Search - Herman's Hermits :: Herman's Hermits/Both Sides of Herman's Hermits

Two-fer packaging of The Hermits First Two UK Albums

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 06/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, this is lightweight pop, I admit it. But I was in junior high when these guys first hit the charts and one of the first albums I ever bought was their U.S. debut, "Introducing Herman's Hermits." It should be noted here that this two-fer combines the Hermits first two U.K. releases, not their first two U.S. releases. For example, my vinyl copy of their U.S. debut also included such covers as "I Understand," "Mother-in-Law" and "Sea Cruise," which aren't found here. But that's a minor complaint. For fans of Peter Noone and the boys, just be glad this material is available at all. These two albums include only a handful of their first ten U.S. hits due to the U.K. practice at the time of NOT putting singles on LPs. The conventional wisdom of the period was fans should not have to pay for songs on an album that they already purchased as a 45. So you don't get their first single, "I'm Into Something Good" (a U.K. No. 1), "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat," "Silhouettes," "Wonderful World" or ""Just a Little Bit Better"--all from 1964 and 1965.You do get their two biggest U.S. hits, "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am." Both topped the U.S. charts and sold a million copies each, but were not released as singles in the U.K.If you're looking for something other than a greatest hits package, this is the perfect fix for 60's British Invasion junkies. Let's hope EMI continues the series with the remainder of the Hermits' catalog. RECOMMENDED"

Quite Enjoyable!

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 01/15/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"These were the first two albums released in England by Herman s Hermits in 1965 and 1966 - In America a couple of more albums were released during the same period.



Even though Hermans Hermits were pretty lightweight throughout their career and that their sound ( especially on the first album ) is pretty thin there are actually quite many enjoyable tracks on this CD release.



The first album features cover versions of wellknown songs like "Heartbeat", "For Your Love", "Travellin Light" and "The End of the World"; most of in idententical arrangements as their originals; but sounding thinner without much excitement.



The album also contains a couple of decent originals written by bandmembers, but the two charming hit-singles "Mrs Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henery the Eighth I am" are by far the two most memorable tracks.



Their second album "Both Sides of" has been given a much better production and the album has a fuller sound. Their playing sounds tighter and the harmony vocals are great on many tracks - at times much like their contemporaries like the Hollies.



The hit singles here are "Where Were You When I Needed You", "Leaning on the Lamppost" and "Listen People" - 3 rater different tracks, but all fine. Lesser known tracks like "Little Boy Sad" and "Dial My Number" have fine vocals from the band, and their original "My Reservation's Been Confirmed" shows that the band could also play tight Chuck Berry type rock'n roll."