DONOVAN: THE HURDY GURDY MAN

Performer: Donovan, vocals
Artist: Donovan
Number of discs: 1
Barcode: 0196588147012
Label: Impex Records
Format: LP
Genre: Pop/Rock
Year: 2025

The legendary Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan on 180-gram vinyl

Meticulous all-analog remastering by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering

Pressed at RTI in Camarillo using the Neotech VR900-D2 PVC system

Luxurious four-page booklet printed on heavy paper with unpublished photographs and new historical notes written by producer, critic, and historian Charles L. Granata

"Although he had already won legions of adoring fans with extraordinary hits like 'Sunshine Superman' (the incredible single that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1966) and 'Mellow Yellow' (the single that reached #2 on the charts in December of the same year), Donovan signed the manifesto of the psychedelic era in the autumn months of 1968 with The Hurdy Gurdy Man. This album brilliantly captured the spirit of those years with a series of songs written in a style that was fresh, agile, and elegant, blending elements of rock, pop, drone music, folk, jazz, and world music to express deep psychological nuances such as transcendental consciousness and the desire for an 'ideal' world.

Musically, Donovan and producer Mickie Most drew on a wide range of styles, most notably drone music, a harmonic effect in which a note or chord is repeated continuously throughout the piece, often determining its tonal center. This choice gave many tracks on the album a unique and captivating aura, particularly in Donovan’s spiritually evocative vocal parts. Furthermore, both 'The Hurdy Gurdy Man' and the other tracks reflect a harder rock sound compared to Donovan's previous recordings." (Charles S. Granata)

This must-have audiophile reissue of The Hurdy Gurdy Man on 180-gram 33RPM high-definition vinyl has been remastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original analog tapes of Epic Records and pressed at RTI. The flat and ultra-quiet surfaces of this vinyl ensure incredible detail resolution. The luxurious four-page booklet contains new liner notes by producer, critic, and historian Charles S. Granata, which provide context to the positive effects of Donovan's visionary and innovative songwriting and performances.

Donovan, vocals

Side A
The Hurdy Gurdy Man
Peregrine
The Entertaining of a Shy Girl
As I Recall It
Get Thy Bearings
Hi It’s Been a Long Time
West Indian Lady

Side B
Jennifer Juniper
The River Song
Tangier
A Sunny Day
The Sun Is a Very Magic Fellow
Teas