![]() How could a follow-up album to one of 1967’s biggest hits stall on the charts? All of the ingredients were in place with Jimmy Webb in the arranger/conductor seat. The album tanked on the charts in such a way that the album’s biggest hit, “The Worst That Could Happen” quickly served as a replacement title for the work. Jimmy Webb’s songwriting brushstrokes have given us standards such as “Wichita Lineman” and “By The Time I Get to Phoenix.” Webb’s production partnerships with Richard Harris, Glen Campbell, and Thelma Houston are viewed as iconic examples of his recording studio artistry.Īs a follow-up to their Top 10 hit “Up, Up, and Away,” The 5th Dimension was paired with the young songwriter to record a “Jimmy Webb album.” In December 1967, The Magic Garden was released to much fanfare - but promptly became a flop. The vocal blend of Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson gave us Top 40 pop classics from “Stoned Soul Picnic” to ” Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” to “Wedding Bell Blues” – all bona fide hits and the stuff that Oldies Radio playlists are made of. His epic words and music proved to be an ideal match for The 5th Dimension. The 5th Dimension had established their vocal prowess with their debut hit album and single, “Up, Up, and Away.” This Grammy Award-winning tune came from the pen of up-and-coming songwriter, Jimmy Webb. Somewhere hovering above MacArthur Park was a hot-air balloon filled with the vocal harmonies of a joyful quintet. Musicians may have shed matching suits for Nehru jackets, fringe boots, and love beads. Sitars and mellotrons found their landing spots in these albums. Albums of this scope may have orchestral interludes, poetic lyrics, extended suites, and exotic instruments. It was in vogue during this brief era for musicians to intentionally create an album designed to be a magnum opus. This new release by The Beatles not only heralded the fabled Summer of Love, but it also spawned the move by many musicians to create their grand statement – a concept album, if you will. ![]() Our fab neighbors across the pond have just dropped a sonic earthquake in the guise of their concept album, Sgt. ![]() Transistor radios hum with the “Now” sounds from bands like The Monkees, The Mamas and Papas, and Buffalo Springfield. Words like “groovy” and “peace” are fully embedded in the lingo of the day. ![]() A friendly Day-Glo sun smiles down on the summer scene that is Los Angeles circa 1967. ![]()
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