"Sunshine Superman," I think is the first Donovan album that I purchased in the year of its release 1966. You can't get more 1966, than "Sunshine Superman." The song was a big hit on the radio and very hard to avoid if one even dared to do so. Everyone loved that song. I clearly remember driving with my dad on Sunset Boulevard and hearing this song in another car's AM radio speaker. Once on the radio, everyone put the volume up. Very summer-like soundtrack.
Donovan always had that ultimate hippie white robe thing going, but the truth is, he's a masterful pop songwriter and an incredible singer. His appeal for me is that he has a jazzy vocal, but that is blended into his beautifully orchestrated pop music mode. He has a very unique sound, that goes beyond the image of flute, guitar and bongo drum. Even his earlier folk recordings had more of a jazz cafe quality than New York's Washington Square. The other great ingredient in his overall sound of his albums is the talent of hitmaker Mickie Most. He often used Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones on his recordings, and I suspect (especially Jones) are on "Sunshine Superman."
"Season of the Witch" is the other outstanding track beside the title that is iconic like. Druggy, groovy, and hypnotic; one would think this would be the ultimate laid back garage rock recording of all time. It hints of exotic overtures, which makes it irresistible. The truth is, the whole album is on that train of thought. It flows like pouring a beautiful glass of wine into a large wine glass. The other highlight is the closing song "Celeste" which is Donovan's most beautiful melody and delivery.
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