By his own admission Webb said that Bacharach was a sort of 'hero', role model for his music thus I detect a very 'Bacharachian' rhythm and progression in this song, a sort of 'flavor' if you may. I hardly heard this song in my time so it's quite refreshing to hear it and keep repeating it at will, it's a lovely song, but pardon my saying this, it seems to come parallel (the music) with Bacharach's music in 'Lost Horizon' or 'Promises, promises'. I'll take both composers anytime.
@shyphyre I agree that Ron and Flo should have had more leads...BUT I do like theri stuff in the70s too...it[s just that MOST of the songs I like form those post Portrait albums were not singles...Unfortunately. Also, IMO they should have got rid of Bones Howe earlier...he had run his course with them.
My absolute, favorite song by these guys.........sure doesn't get much exposure but there is just something about the lyrics, harmony and emotion......yeah, baby!!!!
Thanks Lamont for posting this. Beautiful song, arrangement and vocals by one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. It should have made the top ten in its time.
I remember this one well. It originally came from "The Magic Garden (later named "The Worst That Could Happen" lp) I played it so much I had to buy another copy. Jimmy Webb wrote this one as well as "Up, Up & Away" and "Carpet Man".
A really great song. One of my favorite 5th Dimension songs. I always thought it should have done alot better on the Top 40 than what it did. Marilyn hitting those high notes and the background vocals by the guys were awesome.
This is truly an awesome selection from the Fifth Dimension. Always a favorite of mine. For those of you looking for a great collection, you'll want "Up-Up and Away: the Definitive Collection." It includes 36 tracks from their early days right through the Bell Years.
I first heard this on Greatest Hits sandwiched between Aquarius and Stoned Soul Picnic. I hit on those those middle tracks (TGS, SSP and The Worst That Could Happen) so many times they became virtual fuzz. I found a near-mint Greatest Hits at a flea market, but as long as there's YouTube I'll just leave it stashed under my bed with my other vinyl where the grandkids can find it when I'm dead! Thanks, LamontCJ, for the song and vid, and thanks to your YouTubers for the interesting comments!
@uKooKu Whoever owns what the records on what was ABC records need to release Earthbound, and also Billy and Marilyn's second and third duet albums (the Two of Us and Billy & Marilyn) because all of them were FAB albums.
This is also one of my favorites of the 5D. And I am glad that you had posted it. I found out that Jimmy Webb did actualy have Burt Bacharach when he wrote "The Girl's Song". It is actually a tribute to Bacharach and his work with Dionne Warwick.
If you are not familliar with it,check out "The Magic Garden" album. TGS was originally a track from that album, released in late 1967. But was not released as a single until 1970, when the 5D had moved from Soul City to Bell records.
Thanks for the details. I had no idea that TGS was released in 1967. The pieces really seem to fit. The nod Jimmy Webb gives to Bacharach/Warwick seems even more apparent with your information.
I've gotten the information from the CD reissue of "The Magic Garden" The CD was out out print for a while. But now it's available again, this time paired up with the Up Up & away album.
Sensational song. And better quality than another clip uploaded here recently. Love the way the women share the lyrics, with McCoo standing back sometimes to let her partner get a little spotlight.
Technically, the song is simply arranged but the vocal dexterity of the 5th Dimension certainly makes it memorable. What is often overlooked is the subtle brilliance of Mclemore and Townsend playing off Davis's prominent licks on this and many other songs.
Agreed. This group was the master of harmony and balancing the talented voices it had. And let's credit some of the producers and arrangers who understood what they had to work with. And song selection, from the likes of Johnny Rivers and Jimmy Webb, completed the picture.
Your very welcome Frank! I have a sentimental connection to this song. It reminds me of my late beloved mother who really liked the 5th Dimension and watched every time they were on T.V. This song in particular, she favored because she played it all the time on the HiFi whenever my father left(he was merchant marines).
Comment removed
casey3234 8 months ago
By his own admission Webb said that Bacharach was a sort of 'hero', role model for his music thus I detect a very 'Bacharachian' rhythm and progression in this song, a sort of 'flavor' if you may. I hardly heard this song in my time so it's quite refreshing to hear it and keep repeating it at will, it's a lovely song, but pardon my saying this, it seems to come parallel (the music) with Bacharach's music in 'Lost Horizon' or 'Promises, promises'. I'll take both composers anytime.
tuberobotto 8 months ago
Thanks for posting this...have not heard in years.
60scat 1 year ago
Liked this since I was ten-forty years now! The instrumental phase at the end is the best part of this.
mongoose636 1 year ago
Love it and good for your mum, she had great taste xxxxx A brilliant tune all time classic. Words are great and they matter xxxxxxxxxx
alyssa553 1 year ago
@shyphyre I agree that Ron and Flo should have had more leads...BUT I do like theri stuff in the70s too...it[s just that MOST of the songs I like form those post Portrait albums were not singles...Unfortunately. Also, IMO they should have got rid of Bones Howe earlier...he had run his course with them.
MsTexas73 1 year ago
ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!! THANKS.
snowball1419 1 year ago
My absolute, favorite song by these guys.........sure doesn't get much exposure but there is just something about the lyrics, harmony and emotion......yeah, baby!!!!
centralparocker 3 years ago 5
Thanks Lamont for posting this. Beautiful song, arrangement and vocals by one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. It should have made the top ten in its time.
9ballguy 3 years ago 2
I remember this one well. It originally came from "The Magic Garden (later named "The Worst That Could Happen" lp) I played it so much I had to buy another copy. Jimmy Webb wrote this one as well as "Up, Up & Away" and "Carpet Man".
Cch092775 3 years ago
A really great song. One of my favorite 5th Dimension songs. I always thought it should have done alot better on the Top 40 than what it did. Marilyn hitting those high notes and the background vocals by the guys were awesome.
miker7456 3 years ago 2
This is truly an awesome selection from the Fifth Dimension. Always a favorite of mine. For those of you looking for a great collection, you'll want "Up-Up and Away: the Definitive Collection." It includes 36 tracks from their early days right through the Bell Years.
fivemile13 3 years ago 5
I first heard this on Greatest Hits sandwiched between Aquarius and Stoned Soul Picnic. I hit on those those middle tracks (TGS, SSP and The Worst That Could Happen) so many times they became virtual fuzz. I found a near-mint Greatest Hits at a flea market, but as long as there's YouTube I'll just leave it stashed under my bed with my other vinyl where the grandkids can find it when I'm dead! Thanks, LamontCJ, for the song and vid, and thanks to your YouTubers for the interesting comments!
bloootube 3 years ago 2
Does anyone know if the BELL label 5th LP's will be released onto CD's , post Portrait , as were the first four Soul City LP's?
bearfed 4 years ago
The first four Soul City LPS and the Love Lines, a LIve in concert Bell albums were reissued by Buddah Records in 2000/2001
shyphyre 3 years ago
Good News and Bad News - Everything's available! (Except their last album "Earthbound" which was arranged by Jim Webb, and is Kick-Ass!!!)
uKooKu 3 years ago 2
@uKooKu Whoever owns what the records on what was ABC records need to release Earthbound, and also Billy and Marilyn's second and third duet albums (the Two of Us and Billy & Marilyn) because all of them were FAB albums.
MsTexas73 1 year ago
Even better FYI!, thanks!!
LamontCJ 4 years ago
Group member the late Ron Townsend discovered Vesta Williams (Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Congradulations) from the late '80s early '90s.
eric2181965 4 years ago 2
Great FYI!, thanks!
LamontCJ 4 years ago
This is also one of my favorites of the 5D. And I am glad that you had posted it. I found out that Jimmy Webb did actualy have Burt Bacharach when he wrote "The Girl's Song". It is actually a tribute to Bacharach and his work with Dionne Warwick.
If you are not familliar with it,check out "The Magic Garden" album. TGS was originally a track from that album, released in late 1967. But was not released as a single until 1970, when the 5D had moved from Soul City to Bell records.
shyphyre 4 years ago
Thanks for the details. I had no idea that TGS was released in 1967. The pieces really seem to fit. The nod Jimmy Webb gives to Bacharach/Warwick seems even more apparent with your information.
dbl1956 4 years ago
Comment removed
dbl1956 4 years ago
Thank you very much.
I've gotten the information from the CD reissue of "The Magic Garden" The CD was out out print for a while. But now it's available again, this time paired up with the Up Up & away album.
shyphyre 4 years ago
Great song! Great performance! This arrangement, like those of Bacharach, is so melodic. Thanks for this post.
dbl1956 4 years ago
It cetainly fit the period along with his work with Dionne Warwick.
LamontCJ 4 years ago
...now that you mention it, I could see Dionne Warwick doing this, too!
Great song! My absolute favorite of all their hits.
RitzyTrailer 3 years ago
Sensational song. And better quality than another clip uploaded here recently. Love the way the women share the lyrics, with McCoo standing back sometimes to let her partner get a little spotlight.
wleary2 4 years ago
Technically, the song is simply arranged but the vocal dexterity of the 5th Dimension certainly makes it memorable. What is often overlooked is the subtle brilliance of Mclemore and Townsend playing off Davis's prominent licks on this and many other songs.
LamontCJ 4 years ago
Agreed. This group was the master of harmony and balancing the talented voices it had. And let's credit some of the producers and arrangers who understood what they had to work with. And song selection, from the likes of Johnny Rivers and Jimmy Webb, completed the picture.
wleary2 4 years ago
Great insight, I was wondering who may have wrote/arranged it. thanks!
LamontCJ 4 years ago
I've been looking for this song on YouTube for a year and a half. Thanks LamontCJ! You have the best library of music on YouTube.
Best,
Frank
1goat 4 years ago
Your very welcome Frank! I have a sentimental connection to this song. It reminds me of my late beloved mother who really liked the 5th Dimension and watched every time they were on T.V. This song in particular, she favored because she played it all the time on the HiFi whenever my father left(he was merchant marines).
LamontCJ 4 years ago