 [Larger view] | Various Artists - The British Invasion: History of British Rock, Vol. 6
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 And 1/2 Stars..."Set the Way-Back Machine for the 1960's" | |
| I don't normally recommend single-disc various artists anthologies, but Rhino has done a superb job in gathering some of the best songs from the heyday of the British Invasion (1964-1967). Because this series is entitled "History of British Rock," some artists will be unfamiliar (The Eyes with their Who-like "When the Night Falls" and Dave Berry's "This Strange Effect," written by Ray Davies), and some familiar bands are represented by unfamiliar songs ("Sha-La-La-La-Lee" and "My Mind's Eye" by the Small Faces and "Come Tomorrow" by Manfred Mann--all Top Ten in the U.K.). But many of these were huge hits in the U.S. as well: Lulu's million-seller "To Sir With Love," The Mindbenders' "Groovy Kind of Love," Dusty Springfield's "Wishin' and Hopin'"--even the mostly forgotten Beatles' cover "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" by The Silkie went Top Ten in 1965. But what really takes this collection beyond the ordinary is its inclusion of obscure gems like the lovely "Concrete and Clay" by Unit Four Plus Two (when was the last time you heard THAT song on a classic oldies station?), Them's harmonica rave-up "Mystic Eyes" and the Walker Brothers' "Make It Easy on Yourself." [Note: While The Walker Brothers were more popular in the U.K. than in the U.S., all three members were Americans.] In addition to the terrific music, the liner notes provide fascinating background and commentary on each of the songs and artists. This CD should, however, come with a warning label: once you've bought this CD, you'll want the rest of the titles in the series,too. And when you have, you'll have an indispensible collection of British rock/pop music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | |
 back on track with this one | |
| Rhino continues it's plundering of British 60s pop vaults, and comes up with a winner. There is not a weak cut on this collection. Some of the many highlights: the lovely lost classic "Concrete & Clay", the amazing "Here Comes the Night", the sublime "Wishing and Hoping", two of the Hollies greatest, "On a Carousel" and "Look Through Any Window". Add some really great songs you've never heard that were only hits in England, and you've got a classic collection. A must have if you're a 60s Anglophile. |
