Donovan (Official Thread)

[PapaJacques]

Donovan

I wasn't sure if there was a thread for Donovan already, so I thought I'd set one up myself.

If there's any other fans of Mr Leitch here, feel free to discuss him here.

 

[Hurdy Gurdy Man]

Mr. Leitch has certainly been a rather underscored composer.Of course,everyone who's ever tuned in to oldies radio or was a pop fan in the 60's knows the hits,but his album tracks are not only NOT filler,they're actually the songs more intriguing to hear.While on the same general Eastern philosophy track as George Harrison would be for a while in his solo career,Harrison was unfortunately notorious for making reaches for preachy and sanctimonious leanings in his works at times while Donovan covered the ground while better engaging the listener.I like some of his "fairy tale" sounding stuff from the "Sunshine Superman" disc.You know,with the gothic pipes and the sound of some very soft guitar and classical instrument strings.His inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 was much warranted and way over due.Let's see,his first album was 1965 so his eligibility was 1990.That's an even dozen years he was sadly glossed over as talented and insightful an artist he is.

 

[PapaJacques]

I have to agree with you on the fairy tale-sounding songs. 'Legend of A Girl Child Linda' is mystifying with every listen.
I always thought he was criminally underappreciated. His unique blend of psychedelia and folkiness is also apparent in 'Mellow Yellow', wherein the famous title track and the likes of 'House of Jansch' fit seamlessly together, despite the two different genres. Donovan was far from a Bob Dylan copy, as many seem to think, rather preposterously.

 

[Soot and Stars]

I wasn't sure if there was a thread for Donovan already, so I thought I'd set one up myself.

If there's any other fans of Mr Leitch here, feel free to discuss him here.

There is PapJacques but it was located in folk which might throw some off. You have some good background now and can continue some good discussions now in this thread!

 

[Johnny-Too-Good]

My favourite story about him is this - He and Dylan were on 'speaking terms'. Dylan contacted him to come over while he was in London on a tour. As Donavon entered the apartment, which was in darkness, he knew there were other people there, but just sat down and had plenty of what was available. The other attendees - The Beatles.

 

[Sunny]

I really like this one ....

There Is A Mountain

 

[PapaJacques]

Here's a question for you other Donovan fans:

Which period do you prefer? ie early (Catch the Wind, Fairytale), mid-period psych (Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow etc) or the later material (Barabajagal, Open Road, up to the present day).

 

[Sunny]

Found it hard to choose but I think I'll go with the mid-period psych.

 

[luke8945]

For me it would be between the early years and mid period psych. Im not keen on the later works by him. But if I had to pick between the two it'd probably be the same as Sunny, mid period psych.

 

[joker1961]

wow cool thread love the man!!!!!