Hums Of the Lovin' Spoonful, Lovin' Spoonful

Hums Of the Lovin' Spoonful, Lovin' Spoonful, 1966, :27

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The third album by one of the very best hippie folk-rock bands of the early 1960s.  Despite its absurdly brief length, it's startling how many absolute classics it boasts.  Now, apparently with this disc the lads were attempting to try their hand in as many styles and genres as possible, rather than simply making the best Lovin' Spoonful record they could.  The result is an album that is, a little bit uneven, but even the experiments which don't work, like "Bes' Friends" aren't bad, per se, just somewhat disappointing in comparison.  Even jokey toss-offs like "4 Eyes" and "Henry Thomas" (about a dog the singer's "cat dragged in") are toe-tappers.  Favorite tracks: "Summer in the City," "Darlin' Companion," "Rain On the Roof," "Nashville Cats," "Coconut Grove."

Wild is the Wind, Nina Simone

It's black music Month!

Wild is the Wind, Nina Simone, 1966, :38

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Nina Simone does torch songs.  The genre's not one of my very favorites, but she's just so good at it.  I discovered after listening to this album that it's actually a compilation of sessions left over from previous albums, but I wouldn't have known that without being told; there's a cohesiveness to it.  And, I didn't know that the title song is the same as the David Bowie's song, the only cover he put on a studio album, as a tribute to Simone.  Favorite tracks: "I Love Your Lovin' Ways," "Why Keep On Breaking My Heart," with its shuffling percussion, "Break Down And Let It All Out."

Mixed Bag, Richie Havens

It's Black music month! 

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mixed Bag, Richie Havens, 1966, :38

The debut album of one of America's greatest singers and interpreters, the man who would (if there were any justice) represent the 1960s and '70s in the popular zeitgeist as much as Bob Dylan does.  Richie Havens is a god damn gold mine, largely undiscovered, and that's a damn shame.  There seems to be some dispute as to the date of release of this album: Spotify says 1967, Wikipedia says late 1966.  Anyhoo, this is a wonderful record, and while many say this is Havens' best work, I say pish!  He would go on to do even greater things.  Favorite tracks: "I Can't Make It Anymore," "High-Flying Bird," the ever so Dylanesque "Follow," the fine cover of "Eleanor Rigby."

And Then... Along Comes The Association, the Association

Currently doing one album for each year, 1960-2020. Today: 1966.

And Then... Along Comes The Association, the Association, 1966, :32

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This is a style of music you don't hear much anymore, a sort of Baroque "sunshine pop" you hear echoes of in the Polyphonic Spree and Beulah.  It's the kind of powerhouse vocal folk-pop sent up by the New Main Street Singers in the movie A Mighty Wind.  Over the years, this group has had approximately five thousand members, so later releases by them may vary, but I found this to be toe-tapping, catchy, and fun, a refreshing change from the juggernaut of straight guitar-driven folk-rock.  These guys may be a dozen nerds in suits but they pack a musical punch.  Favorite tracks: "Enter the Young," "Don't Blame It On Me," "Changes."

Once Upon a Time, Earl Hines

It’s Jazzurday! Wherein I listen to a jazz album, like a grown-up.

Once Upon a Time, Earl Hines, 1966, :37

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

I stumbled upon an article about Earl Hines that extolled his piano skills.  Apparently one of the best jazz pianists of all time, and one who had an immense influence on jazz music general, a giant with a unique talent.  So I picked this album as one of his peak works and gave it an expectant listen.  But... it seems to be a horn showcase.  Three saxophones, a trumpet, a trombone, a couple of clarinets, all blaring and bopping and screeching.  Lots of jazzy riffs where the horns wail and cry and sing.  Not that this is a bad thing per se.  It's definitely a toe-tapper.  I was just expecting a display of piano virtuosity.  Favorite tracks: "Cottontail," "Hash Brown."