It was John Sebastian that was the focal point of the Spoonful. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Sebastian had a keen melodic ear and the lyrical talent of a tin pan alley master, like Ira Gershwin. Sebastian brought the best traditions of American folkways to Top Forty radio. "Wild About My Loving" is a variation on a song played by the legendary Mississippi Sheiks an African American ragtime and blues band. "Nashville Cats" sings the praises of yellow Sun records from Nashville. "Jug Band Music" is about, well, jug band music. Sebastian certainly broadened the scope Top 40 music playlists. In addition, Sebastian songs like "Summer In the City" and "Daydream" were in the best traditions of American tin pan alley songcraft. After ill conceived several tries, Buddah Records has finally released a complete remastered collection of the Spoonful's greatest hits. Within this context, the Spoonful rise about the "nark" band fiasco, to deliver the goods.
Sebastian and the Spoonful had pretty much run their course by 1968 but left a stellar string of hit singles. Sebastian was offered a fourth slot in Crosby,Stills and Nash, which he declined and went on to be the whimsical tye-dyed poster boy for Woodstock. He wrote the theme to the "Welcome Back Kotter" television show which probably assures him that he will never have to work a day job. He is still a regular on the tour circuit and still a delight on the concert stage (I saw him in Boston a couple of years ago.)
In Britain, they are mainly remembered for Summer in the city (a top ten UK hit and an American chart-topper) and Daydream (a number two hit in both Britain and America), though they also had some minor UK hits. They were far more successful in America, where they had many more big hits, beginning with their first single, Do you believe in magic, an American top ten.
One of their songs, Nashville cats, takes an affectionate look at country music's musicians. The group never ventured into country music themselves, though Dolly Parton did a fine cover of Lovin' you on her Here you come again album and John Sebastian (lead singer of the Lovin' Spoonful) was a guest on the same singer's Treasures album in the nineties.
The original version of Lovin' you is included in this compilation. Some other great songs to be found here include You don't have to be so nice, Did you ever have to make up your mind, Younger girl and Darling be home soon.
Yet perhaps the most interesting song is Younger generation, which takes an amusing look at the problems of growing up and how attitudes change as one gets older.
The good-time music of the Lovin' Spoonful sounds as good today as it ever did. There are many compilations around though there is very little difference between the track listings of most of them. If you enjoy good-time sixties music, this is for you.
