The Hurdy Gurdy Man cover

The Hurdy Gurdy Man

Donovan · 1968

34 min · 13 tracks · folk rock · psychedelic rock · folk-pop

Psychedelic melodies intertwine with folk elements, creating an ethereal soundscape that captures the spirit of the late '60s.

Why this album works

'The Hurdy Gurdy Man' is notable for its influence on psychedelic music and its chart success, reaching No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. The title track became one of Donovan's signature songs and has been covered by various artists, highlighting its lasting impact on popular music.
Best for
short, whimsical listening sessions lighthearted, breezy vibes dreamy, reflective moments
Context
By the time 'The Hurdy Gurdy Man' was released in January 1968, Donovan had already made a name for himself in the folk music scene with hits like 'Catch the Wind'. This album marked his transition into a more psychedelic style, following the commercial success of his previous works and setting the stage for his artistic evolution during the counterculture movement.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hurdy Gurdy Man Standout 3:17
  • 2 Peregrine 3:36
  • 3 The Entertainment of a Shy Girl 1:42
  • 4 As I Recall It 2:09
  • 5 Get Thy Bearings Standout 2:49
  • 6 Hi It's Been a Long Time 2:35
  • 7 West Indian Lady 2:17
  • 8 Jennifer Juniper Standout 2:43
  • 9 The River Song 2:17
  • 10 Tangier 4:12
  • 11 A Sunny Day 1:54
  • 12 The Sun Is a Very Magic Fellow 2:44
  • 13 Teas 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata