Search - Manfred Mann :: Best of the EMI Years

One of the Best British Bands of the 1960's

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 03/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Manfred Mann group was, as the title "The Five Faces of Manfredd Mann" of their debut album might want to indicate, a very versatile band. The band played rhythm'n blues better than most of their contemporaries, they experimented with jazz in different forms, had several pop-hits and even gave occasional tries at folk-music. Moreover than band consisted of five very gifted musicians which meant that they rarely failed to come up first class performances.



This album covers their early years with Paul Jones as their lead-singer, a period which is usually referred to as "Manfred Mann Chapter I". The majority of their recordings were standard R&B songs from this period and most of it is very good. They had the knack of chosing the right songs for their singles. This ability secured them a long string of hit-singles during 1964-66, most of which still sound charmingly fresh today. "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "I You Gotta Go, Go Now" and "Pretty Flamingo" represent the best of what was to be found on the international charts in those days.



In 1966 Manfred Mann reorganized the group with two new high-profiled members Klaus Voorman and new lead-singer Mike D'Abo, and this new "Chapter II" continued the success of the Paul Jones line-up. In fact the last Paul Jones single "Pretty Flamingo" sound like the "Chapter II" band; apart from Jones vocals, of course.



Personally I always preferred Manfred Mann as a pop-group, liked their R&B but hated their tried at jazz. At any rate a highly recommendable release. Well compiled and most of my favourites are included - would have liked to have seen the overlooked "John Hardy" too.



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