Albums by this artist

Donovan's Greatest Hits (1999)

Donovan

Donovan's Greatest Hits

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» GINA VIVINETTO | STAFF WRITER

Donovan Donovan's Greatest Hits Sony, 1999 RiYL: The Byrds, The Animals, Schoolhouse Rocks

I love Donovan. I love all the fey whispering of "Mellow Yellow," the grooviness of "Sunshine Superman." Why, even the wonky psychedelia of "Hurdy Gurdy Man" and its vibrato vocals once inspired me, possibly inebriated, to sing that song into an electric fan while onstage with my own college rock band.

So it comes as no surprise that I'm thrilled Donovan's Greatest Hits has been reissued on CD. (It also contains four bonus tracks from the Barabajagal LP.) And sure, it's not a perfect collection. The simmering "Season Of The Witch" is counteracted by the ridiculously saccharine "Lalena." Still, zip through "There Is A Mountain," with all its weird calypso-meets-the-1960s flavor, and the strings-and-harpsichord "Epistle To Dippy."

Don't question all the man's lyrics about butterflies and stars and crystal spectacles. Just go with it.

GINA VIVINETTO |