Sunshine Superman

Scottish folksinger Donovan Leitch had first emerged as a lighter-weight Bob Dylan, complete with harmonica rack and songs that shifted between vague protest and poetic symbolism. However, Donovan hooked up with producer Mickie Most and together the two sculpted a gorgeous psychedelic pop that emphasized and reflected the hippy-trippy sentiments to which the young songwriter was unquestionably drawn. In an era of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and the Beatles’ Revolver, 1966’s Sunshine Superman sounds perfectly in step, a mix of progressive sounds and ancient sounding folk hymns (“Guinevere,” “Three King Fishers”). The title track chugs with a swooping, descending riff. “Season of the Witch” turns two chords into an eerie warning statement.  “Bert’s Blues” tips its hat to Scottish folk guitarist extraordinaire Bert Jansch. “The Fat Angel” nods towards the Mamas and Papas’ Mama Cass. But most affecting is Donovan’s tribute to his future wife, “Legend of a Girl Child Linda,” a mystical folk lullaby that features one of his most gorgeous melodies.