Magic Garden

Repressing. 2008 digitally mastered reissue of this true undisputed classic of orchestrated, Psych-tinged Soft Pop. The 5th Dimension are one of the most successful American bands of the late '60s. In 1968, they were teamed up with producer Bones Howe and wunderkind composer/arranger/all-round bona fide musical genius beyond redoubt, Jimmy Webb, who presented them with a complex song cycle based on his own tumultuous relationship with his partner. Nestling between such dyed-in-the-wool classics as 'Carpet Man', 'The Girls' Song', 'The Worst That Could Happen' (which all became hit singles for other artists) and the life-affirming title track (as covered by Dusty Springfield no less) are such lesser-spotted Webb gems as 'Summer's Daughter' and 'Paper Cup'. The whole cycle is linked with beautifully ornate pieces of orchestration, sitar flourishes and ethereal vocals. Rev-Ola.