Donovan- Hurdy Gurdy Man (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

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Song Link: • Donovan - Hurdy Gurdy ...

[@frugalseverin2282]

Thanks for returning to Donovan, he's an unfairly neglected artist. He was in the thick of things back in the '60s. He mentioned Jefferson Airplane in 'Fat Angel' and they ended up singing it in concert, you'll find it on their classic 1st live album "Bless Its Pointed Little Head". And his song 'Lord of the Reedy River' was later covered by Kate Bush. I think the chorus is just chanted like a mantra. Donovan went to India with the Beatles to study meditation with the Maharishi. That's where he taught John Lennon to finger-pick the guitar which he used on The White Album that year.

[@lewismaddox4132]

Watch the intro to Zodiac! It starts with Three Dog Night doing "Easy to be Hard", (another great song), and then goes right into "Hurdy Gurdy Man". You will never be able to hear it again without a chill going down your spine.

[@lem01ne]

@@lewismaddox4132 YES!!

[@markspooner1224]

Special song, Steve Hillage's version on 'L' is great along with The Beatles/Harrison's It' All Too Much. With the added bonus of the musicians from Utopia and Todd Rundgren producing. There are many beautiful Donovan songs including Lalena.

[@johnhopkins4767]

"Lalena" is wonderful - still captures my mind within a few bars. Great use of understatement, fluid rhythm, sad melody. Donovan has a number of songs I return to for rejuvenation. "Poor Cow" (little known, from a soundtrack). "Sand and Foam" ("and the simple act of an oar stroke put diamonds in the sea/and all because of the phosphorus there in quantity"). "Sunny Goodge Street" ("Mingus mellow fantastic" "violent hash smoker shook a chocolate machine"), unusual jazz flavored instrumentation, song lead to Donovan being subject to the first of several famous drug busts of the period). "Wear Your Love Like Heaven", which is so tightly arranged it is over before you know it, but the essential musical statement is all there. Doubling the vocal with a just single violin in final verse! Lou Marinoff's KZbin video setting art and photos to the song, plus lyrics, really brings out the many color references in the lyrics. I am an atheist, but I can't help but like this song. "There Is A Mountain" - pure Zen Koan. Recently, the motif was realized in the surreal western TV series "The Outer Range".

[@DavidB-2268]

Donovan started as a folk singer. Try "Colours" or "Catch the Wind" for some of his more folk influenced music. "Catch the Wind" is also one of the best love songs I've ever heard.

[@michaellaporte4951]

I'll add "Turquoise", "Isle of Islay", "She Moves Through the Fair", "Hampstead Incident", "Sunny Goodge Street", "Epistle to Derroll", and my favourite "Young Girl Blues". I think Donovan's got a wonderful talent to crafting beautiful songs with pretty simple structures, he was my go-to when learning guitar.

[@DavidB-2268]

@@michaellaporte4951 it's actually "Epistle to Dippy", and I'd put at least some of those you listed as more of his psychedelic period, more than his early folk roots.

[@michaellaporte4951]

@@DavidB-2268 "Dippy" is off Mellow Yellow, but there's "Derroll" too off A Gift From a Flower to a Garden, dedicated to his teacher, the banjo player Derroll Adams.

[@DavidB-2268]

@@michaellaporte4951 ah, sorry. I'm not as familiar with that one. Thanks for the correction.

[@salsalzman2325]

In a crazy way, this is the first Led Zeppelin song, with Donovan as lead vocals. The session musicians include Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I heard that Jimmy Page and John Bonham didn't play on this track. Someone mentioned that John Paul Jones confirmed this.

[@salsalzman2325]

@@dwaynewladyka577 At that time Donovan was as big as any other musician in the world, a contemporary of Bob Dylan, and he always commented he was more interested in the music (Dylan's recordings were always very sloppy and rushed) than just lyrics- so he hired loads of top studio musicians for each session. Very similar BTW to Fagan & Becker (Steely Dan) but they had a much better memory of who actually worked on each track!

[@Richard_Jones]

I saw Paige & Plant in the 90's and they were supported by an amazing hurdy-gurdy player.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@salsalzman2325 That's true. I also have a biography on Jimmy Page, and it was mentioned that Jimmy Page and John Bonham didn't play on this particular track. It was mentioned in the book that John Bonham was never a session musician. Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones definitely were. Jimmy Page did play on Sunshine Superman, and Epistle To Dippy. John Paul Jones played on Mellow Yellow.

[@mickcapewell6369]

Page and Bonham did not play on this, despite Donovan’s claims. John Paul Jones has confirmed that it’s him, Alan Parker on lead guitar and Clem Cattini on drums

[@jayburdification]

Love the tremeloed vocals on this. Donovan always wore his psychedelia like heaven. “Singing songs of peace, love, and eternal cosmic wisdom. Guiding us on paths of everlasting pseudo-karmic negligence.” (Zappa).

[@thereunionparty]

Donovan is strangely overlooked these days, considering all the hits he had in the mid 60s. I really love Get Thy Bearings from the same album, which is completely different and a whole other vibe.

[@a.k.1740]

I had no idea that Donovan originally wanted to give this track to Jimi Hendrix, but it does make sense because "Hurdy Gurdy Man" features more spirited drumming and the fuzzy guitar sound is somewhat reminiscent of Jimi's at the time. It would have suited him very well.

[@gammaanteria]

Didn't know that, but yes, the song sounds like it would have been very well-fitted to the Jimi Hendrix Experience!

[@a.k.1740]

@@gammaanteria Somehow, the version Steve Hillage made in 1976 on his album L, could come close to what Jimi Hendrix could have done ...

[@gammaanteria]

@@a.k.1740 Yes! I love the Hillage version...

[@RobertERensch]

Never ask ‘60s musicians who played on studio tracks. Find the recording engineer. He took the notes. Anyhow, I was a wee lad just into my teens when this came out. I LOVE psychedelia. Between the studio take of Toad on Fresh Cream and this, I started drum lessons. Thrilling stuff. Do you think elements of human expression occasionally hit a peak, then entropy jumps in? I’m convinced this genus of musical expression, whatever the journalists call it, has the legacy of peak development in 1967-1971. Since, it’s become a digital playground. Nothing clever at all in that species.

[@maruad7577]

This was another song where, afaik, I was the only kid in the neighbourhood to own this on 45. I had a lot of the Donovan 45s. This is the first time I have heard it in stereo. The music is so impressive for the time. The lyrics are kinda of what you would expect from Donovan. "Sunshine Superman", "Mellow Yellow", "Epistle to Dippy", Buffy Ste-Marie's "Universal Soldier" and so many more. He was huge at the time. This was a nice surprise. A bit of roots music would be a surprise nice as well.

[@davidvornsand9551]

I have flashbacks every time I hear this song!☮️❤️

[@williamgeorgefraser]

This was one of the first songs that made me want to compose music. In the late 60s I had a reel-to-reel tape recorder and had a tape with Hurdy Gurdy Man, and Fire Brigade(the Move) and discovered that by twisting the tape I could listen to them backwards. Hearing drums and guitars played in reverse was a mind-blowing experience and made me realise how recording studios worked. This is still one of my favourite songs of all time.

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

Donovan's song "Season of the Witch" was used in a movie by the same name but also released in America with the title "Hungry Wives". Directed by George Romero. Strange movie.

[@Rowenband]

Donovan was one of the artists I loved as a kid (when English artists were rare in France), back in 1968-70. I had the chance to see him perform in 1976, as a first part of a Yes concert in Colmar. That was just amazing. Everyone waiting for Yes to start, but having the chance to hear Donovan sing his classics. I loved it.

[@dcanmore]

Donovan is Scottish :)

[@Rowenband]

@@dcanmore OK thanks for the correction, I didn't know…

[@jeremyb5640]

You got it in one. Swirling, hypnotic, distorted, fuzzy psychedelia. The Beatles' trip to India to study transcendental meditation with the Maharishi was a landmark 1960s moment. Over a couple of months staying at an ashram, in between listening to lectures from the Maharishi, the Beatles wrote dozens of new songs, many of which would end up on their late 1968 eponymous double album (commonly known as the White Album). Also studying at the ashram were Donovan and Mike Love (of the Beach Boys). In turn, Donovan's finger picking guitar style would find its way onto several White Album tracks. Jimmy Page and Clem Cattini were renowned session musicians throughout the sixties and there will be dozens of hit records you know really well, but had no idea they were playing on!

[@gaiaeternal5131]

There's a recent Bollywood film release called The Beatles and India. It's a documentary from an Indian perspective about this period, and has an interesting soundtrack by Bollywood singers (edit: actually songs inspired by the film) - mainly their covers of Beatles songs, including several by Nikhil D'souza, a favourite of mine. Must check out what UK release it has been given.

[@BaldJean]

Steve Hillage did a cover of this song on his second solo album "L", of which there also is a live version on his "Live Herald" album.

[@MrsMillwall]

Love Donovan ⭐

[@rk41gator]

Dang, I forgot how cool Donovan was. Dig that bit of sitar with the spacey guitar. Can anyone else see black lit posters on the wall with wafts of smoke circling their dorm room?

[@bobholtzmann]

Never paid attention to the song's meaning - thanks! Donovan released some groundbreaking songs back then. In 1968, he released "Atlantis" as a single - it has a long ending chorus, just like "Hey Jude" that same year.

[@billjones8503]

Got that right man! - "Zodiac"(2007) film, based on a story of a true story in San Francisco serial murderer. Donovan's song was played at the end, to great effect! - Not the original idea by Donovan, but uncannily blew the doors off the film by its inclusion! - Listening on.......!

[@johnbranham9941]

Super awesome review as always. Really enjoy your expressions, one can tell when you like something going on in the music. Very informative after conversation about the song.

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Hi Justin. Dave, On The Other Side of the pond. Donovan's was dubbed the British Bob Dylan. Love his folk phase, with classics like Colours and Catch The Wind, and this more psychedelic period, with the substance fuelled Sunshine Superman (which Jimmy Page did play on) and Mellow Yellow. As you say, this song is creepy, but the wild guitar sounds (whoever played them) are fantastic and pioneering for the time. The album is well worth checking out - great variety, and the special edition contains bonus tracks of some of his earlier hits. P.S. my song ref above, On The Other Side, is by Kansas.

[@nigeltown6999]

A Hurdy Gurdy is in the same sort of instument catagory as Bag Pipes. They are both widely hated for their drone and 'unique' tone/tuning. you pretty much can'[t play along with them on other intruments, but in the hands of a master, in the back room of a pub on folk night, they can take you way back in time and evoke the history of ages past...

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

This was written in the Maharishi’s ashram in India and rose out of a number of sessions on the roof of his bungalow at night when he and the Beatles would jam. It was during these night time sessions that Donovan taught John Lennon the fingerpicking style of guitar playing. George Harrison wrote a verse for this song which Donovan didn’t use. When I saw him live in the late 90s he included the Harrison verse. I’ve since found it on a number of live recordings he’s done. To be honest, I can see why he didn’t use it. You’re correct in as much as there is no Hurdy gurdy on this track. The closest thing I can think of that sounds like a hurdy gurdy is a violin, although there are many differences in sounds. However, there is another type of hurdy gurdy. The barrel organ was sometimes called a hurdy gurdy because it, too, was operated with a handle. A hurdy gurdy man would travel the streets with a barrel organ on a barrow, sometimes with a trained dancing monkey, who would play songs whilst people would throw money into a hat, often held by the monkey. The song was also used as the theme for Sky’s series Britannia (for the first series. Series 2 used his Season Of The Witch whilst series 3 used TRex Children Of The Revolution)

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

Donovan was in India (Rishikesh) with The Beatles in early 1968 and wrote this song while there. Some members of (what would become) Led Zeppelin played on this track.

[@krisdoggett483]

Donovan also sang with Alice Cooper in 1973 on the song "Billion Dollar Babies" off the album Billion Dollar Babies. Good song. Great rock album.

[@yahawahreuben1159]

*Universal soldier* is another brilliant Donovan song. And so is *ballad of Geraldine* and *candy man*

[@moog67]

It was used to great effect in the David Fincher movie "Zodiac"

[@danielkelleher2419]

This song was used to great effect by David Fincher in the movie, Zodiac!

[@BrendanAshton]

Eartha Kitt does a very passable version of this song, her vocal suits it.

[@outernothingness1177]

Not just "passable". Absolutely hypnotic. I was scared shitless when I first heard it as a kid. I thought she was coming to eat me or something. My parents seemed to think she was just a normal singer. But looking at the album cover, I was pretty convinced she was a vampire, at the very least. But I love it now.

[@edprzydatek8398]

George Harrison (of the Beatles) wrote that Last verse about "When the truth gets buried deep..." Love Donovan ( the Scottish Bob Dylan). Great reaction.

[@jeffstokes7894]

Nice sense on the track being used ominously in a film. I recall it being used in the movie 'Zodiac', which is a pretty freaky bit.

[@doplinger1]

I would highly recommend "Sunshine Superman", such a vibe.

[@James-np8pu]

You are correct (or very close to being correct) about it being used in a horror film. It was Zodiac which is more of a suspense film but somewhat of a horror film. It was also used in the commercial for it so perhaps you remember it from that.

[@jfergs.3302]

That reminds me, my kaftan needs cleaning. Wow, far out man, but so in a good way. A great song, full of that hippie, 60's vibe, and with some great muso's backing him up. Most of Led Zep apparently, though D seems a little hazy on the details. There's also a great live cover of this on Steve Hillage's Live Herald LP. That's also well worth a listen. * Oh, and roly-poly, hurdy-gurdy etc, these types of words are known as reduplications. Who said learning can't be fun 🙂

[@Rael_486]

Steve Hillage did a nice cover of the song. With a Prog Rock take and a great guitar solo. 👌

[@timfoley332]

Having lived through it , this is one of few songs that let's you know what the psychedelic late 60s was all about

[@reneelyons6836]

Your beautiful. I spent the whole year with you and it was wonderful.

[@janevosburg9560]

Was the theme of season 1 of the tv series "Britain"

[@albertwallace5060]

The re-recording of Catch The Wind (which appeared as a bonus on the CD of that album, but I think was recorded especially for his late 60s Greatest Hits compilation) is a masterpiece. His masterpiece, in my humble.

[@Macilmoyle]

Absolutely. The original, while good, is a bit too Dylanesque for my tastes. The later recording is wonderful.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

A friend of Donovan's was in a band called Hurdy Gurdy, and it's likely he got inspiration from that, but the sound of the words drives the lyrics. The way you said "hurdygurdyhurdygurdy" while you were reading the lyrics sounded like the Swedish chef from the Muppets! Donovan is connected with a lot of big musical names of the era - his song "Barabajagal" was recorded alongside Jeff Beck and his band, for instance.

[@starlightperkins330]

It was apart of the soundtrack of the movie "Zodiac", about the Zodiac killer that haunted the San Francisco area in the mid to late 60s.

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Nice Justin. One of the hippish dudes of the 60's and early 70's. Good pick. One of the first recollections of rock music in my childhood. Yellow submarine, hurdy gurdy man, along with Puff the magic dragon....lol. Love the guitar work and drum track here.

[@justintime42000]

The recent British TV series Britannia used this as its theme song for Season 1. I couldn’t remember any horror films it was used in. I don’t feel that from the song myself. It’s got more of a Celtic history kind of vibe to me. It’s really interesting the way Donovan used his vibrato to fit rhythmically in the timing of the measures in the beginning of the song. His vibrato pulsates 8 times in each measure, as 8th note rhythms in a 4/4 You should listen to more Donovan. He wrote many great songs and had a string of hits in the 1960s. He’s still performing today and he still sounds great.

[@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052]

“Atlantis” Donovan sings the story.

[@deepfriedscotsman2860]

Another great Scottish singer song writer

[@Shamris]

Wear My Love Like Heaven

[@tkroupa]

The Hurdy Gurdy Man was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi whom Donovan and the Beatles spent time with in India in 1968 practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM). Donovan has publicly said that himself.

[@magicbrownie1357]

This song was used in the first Hannibal Lecter film "Manhunter" and played during the climactic scene where the hero and villain finally clash.

[@gammaanteria]

I thought that was “In-a-Gadda-da-Vita”

[@gammaanteria]

I recall "Hurdy Gurdy Man" was used to ominous effect in another movie, "L.I.E" (2001), with Brian Cox, who played the original Hannibal in "Manhunter." In "L.I.E," Cox plays a pederast driving around his suburban neighborhood looking for the teen (played by Paul Dano) who broke into his basement, while the song plays, adding an 'ironic' disturbing element to the scene (a la "Singing in the Rain" in A Clockwork Orange, or another Donovan song, "Atlantis" in Goodfellas).

[@magicbrownie1357]

@@gammaanteria Yep. That's it. My bad! I totally sluffed this one.

[@magicbrownie1357]

Now that I think about it a bit more, I think Hurdy Gurdy Man was used in the serial killer movie ZODIAC.

[@e.nowbodhi144]

as has been cited, the horror film you are thinking of is David Fincher's ZODIAC, about the Bay Area serial killer of the 1960s/1970s, surely one of the most terrifying uses of a song in any movie, ever

[@joemaurone7923]

Donovan! This is the kind of 60's stuff they used to play on classic rock radio until they switched to a mostly 70's and "grunge"-era mix. For a Donovan song with some "bounce", try "Epistle To Dippy". Not as well known, but a hidden gem.

[@oli19]

Never heard this till season 1 of Britannia was aired in 2018. Quality.

[@triffidkiller1234]

Donovan is the best, I was lucky enough to see him perform with the Master Musicians of Jojouka at Reading WOMAD. Open Road is a great album and the Butt Hole Surfers did a great cover version of The Hurdy Gurdy Man.

[@-davidolivares]

With some kind of rotary effect on the voice and maybe instruments, this is a cool song no matter whom played on it… does sound like Bonham. Guitar sounds like it could be anybody from that time period, not especially exciting. Of course, our man Hillage has his version on “L” , along with Its All Too Much, a Beatles tune, well, I love this album. All I can say. Try: Please Don’t Bend by Donovan,a lovely song later in his catalog. Donovan plays and sings in repetitive ways often, like mantras, over and over… hypnotic. Haven’t heard Shaman, his new album but, I bet it’s weird too, in a good way. Peace and seeds of love Music

[@Drummingvulture]

If you enjoy Donovan, you may want to listen to the Alice Cooper song "Billion Dollar Babies", which has Donovan and The Coop trading lead vocals. On paper this probably shouldn't work, but on record it is magnificent.

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

John Paul Jones on bass. Alan Parker on electric guitar. Clem Cattini on drums.Two great studio musicians.

[@mickcapewell6369]

Yes! Parker played with Blue Mink too, and provided the wah wah guitar on Bowie’s 1984. Clem was in the Tornados and played on over 50 #1 hits.

[@mrwomby5007]

@@mickcapewell6369 Clem the legend! I believe he started out with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, alongside Alan Caddy who was also in the Tornados.

[@mickcapewell6369]

@@mrwomby5007 he played on the early Kinks records too. Shel Talmy wanted an experienced studio drummer instead of Mick Avory. Clem also played on all the Dave Clark 5 records, with Mr Clark yelling at him to “Keep it simple Clem! I’ve got to mime this on TV!”

[@IllumeEltanin]

My favorite Donovan song is Atlantis. During the Obama administration, my email signature was a quote from that song. I'll wait until you react to it to say which lines I used. Perhaps when you go through the lyrics, you'll venture a guess as to which lines I chose. 😊

[@linusfotograf]

I can’t separate this song from that scene in Zodiac.

[@keymack2477]

No hurry or anything, JP, but "Atlantis" is one Donovan song you must put on your list to get to one day!

[@richardfurness7556]

Made the top 10 in the UK charts around the early summer of '68. You can actually hear British pop turning into rock on this record. As for no one being able to remember who played what during which session, one reason springs immediately to mind.

[@vickiroman189]

Wow, haven't heard this one in a long minute. So unique, as much of our music was. Thanks for the flashback!

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Donovan the OG Hippy

[@daveking9393]

Dusted off a classic. Always liked this one. Thanks.

[@simonspeak9288]

Not sure about a horror movie, but there’s a great video of Hurdy Gurdy Man on YT someone put together. Makes you want to go back in time to hang out with Donovan and his friends.

[@simonspeak9288]

Here it is… kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWbKZqNvq6xjr7M

[@michaelbowie7410]

Great reaction. Thank you.

[@magidog8582]

I applaud you for actually reading up on the history of the song before voicing an oppinion,unlike another reaction from someone else on here.

[@knightvalin]

JP: Its not really a horror film, but David Fincher used it in his film ZODIAC, about the Zodiac Killer. its used in one of the creepiest scenes in the film.

[@KevinRCarr]

Now place yourself at 10 years old, listening to am radio late at night, as this song comes creeping out of the darkness into bed with you, with all of its fuzz and warm tones. Great song. Loved it long before I ever had the slightest clue what it might be all about.

[@mgman6000]

Dylan goes electric Donovan goes psychedelic

[@ljsites]

“There’s a lot of colors in here” Wow, far out man, you got that right!

[@zenpuppy6025]

This song was in the movie Zodiac with Robert Downey Jr. Serial killer in San Francisco area. He was never caught. Such a good song 🎵

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Psychedelic folk music. Love Donovan's music.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Get Thy Bearings ......cool jazz folk song, a genre he mastered and maybe invented

[@EmmanuelPehau]

John Paul Jones plays bass on the track, but he was there foremost as an arranger and booked musicians for the session. According to him Clem Cattini plays the drums and Alan Parker plays the electric guitar. If Jimmy Page and John Bonham were there, John Paul Jones would be the one to remember them, no ?

[@drfoxcourt]

Thank you for doing a Donovan piece. He's very under appreciated these days, but he was in the center of the long stretch of the British Invasion. Got to see him front for Yes and it stands as one of the best concerts possible IMHO. Thanks again JP.

[@brucefelger4015]

most amazing performer. saw him at a stadium concert, just a figure in a white robe producing the most amazing music

[@margaretvella3557]

In the song he is tripping man, that’s what he is describing.

[@jimtatro6550]

I cannot hear this song without thinking about the movie Zodiac. Happy New Year JP!!!

[@ronjm945]

Donovan is a great singer songwriter musician and storyteller. Hurdy Gurdy Man is a unique one of a kind songs as were many in his catalog..

[@bryanhale5254]

Yeah that's that's what I grew up with my dad got me this record I mean you know we went to the store my dad just said pick out whatever you want I would like 8 or 9 years old yeah it had this song in Sunshine Superman oh yeah changed my life

[@thomassharmer7127]

The humming at the beginning is Donavan imitating the buzzing sound of the instrument which rotates a rosined wheel against drone strings and a melody string that's stopped with finger keys. The effect is very rustic and can be heard particularly in French traditional folk music. Yes, there's a lot of hallucinogenic imagery in this song! It's very iconic of the decade in both sound and lyrics.

[@MikeB-in1nd]

Love it

[@tonygrinney7115]

Hi JP! Love Donovan. Had the privilege to wtach him play as support for Yes in 1977. Great song! You might also be interested to hear the Steve Hillage cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/eny3oX59as-Ef9E BTW Beatles reference Donovan met John Lennon in Rishikesh, India. Donovan was using a technique that John was not familiar with when playing his guitar (hammer-claw). He asked Donovan to show him how to do the technique. The result was the song "Dear Prudence".

[@Drummingvulture]

I saw the Yes tour with Donovan opening, also. What I enjoyed most about his performance was that he did "The Intergalactic Laxative". It took me right back to late 1973 when I was fourteen years old and my two buddies and me would sit around listening to my one buddy's brother's albums. We always got a little kick out of "TIL". I still do.

[@davidglass4227]

A hurdy gurdy is a stringed instrument that sounds like bagpipes.

[@jamesaaron7211]

There’s a real menacing/ominous feel to this song, totally disconnected with the lyrics. It’s been used in scenes in movies like Zodiac with memorable effect. I love it but am always slightly creeped out by association. The musicians on this are ~ zep, so there’s that.

[@jeffmartin1026]

Thank you for giving this a listen/review - what a classic. Donovan was compared to Bob Dylan in the early 1960s and is seen riding in the limo with Bob in the documentary film "Don't Look Back". Another Donovan song you should listen to is Atlantis - another drifty 60s classic.

[@Umbrella2]

Love this song and Donovan. Get Thy Bearings is another fave from this album.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Saw Donovan on the same bill in 77 with J.Giles, Bob Seager and YES as the headliner. The Hurdy Gurdy is a folklore instrument that is used thru Europe and the Middle East.

[@827dusty]

Wow, does this song ever take me back to my teens. I always thought the "Hurdy -Gurdy man, was a reference to some figure in an LSD induced "trip" from some delusion or hallucination. I later found out, that a "Hurdy- Gurdy" man was a fellow that played an instrument known as a "Hurdy-Gurdy. I thinks it's like the accordion or something, I don't remember. It's an instrument you play of some kind. In any event, it's a song of the psychedelic/ drug era of the late 60s.

[@cometogether999]

If I don't see you before Saturday, Happy New Year Justin! Billy Batts suggests you should listen to "Atlantis" by Donovan. While Tommy gets his shinebox.

[@debjorgo]

Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow are the other up-beat pop hits from Donovan. Atlantis is great too, I like his duet with Alice Cooper, Billion Dollars Babies.

[@jaynewilliamson4019]

Greatest Scottish folk singer☺☺😑

[@palantir135]

The German medieval folk band Faun uses a hurry gurdy.

[@RobtSc]

I'm sure you'll love many of his songs: Colours, There Is A Mountain, Jennifer Juniper, Sunny South Kensington are just a few.

[@j.8804]

yep, Sunshine Superman, GooGoo Baragajal, Lalena....

[@jeffschielka7845]

Donovan is awesome.

[@Yosef1952]

I used to listen to this WAY too loudly.

[@MisterWondrous]

It could be a case of "If you remember it, you weren't there." :) Donovan was right in the thick of the grooviness scene, along with Beatles, Peter Sellers, Tim Leary, and etc. This music is mother's milk to a generation, with new generations discovering it all the time. Thank you.

[@AriadneJC]

True about later generations still discovering this era of music. I was born about a decade and a half after all this came to pass but I love it, absolutely love it, that whole late60s-early70s era.

[@rickgarms7656]

It was used on the soundtrack of the 2001 film L.I.E. (Long Island Expressway). A dark drama starring Brian Cox.

[@IMD1Guru666]

Check out the song " yer blues " with Lennon, Clapton, Mitch and Richards. Then Eric burden and war preforming "spirit" live on t.v. I the Netherlands. ☮️

[@scotstevens5263]

Saw him open years ago for Yes for the Gates of Delirium tour. I like Donavon and his hippie tripping tunes ☮️😻🤩