs that started me on a musical journey.
I find the cover art to be a big attraction when I buy vinyl. So interesting to hear the backstory behind those Donovan album covers. Great to hear who was responsible for that fantastic colour effect on those photos and the locations of where they were taken. Fantastic Vinyl Monday video!
Thank you.I've been on the Donovan journey since 1973.I was 15 and quickly bought any albums and singles I came to find.I had rhe Gift From a Flowe book cover on my school book.I was so excited the day I bought this album in early 1974.I read that Donovan sang through a banjo on Song of the Naturalist Wife.Your most interesting video yet.
Oh my, I never realised Mad John is the ‘Peasant Poet’, John Claire. He famously escaped his asylum and walked 80 miles home in the belief that he would be reunited with his first love. We live in Lincoln, UK. And you’re right, it’s pretty amazing to see a castle & an enormodome medieval cathedral at the top of the hill every morning as we leave the house. To balance out it rains an awful lot.
I HAVE OFFICIALLY DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN! Someone spoke for almost 40 minutes about A Gift from a Flower to a Garden and nothing but A Gift from a Flower to a Garden. Actually, I also fell in love with For Little Ones way before Wear Your Love Like Heaven, but years later I can say that it DID rise higher in my estimation; the jazzy chords are especially charming. The title track is a devotional anthem for the counterculture movement and one of the best mantras ever (the actual title of the song). But I can't WAIT to see the Simpsons episode you spoke of, which might just rival the episode where Paul & Linda and Apu enlighten Lisa about vegetarianism. My favorite tracks are "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Sun," "Someone's Singing," and probably every single moment of For Little Ones but especially "Song of the Naturalist's Wife," "Voyage into the Golden Screen," "The Mandolin Man and His Secret," "The Tinker and the Crab," "The Lullaby of Spring
'Sunny Goodge Street' is a personal favourite Donovan track of mine because of a young lady who I used to visit there. 'Sunshine Superman' is by far and away my favourite album of his while 'What's Bin Did And What's Bin Hid' is one of my favourite album titles by anyone.
Donovan is so important in many ways and it is inspiring to see others feel the same way. Great research. I never heard that this box set had a specific concept of young ,old, drugs no drugs, after all these years of owning it I find interesting to know now. For me, my listening approach is the same way I would listen to the WHITE ALBUM, some gems some not so, but they all get you there! the only disconnect I have between the two albums is that dam baby crying (can do with out that). Like any artistic period in time, the artist creations are reflecting on inspirations of what they are living, feeling, seeing, learning, and experimenting I would like to believe that to have been be living at that moment, that they are the real deal, no cosplay and it's what was really happening happening for them and others of that day . That it was true for them then and true in memory , not just a 60's cliche. I feel with Donovan at the drop of the needle, he has you breathing that same air as he was during that Magic moment and he was not afraid to show and hip others to see the colors of the day. Thanks Abigail, for all you do !
Nice that you conversed with the photographer about the cover art! I thought the cover photo of Wear Your Love Like Heaven was just beautiful, but I'd already got the box set. Very unusual that they put two so distinctly different collections into one box. Donovan was always a great favorite of mine. "Tale of the Enchanted Gypsy" is probably the tune from this box that most often runs through my head.
I'm glad you praised For Little Ones. It's a sentimental favorite from when I was a little one myself. My brother bought A Gift From a Flower To A Garden and I gravitated to the acoustic disk. Isle of Islay, Widow With A Shawl, and Epistle To Derroll are such beautiful songs.
another absolute banger!! had no idea it was anti drug, this was defintely a contact high when i played it for the first time last autumn. Eartha Kitt version is amazing, her interview in the Incredibly Strange Music book rocks! Peggy Lipton did a fab wear your love like heaven too :)
I saw Donovan in 1976, he opened for Yes on their Going for the One tour. He did a short “greatest hits” set. Prior to seeing him, I mostly knew him for his vocals on Alice Cooper’s Billion $ Babies. Donovan is not quite my taste, but his set was a fun (very fun) review of his hits. He was a pleasant surprise.
I never thought he had much success over the pond but he was very successful here. Donovan was such a huge part of my childhood & his music was played all the time in our house. I've seen him live several times & even met him at Glastonbury in '92 (I think?). Was a really nice bloke. I told him that Tangerine Puppet was one of the first songs I ever learned on guitar & he seemed genuinely happy to hear that. Shaun Rider married his daughter.
Another fabulous video! I have been a Donovan fan for years. One of my favorite artists. My older sister had a vinyl version of the second album. I remeber listening to it when I was a little kid and really got into Donovan's music. I think I have an original vinyl version somewhere with the lyric inserts. Hope I still have it. I found it back years ago, but an't remember where I got it. Also have a 1990's mono CD version of "A Gift..." on the BGO label and a early 200'0's UK import version on EMI. Neither album has any bonus material. The EMI version doesn't have much of the original album art, likely because of some licensing issue. Both albums are great, but my favorite is the second album.
Hey Abigail-Thanks for the awesome A Gift From A Flower To A Garden video. I hope the dvd The Journey O' Donovan was helpful in your preparation. I met Donovan briefly in London when we crossed paths as he exited his limo in the alley behind Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London before his performance. Isle O' Islay is a favorite o' mine 'n I travelled there twice as a result. Love what you do. Thanks again!
This episode hits because you are clearly a Donovan mega fan. Thanks, the episode has me re-evaluating Donavan as I basically saw him as.a "lesser" UK version of Bob Dylan.
Watching this in the comfort of my holiday home! Donny was, and still is, a wonderful artist, he sorta blended folk with baroque elements, which hadn’t really been done before. He should absolutely be in the conversation of "underrated 60s artists" Also, that Jenny Boyd dress replica is sweet!
Donovan always has great cover art and A Gift from the Flower to a Garden is a beautiful piece that gives off medieval revival feel and the overall feel is like a Nick Drake album I completely thought was tracks from the kid album should be on the adult and vice versa mostly because of the lyrics
the intimate poetry of the album that is 'supposed' to be directed at children ( oddly) is like an all enveloping atmosphere and the isle of islay song is inspired. sometimes you have to suspend your disbelief that someone would still want to write in a yeats like silver apples of the moon, golden apples of the sun style but not to allow him this would be to deny that poetry, music, can create the conditions for a different kind of feeling, even existence. it is satisfying to see you abby enjoying yourself in videos like this one and the gto's episode. a very nice scenic drive is possible from donovan to burt jansch and on to pentangle.
Years ago I read an article that mentioned an incident in someone's house in Laurel Canyon in 1968. Gathered in the living room were Donovan with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Terry Reid and several others, passing a guitar back and forth doing a song for the others. By the end the stars were in agreement that the person who blew away all the other guitarists the most was Donovan.
I found WYLLH for cheap a few years back, but couldn't get into it. You're definitely right about it being the lesser album. Maybe I should give it another spin. In regards to the Graham Nash cameo, I'd love if you did an episode for The Hollies' Butterfly album.
( a truly special episode of unveiling the legends, emma exhibiting true strength in going so deep into her own experience. it's an extraordinary call to make but really karen needed to be more loved. she was exactly that, a legend of an artist. hear sonic youths profound tribute on goo. no wonder you feel comfortable abby working with the sincere Emma and if no one has heard the fun bunny saga yet, hey there's some catching up to do)
Clapton's infatuation with Pattie inspired 2 iconic songs. Not sure how many songs were inspired by Jenny, but those two sisters must be pretty incredible.
I'm choosing the aforementioned 'SUNNY GOODGE STREET.' Recorded in September 1965. Can anyone think of another song released in 1965 with lyrics like "Smearing their eyes on the crazy Kali goddess. Listenin' to sounds of Mingus mellow fantastic." or "The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet, You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet. I tell you his name is Love, Love, Love!" It's Beat poetry put to a psychedelic jazz waltz !! It's his important pivotal break from Dylan-like folk songs, which will lead him to the Sunshine Superman album.
😃Hi!! Thanks for highlighting this album! I just found a very good condition version of the stereo version. Love this album! The songs are very uplifting✨
"For Little Ones" is a stunner. Magically enchanted from start to finish. Just like you, I found it funny that it was called the "children's" album of this set because it feels far more adult to me--serious, haunting, and gentle in a very meditative way--than the "adult" album which contains some fairly twee material on it like "Skip Along Sam" and "Little Boy In Corduroy" (not that there aren't incredible songs there as well like "There Was A Time" and "Someone's Singing"). But "For Little Ones", just taken as its own album, is one of my top 10 favorites of all time.
I found a box set of "A Gift from a Flower to a Garden" at my local record store; it included all the lyric sheets for the "Little Ones" album in pristine condition! I can see your point of view on "Mad John's Escape". I don't mind the whimsy too much; it's fun to have a little light, whimsical ditty after the opening track, especially one with a catchy chorus. Loved the deep dives into the artwork and fashion and sooo cool you got to chat with Karl Ferris himself! Great review, as always Abby!
They say wear your love like heaven, if your love is whimsical space wizards then you nailed it! Based on the Wembley stadium incident... there might be some connection
My box copy is held together with tape and memories. I also have the same turntable as yours minus the flower stickers. I prefer my retro suitcase player in my bedroom that I have hooked into a more portable retro thing and tube pre-amp. My living room setup is too complicated such that I don't bother.
Donovan's still got it. If you haven't already - check out 'I am the Shaman' vid, directed by *none other* than David Lynch. It's too F-ing good. I had no idea the Lynch man was a Donovan fan from way back. Great song and sooooo Donovanie.
Agree For the little ones the best. Bought my first Donovan record by mistake in the mid 60s. It was Turquoise. I confused it with Colours (well it is a colour) It became one of my all time favourite Donovan songs and turned me into a lifelong fan
Abby you should do a review on 13th floor elevators or maybe old school h.p. Lovecraft, maybe the late 60’s nirvana I think it would be really interesting to hear your opinion on those super obscure albums.
The crying baby at the start of that song was as I last heard was Donovan jr and I think he added that snippet from off of a portable reel to reel tape recorder and spliced another part from himself in a very echoey location (ie a bathroom) but you could be more correct that he could be singing with the small recorders’ mic into his guitars’ sound hole. I’m very glad I had seen him live once in 2016 at the SF regency theatre
I saw Donovan open for Yes back in '77. I don't remember much other than Mellow Yellow. I'll have to check more of his stuff. He was a cool opener though.
And from all the work, fun, and care you put into this review, what remains top of mind for me is... "Donnie"?!?!? Did anyone ever really call him that?! :) I remember borrowing this album from the public library in the late 60s, where they removed the "box" part of the set and stuffed it into a couple of plastic sleeves. Having only been familiar with a few of Donovan's singles, it didn't grab me at that time. I probably need to give it a chance all these years later. Postscript: When he sings "Carmine" at the end of "Wear Your Love Like Heaven", all I could think of at the time was Carmine Infantino, the artist/then-publisher of DC Comics. I had no idea then that it was a color! Thanks for your mention of his current performances. I saw him live in 2016 (!) and was very disappointed in his singing voice, though his stories were indeed interesting.
My jack russel Ozzy, loves catch the wind. That is his favorite song. Everytime i spin it when the harmonica part comes in Ozzy startes singing his heart out. 😂❤🎉 he is a beast.... lol
If you like Donovan and the folk and folk-rock singer genre from that era, check out the 60's/70's recordings of some lesser-known but great British artists/singer-songwriters: Tim Hollier, Mark Brierley, Duncan Browne, Meic Stevens, David McWilliams, Robin Scott, and Dave Cartwright- to name a few and of course Nick Drake. They all made some fab recordings.
like you, i have both. the individual albums and the box set. my box set is an original. i was lucky to find this several years ago. but i unlike you, i got the first box set when it came out in 1967. a very dear friend and favorite of my time in Vietnam. ♥
i've certainly given donovan his flowers many times over and am happy you made this video but had to head to your other podcast to hear about karen carpenter and you both did a wonderful job with that gutwrenching tale...."there is a mountain" is a strange one to pick but it's my favorite of his i think.
I can definitely picture you in a high fantasy, Tolkien-esque, film 😂 jk Great video Abby, never really listened to too much Donovan but after watching this I think I'll certainly give him a chance.
I was 13 years old when I bought this double boxed lp's. Loved it. P.S. Did you know that there is a REAL stereo version of the "Sunshine Superman" lp? How it's available...I'm not sure. (I downloaded it from a blogsite....sorry) and it's sound transfer is sublime. Also...the complete Donovan live 1968 lp. (close up of my face) "the complete concert...no edits" ....downloaded that also....the sound quality on that is even better than the lp!
The version you’re speaking of was the 2011 "Special Edition" CD set from EMI. It had both a full stereo mix of the US release and the mono of the UK release, plus bonus tracks. It was a great set, but long OOP. Looking at Discogs, it appears you can get used copies for ~$30.
@@JamesDavidWalley Thanks a lot for the info! Now...what about that full complete unedited "Donovan in Concert" recording that I found? Where did that come from?
Yes, I ran out and bought this when it 1st came out. Goddamn, I'm fucking old!! Your cheeks look especially rosy, Abie. Great episode, I love to to see someone who loves this box set as much as I do.
I bought " From a Flower to a Garden" 2 LP ( in the box!) and on CD Japan when I found out Jimmy Page played on it in his " Anthology" book. I love it. I can remember in the late '60s some perfume company used " Wear Your Love Like Heaven" song on TV. I probably own 7 Donovan LP and several singles. Thanx!!!( I stand corrected- your presentation pointed out 1970 for the Perfume commercial)
I saw the figt to a garden but never got it or heard much. Ah, money and its lack. I agree that Sunshine Superman is also my favorite Donovan album. And you described it very well. I totally ignred the political and music press. I also love Sunny Goode Street. The way he constructs the images is fantastic. The psychedelic becomes mystical. FYI. I am 75. my perspective is very different. I heard many of you Vinyl Monday albums when they came out. A very different perspective. I could now about nothing that came after and was imersed in those times.
It's just as if Donovan himself had appeared on my very own TV with words of peace, love, and eternal cosmic wisdom. Leading me. Guiding me. On paths of everlasting pseudo-karmic negligence, in the very midst of my drug-induced nocturnal emission
A great box set, probably the best, mine still plays well. There are some beautiful songs on both albums, though the "Kids" album does have the better & ironically deeper songs. Great review as usual, thanks.
what’s your favorite donovan song? comment below!
Hail Atlantis 😂
Hurst Gurdy Man
Hurdy Gurdy Man. ({}#% spellcheck)
Get Thy Bearings because King Crimson covered it lol
Young Girl Blues or Lord Of The Reedy River, the first of which has a great Marianne Faithfull cover in 1967 also
Such a fun episode! I was VERY lucky to see Donovan live in the mid-80s. I was entirely too young to have been around for his heyday, but I was fully in on '60s psych in the '80s, and of course I had to see him when he came to San Francisco. And he put on one of my favorite shows EVER.
He had shed the image of the psychedelic guru, and wore a short sleeve outfit that showed off his REALLY jacked body. He was probably around 40 at the time, and was obviously staying in shape. The show was just him and an acoustic guitar, and he sang all of his hits and well-known album tracks. And the best part was that he invited the whole audience of a few hundred (it was a small-ish but well-known venue in The City) to sing along, and we experienced a good, old-fashioned 60's love-in. Most of us in the audience were my age, and had missed that whole era, but he brought it back just for us.
A magical evening with a brilliant performer. I'll always give him a high place on my list of "best shows", and respect him as a performer as well as a writer.
oh that sounds amazing, you’re so lucky! and in san fran no less! my best friend saw donny in dublin a couple years back. he’s a lot older now (and less “jacked” lol) but i hear he’s still a wonderful host, telling lots of stories when he plays. and his son opened for him!
@@patrickmcevoy5080 I saw him in '85 at a great venue, the Chestnut Cabaret in Philly. It's also in my short list of great shows.
"Gift" is one of my faves. I think I paid $9 back in 68. I was 12 . The best part was the portfolio of lyrics and drawings by the minstrel himself
Every song is amazing . As a matter of fact I will play it now. Thanks for the stories.
I love his folk-jazz stuff like "Sunny Goodge Street", "Young Girl Blues" "Writer in the Sun" & "Get Thy Bearings." Donovan was a great innovator.
I garee! Donnovan was a grat innovator. Marriane Faithfull recorded an awesome version of 'Sunny Goodge Street" and Judy Collins did as well. Marianne also recorded a version of "Young Girl Blues" and a version of "Bert's Blues" as "Good Guy". The great Mary Hopkin recorded several of his songs: "Lord of the Reedy River", "Happiness Runs" and "Voyage of the Moon" and. King Crimson recorded "Get Thy Bearings" for a BBC Radio session in 1969. Peggy Lipton, the actress recorded a version of "Wear Your Love Like Heaven". Deep Purple did "Lalena" and Julie Driscoll, Brina Auger and the Trinity covered "Season ff the Witch", and Bridget St. John recorded "Pebble and the Man" to name a few.
I thoroughly enjoy both albums for different reasons. The first album is brimming with optimism. The session musicians did an outstanding job throughout. I, for one, am partial to the song Mad John. As a lad, I was hooked in by the understated urgency of the music, which matched the lyrics. Things like allotment sheds and railway sidings seemed both exotic and ordinary at the same time.
Mad John holed up in an allotment shed
By a railway siding (hide hide hide)
In walked the man with the watering can
He didn't see John hiding
Good boy man John!
The children's album is perfect for cozy mornings and pairs well with herbal tea and incense. A standout for me is The Enchanted Gypsy. The hand drums and flute are the perfect orchestration for this droney yet catchy tune.
I did see Donovan in concert back in 1971 (I think.) He was joined by flutist and sax player Paul Horn, another meditator.
British folk-rock was so strong in those days. Some artist who come to mind are Pentangle, Fairport Convention, The Incredible String Band, Nick Drake and many others. Wow, what a scene! Over here in the states we had Tim Buckley, Richard and Mimi Farina, Phil Ochs, Leonard Cohen, and all the rest. Nothing compares to that now.
Grew up in Canada LOVING Colours, To Susan on the West Coast Waiting, Atlantis, Sunshine Superman, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Jennifer Juniper, Catch the Wind, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Season of the Witch. Finally saw him warming up for Yes, to a pathetically small crowd. He was important to more than psychodelia - he was an anchor of '60s progress.
"I think '21 is going to be a good year."
Omg I just bought this exact box set yesterday cause I thought it looked cool I'm so excited to listen after I finish this episode!
Donovan returns to Vinyl Monday 🎉
about 10 years ago, I decided to further explore the albums of Donovan. his Donovan in Concert (1968) is unbelievably good, and the material he plays with a very jazz-oriented ensemble weighs heavy in favor of Gift From a Flower’s material. this is my favorite period of Donovan’s career. the singer is sincere, charming, and oh so hippy-dippy, and I unashamedly love him. wear your love like heaven, Abigail!
From memory the concert album was something like 50 minutes.
I have a particular fondness regarding "For Little Ones" as I was teaching myself to play the guitar at the time I got that album, and there were a number of songs on it one could play knowing only a few chords and having a basic facility with fingerpicking. Wonderful songs that started me on a musical journey.
Incredible album. Thank you for doing this.
I find the cover art to be a big attraction when I buy vinyl. So interesting to hear the backstory behind those Donovan album covers. Great to hear who was responsible for that fantastic colour effect on those photos and the locations of where they were taken. Fantastic Vinyl Monday video!
Thank you.I've been on the Donovan journey since 1973.I was 15 and quickly bought any albums and singles I came to find.I had rhe Gift From a Flowe book cover on my school book.I was so excited the day I bought this album in early 1974.I read that Donovan sang through a banjo on Song of the Naturalist Wife.Your most interesting video yet.
Oh my, I never realised Mad John is the ‘Peasant Poet’, John Claire. He famously escaped his asylum and walked 80 miles home in the belief that he would be reunited with his first love.
We live in Lincoln, UK. And you’re right, it’s pretty amazing to see a castle & an enormodome medieval cathedral at the top of the hill every morning as we leave the house. To balance out it rains an awful lot.
One of my all time favorite albums!
I HAVE OFFICIALLY DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN! Someone spoke for almost 40 minutes about A Gift from a Flower to a Garden and nothing but A Gift from a Flower to a Garden. Actually, I also fell in love with For Little Ones way before Wear Your Love Like Heaven, but years later I can say that it DID rise higher in my estimation; the jazzy chords are especially charming. The title track is a devotional anthem for the counterculture movement and one of the best mantras ever (the actual title of the song). But I can't WAIT to see the Simpsons episode you spoke of, which might just rival the episode where Paul & Linda and Apu enlighten Lisa about vegetarianism. My favorite tracks are "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Sun," "Someone's Singing," and probably every single moment of For Little Ones but especially "Song of the Naturalist's Wife," "Voyage into the Golden Screen," "The Mandolin Man and His Secret," "The Tinker and the Crab," "The Lullaby of Spring
'Sunny Goodge Street' is a personal favourite Donovan track of mine because of a young lady who I used to visit there. 'Sunshine Superman' is by far and away my favourite album of his while 'What's Bin Did And What's Bin Hid' is one of my favourite album titles by anyone.
Donovan is so important in many ways and it is inspiring to see others feel the same way. Great research.
I never heard that this box set had a specific concept of young ,old, drugs no drugs,
after all these years of owning it I find interesting to know now.
For me, my listening approach is the same way I would listen to the WHITE ALBUM,
some gems some not so, but they all get you there!
the only disconnect I have between the two albums is that dam baby crying (can do with out that).
Like any artistic period in time, the artist creations are reflecting on inspirations of what they are living,
feeling, seeing, learning, and experimenting
I would like to believe that to have been be living at that moment, that they are the real deal, no cosplay and it's what was really happening happening for them and others of that day .
That it was true for them then and true in memory , not just a 60's cliche.
I feel with Donovan at the drop of the needle, he has you breathing that same air as he was during that Magic moment and he was not afraid to show and hip others to see the colors of the day.
Thanks Abigail, for all you do !
Nice that you conversed with the photographer about the cover art! I thought the cover photo of Wear Your Love Like Heaven was just beautiful, but I'd already got the box set. Very unusual that they put two so distinctly different collections into one box. Donovan was always a great favorite of mine. "Tale of the Enchanted Gypsy" is probably the tune from this box that most often runs through my head.
Meandering around my workplace I often find my self softly singing Hurdy Gurdy man.
I'm glad you praised For Little Ones. It's a sentimental favorite from when I was a little one myself. My brother bought A Gift From a Flower To A Garden and I gravitated to the acoustic disk. Isle of Islay, Widow With A Shawl, and Epistle To Derroll are such beautiful songs.
The Redlands bust at Keith's house is legendary... candy bars and bearskin rugs included.
My fave album of his is HGM and "Jennifer Juniper" is pure musical joy. Early T -Rex reminds me a lot of Donovan.
I got married last summer. We played “Lay of the Last Tinker” during the cake cutting. Such a bop. Break cheese with me 🧀 ❤
aww very sweet! congratulations!
another absolute banger!! had no idea it was anti drug, this was defintely a contact high when i played it for the first time last autumn. Eartha Kitt version is amazing, her interview in the Incredibly Strange Music book rocks! Peggy Lipton did a fab wear your love like heaven too :)
I saw Donovan in 1976, he opened for Yes on their Going for the One tour. He did a short “greatest hits” set. Prior to seeing him, I mostly knew him for his vocals on Alice Cooper’s Billion $ Babies. Donovan is not quite my taste, but his set was a fun (very fun) review of his hits. He was a pleasant surprise.
I never thought he had much success over the pond but he was very successful here. Donovan was such a huge part of my childhood & his music was played all the time in our house. I've seen him live several times & even met him at Glastonbury in '92 (I think?). Was a really nice bloke. I told him that Tangerine Puppet was one of the first songs I ever learned on guitar & he seemed genuinely happy to hear that. Shaun Rider married his daughter.
Another fabulous video! I have been a Donovan fan for years. One of my favorite artists. My older sister had a vinyl version of the second album. I remeber listening to it when I was a little kid and really got into Donovan's music. I think I have an original vinyl version somewhere with the lyric inserts. Hope I still have it. I found it back years ago, but an't remember where I got it. Also have a 1990's mono CD version of "A Gift..." on the BGO label and a early 200'0's UK import version on EMI. Neither album has any bonus material. The EMI version doesn't have much of the original album art, likely because of some licensing issue. Both albums are great, but my favorite is the second album.
OMG! Dreamy. Magical. And magnificent!
That Christmas 1967 issue of `Melody Maker` you displayed Abby. The front cover was devised & drawn by Viv Stanshall of the Bonzo`s.
Hey Abigail-Thanks for the awesome A Gift From A Flower To A Garden video. I hope the dvd The Journey O' Donovan was helpful in your preparation. I met Donovan briefly in London when we crossed paths as he exited his limo in the alley behind Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London before his performance. Isle O' Islay is a favorite o' mine 'n I travelled there twice as a result. Love what you do. Thanks again!
This episode hits because you are clearly a Donovan mega fan. Thanks, the episode has me re-evaluating Donavan as I basically saw him as.a "lesser" UK version of Bob Dylan.
Watching this in the comfort of my holiday home! Donny was, and still is, a wonderful artist, he sorta blended folk with baroque elements, which hadn’t really been done before. He should absolutely be in the conversation of "underrated 60s artists"
Also, that Jenny Boyd dress replica is sweet!
Donovan always has great cover art and A Gift from the Flower to a Garden is a beautiful piece that gives off medieval revival feel and the overall feel is like a Nick Drake album
I completely thought was tracks from the kid album should be on the adult and vice versa mostly because of the lyrics
I keep smiling because I can't help but remember "A Child's Garden of Grass" recording
the intimate poetry of the album that is 'supposed' to be directed at children ( oddly) is like an all enveloping atmosphere and the isle of islay song is inspired. sometimes you have to suspend your disbelief that someone would still want to write in a yeats like silver apples of the moon, golden apples of the sun style but not to allow him this would be to deny that poetry, music, can create the conditions for a different kind of feeling, even existence.
it is satisfying to see you abby enjoying yourself in videos like this one and the gto's episode.
a very nice scenic drive is possible from donovan to burt jansch and on to pentangle.
I loved Donovan's music. Although I never bought a record, I loved hearing his music on the radio, & borrowed copies.
Years ago I read an article that mentioned an incident in someone's house in Laurel Canyon in 1968. Gathered in the living room were Donovan with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Terry Reid and several others, passing a guitar back and forth doing a song for the others. By the end the stars were in agreement that the person who blew away all the other guitarists the most was Donovan.
I found WYLLH for cheap a few years back, but couldn't get into it. You're definitely right about it being the lesser album. Maybe I should give it another spin.
In regards to the Graham Nash cameo, I'd love if you did an episode for The Hollies' Butterfly album.
( a truly special episode of unveiling the legends, emma exhibiting true strength in going so deep into her own experience. it's an extraordinary call to make but really karen needed to be more loved. she was exactly that, a legend of an artist. hear sonic youths profound tribute on goo.
no wonder you feel comfortable abby working with the sincere Emma and if no one has heard the fun bunny saga yet, hey there's some catching up to do)
Imagine being the Boyd sister parents, wondering who would be coming over for Christmas dinner.
I’m currently listening to Mick Fleetwood’s autobiography, he still speaks highly of Jenny
Clapton's infatuation with Pattie inspired 2 iconic songs. Not sure how many songs were inspired by Jenny, but those two sisters must be pretty incredible.
I'm choosing the aforementioned 'SUNNY GOODGE STREET.' Recorded in September 1965. Can anyone think of another song released in 1965 with lyrics like "Smearing their eyes on the crazy Kali goddess. Listenin' to sounds of Mingus mellow fantastic." or "The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet,
You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet.
I tell you his name is Love, Love, Love!" It's Beat poetry put to a psychedelic jazz waltz !! It's his important pivotal break from Dylan-like folk songs, which will lead him to the Sunshine Superman album.
😃Hi!! Thanks for highlighting this album! I just found a very good condition version of the stereo version. Love this album! The songs are very uplifting✨
"For Little Ones" is a stunner. Magically enchanted from start to finish. Just like you, I found it funny that it was called the "children's" album of this set because it feels far more adult to me--serious, haunting, and gentle in a very meditative way--than the "adult" album which contains some fairly twee material on it like "Skip Along Sam" and "Little Boy In Corduroy" (not that there aren't incredible songs there as well like "There Was A Time" and "Someone's Singing"). But "For Little Ones", just taken as its own album, is one of my top 10 favorites of all time.
PS Give "Starfish-on-the-Toast" another chance. It's a grower.
One of my favorite artists. Sunshine superman is a masterpiece! So is a gift to a garden
Inherited the box set from my mom. One of my favourite artists as a teenage, in the retro-1980s..
Bonus points for including Gabor Szabo. You're a very hip chick, Abby, great job!
Besides being a great musician, just remember, Donovan will always help you clean up the glass, man.
easily my favorite donovan moment ever. did we ever figure out who threw that glass in the street?
@@abigaildevoeyou know it actually was Bob Dylan😂.
I thought it was the drunk guy
@@thepostapocalyptictrio4762That would the dirtiest trick to pull on your party guests
I found a box set of "A Gift from a Flower to a Garden" at my local record store; it included all the lyric sheets for the "Little Ones" album in pristine condition! I can see your point of view on "Mad John's Escape". I don't mind the whimsy too much; it's fun to have a little light, whimsical ditty after the opening track, especially one with a catchy chorus. Loved the deep dives into the artwork and fashion and sooo cool you got to chat with Karl Ferris himself! Great review, as always Abby!
you're very lucky to have those lyric sheets! lots more illustrations by mick & sheena i couldn't feature this week
@@abigaildevoe Also, loved the comparisons to Nick Drake's guitar playing. They definitely both have that late 60's British soothing folk sound.
They say wear your love like heaven, if your love is whimsical space wizards then you nailed it! Based on the Wembley stadium incident... there might be some connection
when i saw abs in the velvet robe i knew we were going to get right down to it. 😂🎉
My favorite Donovan album. The ultimate flower power album ,( and I mean that in the best possible way ).
Man I'm glad I ran into this channel .I digs
Hurdy Gurdy Man - love the feel of the song its like being transported back to the 60s if only for a few minutes.
Guitar break performed by Jeff Beck!
I LOVE ❤ THE SPACE YOU CREATED. THANK YOU 🙏🏻
your reviews are always amazing
My box copy is held together with tape and memories. I also have the same turntable as yours minus the flower stickers. I prefer my retro suitcase player in my bedroom that I have hooked into a more portable retro thing and tube pre-amp. My living room setup is too complicated such that I don't bother.
Donovan's still got it. If you haven't already - check out 'I am the Shaman' vid, directed by *none other* than David Lynch. It's too F-ing good. I had no idea the Lynch man was a Donovan fan from way back. Great song and sooooo Donovanie.
no way - kewl 🎉
"You're a little late, buddy. Dogs was last week."😂
I appreciate you and thank you for making content.
I have the original Box Set, love it!😻
No castles in Birmingham, UK either, which may explain Black Sabbath.
My favorite Donovan song depends on which day you ask next. Today it’s “Changes “ from Open Road.
Agree For the little ones the best.
Bought my first Donovan record by mistake in the mid 60s. It was Turquoise. I confused it with Colours (well it is a colour) It became one of my all time favourite Donovan songs and turned me into a lifelong fan
I love Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Jennifer Juniper, Sunshine Superman and all of Hurdy Gurdy Man but my favorite is Celeste
Universal Soldier, I Love My Shirt, Catch the Wind, Goo Goo Barabajagal", Sunshine Superman and Wear Your Love Like Heaven
Abby you should do a review on 13th floor elevators or maybe old school h.p. Lovecraft, maybe the late 60’s nirvana I think it would be really interesting to hear your opinion on those super obscure albums.
Still have the boxset. wonderul presentation,dont change a thing.Thank you.
The crying baby at the start of that song was as I last heard was Donovan jr and I think he added that snippet from off of a portable reel to reel tape recorder and spliced another part from himself in a very echoey location (ie a bathroom) but you could be more correct that he could be singing with the small recorders’ mic into his guitars’ sound hole.
I’m very glad I had seen him live once in 2016 at the SF regency theatre
I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE, Donovan is easily my favourite 60s artist, you did him Justice abbi! RAHH i love Donovan 😭🩷🩷
I saw Donovan open for Yes back in '77. I don't remember much other than Mellow Yellow. I'll have to check more of his stuff. He was a cool opener though.
And from all the work, fun, and care you put into this review, what remains top of mind for me is... "Donnie"?!?!? Did anyone ever really call him that?! :)
I remember borrowing this album from the public library in the late 60s, where they removed the "box" part of the set and stuffed it into a couple of plastic sleeves. Having only been familiar with a few of Donovan's singles, it didn't grab me at that time. I probably need to give it a chance all these years later. Postscript: When he sings "Carmine" at the end of "Wear Your Love Like Heaven", all I could think of at the time was Carmine Infantino, the artist/then-publisher of DC Comics. I had no idea then that it was a color!
Thanks for your mention of his current performances. I saw him live in 2016 (!) and was very disappointed in his singing voice, though his stories were indeed interesting.
My jack russel Ozzy, loves catch the wind. That is his favorite song. Everytime i spin it when the harmonica part comes in Ozzy startes singing his heart out. 😂❤🎉 he is a beast.... lol
I LOVE Donovan
Hurdy Gurdy Man! You should listen to Leige and Leif by Fairport Convention or anything by Pentangle if you love Donovan.
I renmember saving money for about 2-3 months just to buy gift from a flower to a garden . Was intrigued by the cover
how much would it have cost back then? mine was about $30 used
Probably 15$. I was always broker, so......
I always liked Hurdy Gurdy man clothes. And it's the perfect theme song for the Britannia show
GREAT SHOW DEFINITELY WORTH CHECKING OUT.
His clothes are really cool too but I meant I like the song.😅
If you like Donovan and the folk and folk-rock singer genre from that era, check out the 60's/70's recordings of some lesser-known but great British artists/singer-songwriters: Tim Hollier, Mark Brierley, Duncan Browne, Meic Stevens, David McWilliams, Robin Scott, and Dave Cartwright- to name a few and of course Nick Drake. They all made some fab recordings.
i've reviewed nick drake on this channel before!
like you, i have both. the individual albums and the box set. my box set is an original. i was lucky to find this several years ago. but i unlike you, i got the first box set when it came out in 1967. a very dear friend and favorite of my time in Vietnam. ♥
Have a mint UK mono copy. Only the Third double (In Rock music) I believe.
Abby, I would LOVE a Emerson Lake and Palmer episode 😇😍🙏
i've certainly given donovan his flowers many times over and am happy you made this video but had to head to your other podcast to hear about karen carpenter and you both did a wonderful job with that gutwrenching tale...."there is a mountain" is a strange one to pick but it's my favorite of his i think.
Lalena is my fave Donovan song, also the song of the wandering aengus ....
I can definitely picture you in a high fantasy, Tolkien-esque, film 😂 jk
Great video Abby, never really listened to too much Donovan but after watching this I think I'll certainly give him a chance.
Season Of The Witch-favorite of garage bands.
one of the best 10 albums of the sixties!
I was 13 years old when I bought this double boxed lp's. Loved it. P.S. Did you know that there is a REAL stereo version of the "Sunshine Superman" lp? How it's available...I'm not sure. (I downloaded it from a blogsite....sorry) and it's sound transfer is sublime. Also...the complete Donovan live 1968 lp. (close up of my face) "the complete concert...no edits" ....downloaded that also....the sound quality on that is even better than the lp!
The version you’re speaking of was the 2011 "Special Edition" CD set from EMI. It had both a full stereo mix of the US release and the mono of the UK release, plus bonus tracks. It was a great set, but long OOP. Looking at Discogs, it appears you can get used copies for ~$30.
@@JamesDavidWalley Thanks a lot for the info! Now...what about that full complete unedited "Donovan in Concert" recording that I found? Where did that come from?
Mellow yellow. It’s evocative of a space in time. Also, there’s a connection to Led Zeppelin ( and I don’t mean The Lemon Song !).
Now I finally learned that I own half of this (the "folk" album).
I don't blame Donovan for getting angry with that chocolate vending machine at Goodge St station. They used to swallow your money!
Yes, I ran out and bought this when it 1st came out. Goddamn, I'm fucking old!! Your cheeks look especially rosy, Abie. Great episode, I love to to see someone who loves this box set as much as I do.
I bought " From a Flower to a Garden" 2 LP ( in the box!) and on CD Japan when I found out Jimmy Page played on it in his " Anthology" book. I love it. I can remember in the late '60s some perfume company used " Wear Your Love Like Heaven" song on TV. I probably own 7 Donovan LP and several singles. Thanx!!!( I stand corrected- your presentation pointed out 1970 for the Perfume commercial)
I saw the figt to a garden but never got it or heard much. Ah, money and its lack. I agree that Sunshine Superman is also my favorite Donovan album. And you described it very well. I totally ignred the political and music press.
I also love Sunny Goode Street. The way he constructs the images is fantastic. The psychedelic becomes mystical.
FYI. I am 75. my perspective is very different. I heard many of you Vinyl Monday albums when they came out. A very different perspective. I could now about nothing that came after and was imersed in those times.
If you haven’t already (but please direct me if you did) please review the fool lp if you can get or got a copy of it
@@moxie96 i have reviewed it! if you search “vinyl monday the fool” there’s my video
It's just as if Donovan himself had appeared on my very own TV with words of peace, love, and eternal cosmic wisdom. Leading me. Guiding me. On paths of everlasting pseudo-karmic negligence, in the very midst of my drug-induced nocturnal emission
Love it!!
A great box set, probably the best, mine still plays well. There are some beautiful songs on both albums, though the "Kids" album does have the better & ironically deeper songs. Great review as usual, thanks.
I saw Donovan in 1977. Cosmic Wheels
The fit is fuego