Cosmic Wheels (1973)
Charming, Flawed, Curious, Odd… Another Post-60s Donovan Album
Donovan may have worn out his welcome by the time the 60s morphed into the 70s, but that didn’t stop him from recording interesting material that seemed to cherish his inner voice over commercial convention. Cosmic Wheels is just that kind of record. Admittedly, part of its appeal was the fact it was out of print for decades. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or some horseshit like that. But the fact is that Donovan, for all his faults, is a decidedly genuine guy and his good vibes and attitude could often buoy his weaker work. It couldn’t help his worst work (I mean, “Intergalactic Laxative,” come on…) but, the title track alone is a fun rebirth of Donovan’s psych experimentation, and a few of Cosmic Wheels acoustic tracks – “I Like You” and “Appearances,” to name two – capture the flower child’s flighty, easy-going appeal. Cosmic Wheels probably won’t convert the naysayers but those in tune with Donovan’s sense of play may well appreciate. Great cover, too. The original CD is not even available at Amazon.
Cosmic Wheels (4:10)
Earth Sign Man (4:03)
Sleep (3:54)
Maria Magenta (2:21)
Wild Witch Lady (4:36)
Music Makers (4:30)
Intergalactic Laxative (2:53)
I Like You (5:23)
Only the Blues (3:19)
Appearances (3:44)
15 Comments
Jeez, haven't heard this since it came out, if shitting is your problem when you're out among the stars the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to Mars (at least I think that's how it goes!!)
This is by far my favorite Donovan album, and one of my favorites of the 70's to boot- and the main reason why is the accompaniment, with its MVP Cris Spedding guitars and (especially) Lennonesque string arrangements as well as Cosy Powell's drums (love that hard, flat snare sound on most cuts). Mickie Most sounded committed as producer, being reunited with Don after a short estrangement, and I never once felt that Leitch wasn't singing from the heart on any of these cuts. Well, "Laxative" was a joke, sure, but it was a funny one just the same.
I remember being really disappointed that he didn't reunite Cosmic's players on its mostly-blah followups Essence to Essence and 7-Tease…
Good assessment Johnny.
You are correct, sir. Give Don credit for finding new subject matter (fecal matter), if nothing else.
great album, no question, good assessment, yeah, too, was there anything chris spedding wasn't playing on? thanks, cappo
a cross between trex and gene clak's no other [the track being played]
One of my prized albums of the early 70's…anyone with an acoustic guitar , and this album in their possession was learning 'I like you' "Intergalactic laxative" "Maria Magenta" and "Appearances". It's his best album since "Barabajagal" and , frankly..his last really good one, where everything came together…the songwriting, singing,musicianship.. production…the miking and recording of his acoustic guitar on this album was out of this world. I say album, because I bought the album when it came out. I have it on vinyl, but never could make myself color the gatefold in crayon, as Donovan suggested…you know, that middle ages woodprint that took up both sides of the gatefold. Incredible stuff that they cannot reproduce today with cd limitations…Not to mention the fact, if memory serves, he used Morgan Studios in London,a studio, with Trident , known for their innovative production techniques…Basically this album is 4 out of 5 for non-Donovan fans, and 5 out of 5 for Donovan followers, but I assume every follower of this man's music has already heard this collection countless times…Thanks for posting this classic…Paul
Hi Paul,
Forgot about the color by numbers inside cover. Yeah… the sound was great (Johnny B reminded us that Mickie Most produced it) and you're right about followers knowing this album but, unfortunately, not many othes did. Between missing a bona fide hit and it's decades long out of print status, it was almost a forgotten relic until CD reissues came along (but those are OOP now too). I think I agree… it was his last really good one, though, he still had a few tricks up his sleeve on following releases. As always, thanks for weighing in.
Donovan's best work is the Sunshine Superman LP. I bought it new in '66 and listen to it regularly.
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Yeah, great album, when you strip out the song about spacemen poo. This is why mp3 is the greatest listening format ever. Thanks Willard.
Spacemen poo, ha ha! Had this a couple of years n never got round to it. Started on the ‘laxative’ track, just now – yeah it’s funny but twee. The rest can only get better (I hope). Thanks, W. Peace.
Can’t get much worse.
H.M.S. Donovan 1971
Thanks Capt.