Donovan is set to re-visit his classic 1966 album ‘Sunshine Superman’ with a special Royal Albert Hall show.
The debate of the first psychedelic album has raged almost since the Summer Of Love. Mixing folk, blues, jazz and world music Donovan’s 1966 album ‘Sunshine Superman’ is certainly among the first examples of psychedelic pop music.
Already a star after the success of early singles such as ‘Colours’, Glasgow born singer Donovan was keen to explore other forms of music. Teaming up with producer Mickie Most, the result was an experimental album which ranks amongst the singer’s finest.
Opening with the single ‘Sunshine Superman’ the mood is set by melting guitar from a young Jimmy Page. Donovan’s lyrics blend together elements of American pop culture, referencing comic book heroes.
Elsewhere, ‘Bert’s Blues’ pays tribute to folk guitar pioneer Bert Jansch, while ‘Three King Fishers’ features a sitar. While some simply used the instrument as a gimmick, Donovan tries to absorb the Indian folk tradition into pop music.
A tough call, but to an extent Donovan succeeds. Also spawning the hit single ‘Season Of The Witch’ the album was an overwhelming success, becoming one of the first to hint at the LSD experience in the form of ‘The Trip’.
Now Donovan is set to re-visit the album at the Royal Albert Hall. In a statement, the singer explained that the idea initially came from his wife. “This year of 2010 Linda and I celebrate our ruby anniversary and when I asked my muse what she wanted to do, she said.. ‘Perform the complete Sunshine Superman album at the Royal Albert Hall’. Her wish is my command!”
“I wrote the album for Linda, and Queen Victoria built The Albert Hall for you know who, so come and celebrate two love stories next June 3rd and dress for the occasion!”
Donovan is set to play the following show:
June
3 London Royal Albert Hall
