Having compiled the singles of such hit-happy artists as Gary Lewis & the Playboys and the Grass Roots, Real Gone Music now turns its attention to another quintessential 60s singles band, Spanky and Our Gang, with a 21-track collection that includes every unique A and B-side the band released on Mercury during their spectacular 1966-69 stint with the label! Led by Elaine Spanky McFarlane, Spanky and Our Gang had a folk-pop sound oft-compared to the Mamas and the Papas, but their harmonies and arrangements were, if anything, a little more sophisticated and varied, incorporating pop and jazz influences (while admittedly lacking a songwriter of the stature of John Phillips). As a result, the music of Spanky & Our Gang has aged better than many of their more self-consciously psychedelic contemporaries; there is a timeless quantity to their sound that explains why songs like Sunday Will Never Be the Same, Lazy Day, and Like to Get to Know You have remained fixtures on oldies radio over the years. You ll hear all those songs and every other unique single side (include two differently-titled and mixed versions of Fred Neil s Everybody s Talkin ) in their original mono single mixes on this collection, which includes liner notes by co-producer Ed Osborne that feature fresh interviews with Spanky McFarlane, producers Jerry Ross and Bob Dorough and arranger Jimmy Wisner along with some great photos. The definitive Spanky and Our Gang single-CD retrospective!
M**R
Hi fidelity music and memories
A marvelous sounding collection of Spanky's hit singles. It's a complete summary of everything we likely would have heard on the radio from them back in the 60's. I also have the Complete Recordings box set and it's wonderful also. But, for the vast majority of listeners, this single cd thoroughly sums up why we looked forward to hearing Spanky and Our Gang on the radio in '67 and '68. The 45 rpm single versions are here. They sound super and sound the way all of us from the 60's remember hearing them at the time. All 60's groups and singers should have a compilation such as this. Thanks to Real Gone for giving us this one.
D**N
Incredible Pop Music For The Ages
It's startling to realize that music this well-arranged and well-produced once doubled as radio fodder. The harmonies are sophisticated and musically intriguing while the lyrics of the songs capture the spirit of their time in a most timeless, classic way. Most of the arrangements and production on here is credited to Bob Dorough - he's an unsung genius, known best for being the mastermind behind "Schoolhouse Rock"'s songs and arrangements, and this work with Spanky & Our Gang showcases that while he is a genius at bop-influenced jazz, he also knows how to be accessible, easy on the ear but quirky in the mind. Great stuff!
M**N
Finally,the Gang's all here! ---Musical Zeitgeist not likely to return soon.
All the great songs,finally released.Their music takes you back to the crux of Haight Ashbury.This group came and went so quick.Having to compete with so many other great bands,like the Association and the Mama's and the Papa's.Yet,Oz Bach and Spanky McFarland and the rest of the 'Gang',left a wealth of musical gems to admire.This cd is the best of the group's talents.
R**D
Songs That Will Bring Back Memories
This brought bag memories of listening on the AM radio dial when I was growing up. Great songs at a great price. A must have for anyone who likes music from the 1960's.
B**R
Excellent sonic quality
Excellent sonic quality; the original mono mixes are very authentic and smooth with excellent tonal balance. Very nostalgic and enjoyable. I suspect I'll spend a lot of time with this disk. Highly recommended.
D**S
complete cd of Spanky and our Gang
This is the most complete cd of Spanky and our Gang. The only thing missing was "Brother can you spare a dime".
D**L
Spanky's back....
If you like them, you'll love this----especially because the album includes some of the beefier sounding MONO mixes of these classic AM songs. Us purists love that...
J**L
Because I love the harmonies from this band
Because I love the harmonies from this band, it's a nice addition to a collection. Probably the best collection for this band - there are at least three others.
B**D
Heavenly Music for the Soul.
Scrupulously well delivered . I've got acquainted with Spanly & Her Gang when I was living in the USA in the late 60's and it was hard to find replacement for my damaged LP. Now I am in musicheaven...
D**D
Five Stars
superb compilation-has everything you need
P**T
Sunshine Pop von sehr guter Qualität , gute Laune Pur !
Spanky & Our Gang gelten für viele als die größten Gegenspieler von den Mamas & Papas ! Ich fide Sie auch auf keinen Fall schlechter als diese ! Vor allem die ersten Singles mit den B-Seiten , die öfters ( gelegentlich ) auch mal besser oder gleichwertig mit den A-Seiten der Singles sind . Das Remastering auf dieser CD ist sehr gut ! Insgesamt eine CD die einfach gute Laune macht .--- Wer noch mehr davon haben will , -Ich habe noch eine CD einer ähnlichen Band rezensiert , die" Euphoria " heißt .Leider ist diese Band " Euphoria " kaum bekannt , weshalb ich Sie hier erwähne ! Da bin ich auch fast euphorisch geworden !Um gute Laune zu bekommen ist der Sunshine-Pop der späten 60er Jahre auf jedenfall gut geeignet !Schade , das es so etwas Heute nicht mehr gibt ! Oder ?Der authentische 60s Klang ist für so Etwas vielleicht auch der Beste. Sehr zu empfehlen , zumal das Remastering hier auch sehr gut ist !
D**N
Five Stars
Thanks For the order
M**Y
Mono Singles ?
In spite of this album claiming to be the mono single mixes "Lazy Day" is not the same as my single version on vinyl .On that version there are overdubs of group members singing "hello " "Hi there" in response to the line where Spanky sings "Children saying hello". I have never found this version on any CD or Album of Spanky and our Gang but I remember the late Roger Scott playing that version, and, as I have said ,this is the vinyl single version that I own.. Other than that it's an okay compilation .
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