The Very Best of The Lovin’ Spoonful – from Kama Sutra Buddah Records. If a lazy, adolescent, summer Saturday afternoon in the 1960s had a sound track, this is what it would look like:
Side One
- Younger Girl
- Didn’t Want to Have to Do it
- Daydream
- You Didn’t Have to be So Nice
- Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?
- Do You Believe in Magic?
Side Two
- Summer in the City
- Rain on the Roof
- Six O’Clock
- Darling be Home Soon
- Till I Run With You
- Never Going Back
Summer in the City is absolutely my favorite track on this album, no question. Maybe because it stands out as the least mellow song on the album; you can actually dig your teeth into it a little bit. Not that I mind mellow, but this album is consistently light and folksy…the downside is that the songs sort of blend together and lull me into a half-listening state.
Of course, Summer in the City isn’t the only good track. I love daydreaming to Daydream, and who doesn’t enjoy the overplayed Do You Believe in Magic? I will also give a nod to Six O’Clock for dipping its toes into a slightly bluesy, southern-rock sound.
This album definitely holds a sentimental, escapist, relaxing feel for me. It shows the lighter, younger, naive side of life. It may not be the deepest, most analytic music, but it has enough depth and real emotion to ease back into your porch swing and nod your head along with while you reminisce about eating a Popsicle and running around as a kid.
Vinyl and Velvet 