Evolution Of Mann, The - Manfred Mann

...the Manfred Mann Album “The Evolution of Manfred Mann”. Many of the songs are instantly recognisable having been used as theme tunes to TV programs or adapted for adverts. Most are pleasant melodic tunes that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Track listing

1. 5-4-3-2-1 – Manfred Mann
2. Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble – Manfred Mann
3. Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann
4. Sha La La – Manfred ...
...Oh No Not My Baby – Manfred Mann
7. If You Gotta Go Go Now – Manfred Mann
8. Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
9. Just Like a Woman – Manfred Mann
10. Semi Detached Suburban Mr James – Manfred Mann
11. Ha! Ha! Said the Clown – Manfred Mann
12. Sweet Pea – Manfred Mann
13. Mighty Quinn – Manfred Mann
14. My Name Is Jack – Manfred Mann
15. Fox on the Run – Manfred Mann
16. Handbags ... more

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and wondered what it is? That tune buried in the recesses of your mind that you’ve not heard for 20 years suddenly evokes memories of times gone by. Chances are there is one of those songs on the Manfred Mann Album “The Evolution of Manfred Mann”. Many of the songs are instantly recognisable having been used as theme tunes to TV programs or adapted for adverts. Most are pleasant melodic tunes that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Track listing

1. 5-4-3-2-1 – Manfred Mann
2. Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble – Manfred Mann
3. Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann
4. Sha La La – Manfred Mann
5. Come Tomorrow – Manfred Mann
6. Oh No Not My Baby – Manfred Mann
7. If You Gotta Go Go Now – Manfred Mann
8. Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
9. Just Like a Woman – Manfred Mann
10. Semi Detached Suburban Mr James – Manfred Mann
11. Ha! Ha! Said the Clown – Manfred Mann
12. Sweet Pea – Manfred Mann
13. Mighty Quinn – Manfred Mann
14. My Name Is Jack – Manfred Mann
15. Fox on the Run – Manfred Mann
16. Handbags and Gladrags – Mike D’Abo
17. Miss Me in the Morning – Mike D’Abo
18. Joybringer – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
19. Spirits In The Night – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
20. Blinded by The Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
21. Questions – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
22. Davy’s On the Road Again – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
23. California – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
24. You Angel You – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
25. Don’t Kill It Carol – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
26. Lies – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
27. Demolition Man – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
28. Runner – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
29. Redemption Song – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
30. Sikelele – Manfred Mann’s Plains Music
31. Nothing Ever Happens – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
32. Blinded by The Light (live) – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
33. For you (live) – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Manfred Mann started life as “The Mann-Hugg Blues Menn” in late 1962. The band members were Manfred Mann, Mike Hugg, Paul Jones, Dave Richmond and Mike Vickers. In 1963 they signed to EMI and changed their name to Manfred Mann.

The first song on this double CD is “5-4-3-2-1”. This song was originally written as the theme tune to the TV music show “Ready Steady Go”, but it also reached No.5 in the charts. It was also adapted for a chocolate biscuit advert.

“Do Wah Diddy Diddy” is a cover version of an Exciters song. Manfred Mann released their version in 1964 and it gave them a No.1 both in the UK and America.

“If You Gotta Go” was written by Bob Dylan. A once heard never forgotten song, when it was originally released a few radio stations would not play it because they thought the lyrics were unsuitable.

“Pretty Flamingo” was released as a single in 1966 and became Manfred Mann’s 2nd No.1, staying at the top spot for 3 weeks.

1967 saw the single release of “Ha Ha Said the Clown”, a lively pop song that got to No.5 in the charts.

Bob Dylan came to the rescue again in 1968 when Manfred Mann released his composition “Mighty Quinn”. This was to be their 3rd and final No.1 in the UK where it stayed for 2 weeks as well as reaching No.10 in America.

The next song was “My Names Jack” from the film – You Are What You Eat. This song reached the top 10 in 1968.

“Fox on the Run” always makes me smile. Anyone who watches Shooting Stars on BBC2 will recognise this as the song that Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer use to welcome in Donald Cox the Sweaty Fox. Anyone who doesn’t know Shooting Stars must think I’ve gone round the twist. “Fox on the Run” made it to No.5 on its release in 1969.

The Final Song released under the Manfred Mann mantle was “Ragamuffin Mann” and it reached No.8 in the charts. The B-Side was used in an advert for cigars.

The 2nd CD is mostly made up of songs by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Although there are some less recognisable tunes they are still good in their own right.
“Blinded by the Light” is a worthy song, as is “Davys on the Road Again”, both are lyrically clever. Add to this Mike D`abos “Handbags and Gladrags” and an acceptable version of “Nothing Ever Happens” and you have a Best of double CD set that you’ll play over and over again.
 

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