The 5th Dimension - The Magic Garden (gets some 70-degree December thunderstorms for some reason)


And just when you least expect it, i'll pull it out and you'll all knowingly wink because you're in on it. Did you forget? I specifically told you don't forget. What am i going to do with you guys? I give up. 

As is often the case, i coincidentally ended up ending this batch of records acquired when i had to go have my tooth removed, no that's not right, oh yeah when i finally decided i couldn't expound upon Marx any more than i already have, on the night of a major storm. Uncanny. Even better, it's The Magic Garden, the sophomore concept album from the 5th Dimension. With the exception of one track left over from Up Up and Away, it's a semi autobiographical tale about Jimmy Web and Susan Horton. Spoiler alert, they eventually break up.

The allmusic review is harsh. It basically says "Nick Drake loved this album, so a bunch of Nick Drake fans are gonna buy up all the used copies and return them a few days later." Oof, heartless. I'm still on the comedown from Reggae versions of a Sonny and Cher song, so this is downright sophisticated and romantic. Why in the world would anyone feel compelled to compare this to Brian Wilson's dad's least favorite Beach Boys album? It's probably because both albums have that annoying hit single that shouldn't be there, not because the entire animal population of Bottleville is currently inside the Bunker of Beef rather than outside: the covers of Ticket to Ride on this album and Sloop John B on Pet Sounds. 

The sitar on this album is way better than either The Rascals, the Stones, or The Incredible String Band, i can tell you that much. And just like that the storm has passed, we're good. Now, please excuse me as i continue to enjoy this delightful album of psychedelic pop-soul and hope that everyone east of me has an equally uneventful/delightful experience. May your power stay on long enough to enjoy the whole thing as the staycation from going back to work tomorrow it really is. Cheers.

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