Customer Reviews

Hums Of The Lovin' Spoonful

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After a strangely long absence from the catalog, the glorious HUMS OF THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL is back. This masterpiece of wit--rich with variety--is delightful by turns. This album was the band's third, released late in 1966, and remains one of the best from that year (a year that yielded many great records). It does have its share of hits: "Darlin' Companion," "Rain On The Roof," "Nashville Cats" and "Summer In The City" all are known commodities...fantastic songs of musical diversity, imagination, charm and good taste. That description sums up this band in general; they combined musical styles to produce something wonderfully unique. Their songs are simple, but not simplistic. They're interesting and colorful...utterly enjoyable. They make me smile, no, beam from ear to ear.

Still, to this day, John Sebastian's voice is one of the most comforting sounds I know. From the first notes of "Lovin' You," the music will warm you and make you grin. "Coconut Grove" is one of the most deliciously dreamy songs you'll ever hear. The Spoonful could have fun, sometimes to the point of being silly, but they always remained consummately artistic at the same time. "Henry Thomas" is an example of that: stomping, bluegrass-like, with its perfectly appropriate use of a slide whistle. The lyrics are hilarious. "4 Eyes" (a particularly witty tune about the plight of wearing glasses as a youngster) is a masterpiece of humor. The marvelously bizarre "Voodoo In My Basement" is proof that it wasn't necessarily a bad thing that Zal was from outer space. (Love Zal!) And, this time around, we get bonus cuts. They are not earth-shattering, but always nice to have. Certainly, the price is right.

If you're a Spoonful fan, this album is a must. If you love the 60s, this album is a must. Heck, just get this.

Cheers and happy listening,
Murray

It didn't get any better than this for the Spoonful. The late great Zal was shortly to leave (or be fired depending on what you read)for narcing on his pot dealer (it was either that or face being deported and possible jail time). Sebastian's originals were about as strong as they would ever be. Summer In The City, while the stand out cut and hit single, was only the tip of the iceberg. Voodoo In My Basement had the slightly off-kilter lazy day melody that was always so memorable; the witty paen to Tennessee session players Nashville Cats captures the feel of country music without imitating its cliches; Coconut Groove was the album's secret weapon. It's sly melody and witty lyric would be echoed and have an impact on other musicians (most notably Harry Nilsson).

The bonus cuts are icing on the delicious cake. There's nothing as interesting as on the previous reissues but that's not the point really; the bonus tracks provide fans a glimpse into the band's creative world.

If it was all downhill from here (and it was despite some wonderful moments on the underrated Everything's Playing), Hums was the original incarnation's Cody Jarret moment; Yep Ma, they were top of the world for a brief, brilliant and shining moment.
Thanks guys for such a marvelous album.

Flashback to the summer of 1968: I just discovered Hums of the Loving Spoonful in my sister's collection of LPs. She was away, and it's a good thing too, for I played it over and over. Rain on the Roof, Coconut Grove, Summer in the City, and Lovin' You are all pure gems. These are the songs of a simpler time, of a better time. They are still playing in my mind.

When I hear the Lovin' Spoonful, I think of lazy summer days in the country. I captured that feeling again a few years ago while traveling among the vineyards of western New York in late summer. Thank you Lovin Spoonful!

The Spoonful's third album (not counting the soundtrack LP to "What's Up, Tiger Lily?") is the most satisfying of their all too short career. It was their first album of all original material and all of the songs were written or co-written by John Sebastian. These are all Spoonful classics and continue to reflect their wide range of influences: the jugband sound of "Henry Thomas," the countrified "Darlin' Companion" and "Nasville Cats," the bluesy "Coconut Grove," the folk-influenced "Lovin' You" and the contemporary sound of "Summer in the City." The consistent high quality of the material on this album is all the more amazing when you realize this was their third album in 12 months!

On the back cover of the CD, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck declares HUMS is the "best, most consistent record by America's most underrated band." He's right. ESSENTIAL

Most of these tracks are so filled with whimsy it's hard to take them seriously, but they are so seriously whimsical ("Bes' Friends," "Nashville Cats") that they bear repeated (and I mean repeated) listening. Sure, "Voodoo In My Basement" is about voodoo in one's basement (really!), but the catcalls and toms in the instrumental breaks are so arch that they render the whole idea as possible as a child might well convince you it is. Sure, "Henry Thomas" is in adoring affection for a pet dog (or is it a cat?), but the whole idea that such a song exists for adult listening (and this in 1966) suggests a seriously comic muse. And "Four Eyes," with its alternating time signatures and its "HA! HA! HA!" belie its whimsical tone. Likewise for "Coconut Grove" (personal fave) which is so summer-moody it will fill you with a languid lethargy that only the brilliant "Full Measure" will shake off. As for the bonus tracks - - I prefer the instrumental version of "Rain On The Roof" to the original as it allows more breathing space for close listening, revealing just how textured a song it is. "Full Measure" comes off as a great instrumental too. Just know that these guys were so out of their time they still kick. I could go on, but I won't.

1966 was a great year for Chryslers and music. A serious Dodge Dart 270 or a Dodge Coronet 500 set to the COOL dial and a collection like this and you are good to go!

This is truly a feel good collection. John Sebatian, et al. sound strong and pure and the guitar playing is excellent. Sebastian was a master at blending folk and country. "Summer in the City," their signature song from 1966 sounds as fresh and good now as it did then. "Nashville Cats" was a nod to country music while maintaining the rock foundation. The lyrics are also strong and pure, which make for a very pleasant listening experience indeed.

The bonus songs are just that - a pleasant addition that makes a good thing even better. Listeners are treated to the band's range of creativity. THANK YOU, LOVIN' SPOONFUL!