Donovan “Open Road”
Open Road was Donovan’s first album of the 1970’s. Here he was backed by a sympathetic group of the same name (Open Road) and this change made all the difference. Gone are the psychedelic trappings of previous years and in their place are a collection of sharp Celtic influenced folk-rock tracks.
The lyrics and backing band are straight forward and direct, giving this album a back to the basics feel (there are no sitars, horns, harpsichords or elaborate studio productions) – so in the case of Open Road, less is more. While there are no huge hits in the order of “Mellow Yellow” or “Sunshine Superman”, Open Road rates as one of Donovan’s most consistently enjoyable sets. To these ears tracks such as “Curry Land,” “Celtic Rock,” “Roots of Oak,” and “People Used To” are some of the most powerful music of Donovan’s career. “People Used To” features gutsy slide guitar while “Roots of Oak,” “Curry Land,” and “Celtic Rock” are outstanding compositions that could hold their own with any authentic, critically praised UK folk-rock act of the time or place. These mesmerizing tracks are a unique mixture of traditional Irish folk, hard rock, roots music and the dying embers of psychedelia.
The album’s most popular song and minor hit, “Riki Tiki Tavi,” is a jaunty studio jam with politically charged lyrics and a playful vibe. Other winners are the punchy pop-rock opener “Changes”, sensitive folk-rock numbers “New Year’s Resolution” and “Season of Farewell” and the whimsical throwback “Joe Bean’s Theme.” Donovan would never record anything like Open Road again. Not only is this one of Donovan’s most mature records but it’s also one of his best – surely an underrated LP that deserves recognition.
“People Used To”
Original | 1970 | Dawn | search ebay ]
Reissue | 2000 | Repertoire | buy ]
Spotify link | listen ]
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I still wonder why Donovan has not continued to develop his music along this vein… Open Road is a remarkable album, although the mp3 download seems rather sterile compared with my worn-out vinyl purchased in a cut-out bin back in 1981. Curry Land is among my favorite Dono songs ever – it is moody and presents a rich tapestry of music. I continue to search for a complete version of Roots of Oak – they lyrics presented in the gate-fold jacket seem to indicate a political message contained in one of the verses – the one that was eliminated in the abbreviated version on the album.
The Music on this album is outstanding… the band seems to play together very well… the guitars and the drums meld together effortlessly. A rich sonic experience (alas! vinyl sounds much better to these ears!).
Yes, there are occasions when Mellow Yellow spins its magic or Hurdy Gurdy Man appropriately occupies my time… however, none of those trippy flower-child albums have the depth of this album.
Thanks for the review Jason!
Thanks for introducing me to this great record. Curry Land and New Year’s Resolution are probably my favourites.
Grew up on this LP since the days it came out.Fortunatly my older sister had this vinyl around the house and,…to this day it is the most mature work of Donovan that I could think. I always confused Side 2 as Side 1. Strange. Underrated work for sure.
This was an a breath of fresh in 1970. Away from the influence of Micky “I am not really that good” Most. A true reflection of Donovan’s true talent that influenced other greats such as Fairport Convention and even Big Country and Simple Minds. Magic.
Bought the album when it came out. Nearly no one seems to know the songs from this album. It should’ve been a way bigger hit. Whatever, I love this album and every single semi-obscure song on it. I love it, love it, love it.