Greatest Hits [Buddha]

by The Lovin' Spoonful

Overview

Although it sports the same amount of tracks (26) as Rhino's 1993 Anthology, up to now the last word in comprehensive Spoonful compilations, the 2000 issue of the umpteenth collection from this short-lived '60s band gets the nod over all others. Taken from the original first-generation masters, apparently for the first time, the sound quality -- with a crispness and definition previously unheard -- and even track selection, is the finest yet. "On the Road Again," "Wild About My Lovin'," and "Darlin' Companion," all excellent tunes representative of the Spoonful's good-time folksy/jugband style that were omitted from the Rhino set, are included, further reinforcing this as the last word in single-disc anthologies from this legendary band. What's startling is how many great songs the group recorded in such a short time span. The majority of the tracks were released within a two-year period from 1965-1967, almost all springing from the pen of John Sebastian who also took lead vocals on all the hits. The band was a textbook example of compressed quality, with only three tracks here breaking the three-minute barrier, and many clocking in at just under two. Which means there still could be an even more definitive compilation created by adding five more songs and extending the running time to the 77-minute CD maximum. Until then, this is the Lovin' Spoonful disc to own. ~ Hal Horowitz

Product Details

Release Date:	02/22/2000
Label:	Buddha Records
UPC:	0744659971624

Tracks

1. Do You Believe in Magic?
2. You Didn't Have to Be So Nice
3. Daydream
4. You Baby
5. Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind?
6. Wild About My Lovin'
7. Younger Girl
8. On the Road Again
9. Didn't Want to Have to Do It
10. Jug Band Music
11. Summer in the City
12. Rain on the Roof
13. Pow!
14. Nashville Cats
15. Lovin' You
16. Darlin' Companion
17. Coconut Grove
18. Full Measure
19. Darling Be Home Soon
20. Lonely (Amy's Theme)
21. You're a Big Boy Now
22. Six O'Clock
23. She Is Still a Mystery
24. Money
25. Younger Generation
26. Never Going Back

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Lovin' Spoonful   Primary Artist
John Sebastian   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

John Stewart   Composer
John Sebastian   Composer,Production Assistant
Mark Sebastian   Composer
Don Paulsen   Photography
Frank Ursoleo   Production Assistant
Steve "Syco Steve" Williams   Production Assistant
Joe Butler   Composer,Production Assistant
David Kessler   Design
Traditional   Composer
Steve Boone   Composer
Bob Irwin   Mastering
J. Sebastian   Composer
Ben Edmonds   Liner Notes
Cynthia Weil   Composer
Rob Santos   Producer
Henry Diltz   Photography
Zal Yanovsky   Composer
Phil Spector   Composer
Barry Mann   Composer