Search - 5th Dimension :: Magic Garden

Great album marred by "A Ticket to Ride"

Michael Ofjord | Minneapolis, Minnesota USA | 12/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I want to give this recording a "5," but the soul version of "A Ticket to Ride" which was apparently put on for "financial purposes," keeps it from the top review it would otherwise get. This is a pop album, with a definite late 60's psychedelia and concept album written all over it. There are at least a couple of absolute classics on here, including "The Magic Garden," "Carpet Man," and "Requiem : 820 Latham." Jimmy Webb is at the top of his songwriting game, and the sophisticated writing with all its romanticism and psychedelia, certainly must have enhanced his reputation. The individual singing and harmony singing could not be improved upon, and the 5th Dimension was without a doubt, one of the best vocal groups of their time. The album is apparently influenced by a relationship Webb was in at the time, and all the pulling and longing and tribulations of a normal relationship are part of the musical and lyrical journey. There are orchestral interludes between songs, giving it a concept album feel, connecting the songs into a coherent whole. The only problem is the inclusion of the Beatles tune done in a rhythm and blues style, and it should either have been left off the album or slowed down in a more pop style and rearranged into something that fit with the rest of the recording. If that song would have been substituted for another Webb tune, changed, or left off, this album could easily be considered an overlooked gem of its era. The concluding "Epilogue" is 55 seconds of vocal harmony and orchestral heaven."

A Legendary Performance

David B. Schaub | Rockville, MD | 08/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Seeing this again, I was transported back in time to the early months of '68, when I first saw the LP in a record store. Already a fan of the 5th D, I never hesitated in buying it. What a totally glorious tapestry of sound; Jimmy Webb's gorgeous music (and lyrics), the fabulous vocal interplay of all members of the 5th Dimension, woven together seamlessly and beautifully by Bones Howe. And nobody else bought the record; baffling & puzzling to me at the time, but that just made it all the more of a personal treasure -- it was their loss.

And now you can have it, restored at last to its rightful place as a classic; many thanks to Rev-Ola for wisely moving "Ticket To Ride" out of the middle of this exquisite song cycle and dumping it at the end of the disc (it's okay, but doesn't compare to the brilliance around it). Forty-one years have passed me by, and I still have not heard any song more deeply romantic, personal and powerful as "Requiem: 820 Latham." Believe me when I tell you that the songs you DON'T recognize are the ones that you just have to hear, which is why you just have to have this for your own."

A "Magical" Piece of Work

Bradley J. Scarton | Cleveland, Ohio | 10/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a 20 year old, I have always felt that the music of the 60's and early 70's was the greatest era in popular music. After listening to this album, it made it so much better. I have always like The 5th Dimension and Jimmy Webb, but only knew of a handful of songs he wrote them such as "Up, Up And Away." I have no idea that Jimmy Webb wrote and arranged an entire album for the group. When I learned of this, I listened to the samples and was completely blown away! Only listening to 30 second samples, I knew I had to get this album and I am so glad I did. It is an incredible piece of work. Each song is outstanding and gets better after each listening. Several shining songs include "Summer's Daughter," "Carpet Man," "Requiem: 820 Latham," "The Girl's Song," and "Paper Cup." There is not one bad song on this album (with the exception of "Ticket To Ride" which was moved for to the end of the CD). It's a shame that it didn't do well on the charts back in 1968 because it's really a musical masterpiece. They sure don't write songs and material like this anymore. People from my generation have a lot to learn.



One of the best albums I've ever heard. It's a must have!!"