"Here We Go 'Round The Mulberry Bush" OST, Featuring Traffic & The Spencer Davis Group

Original released on LP United Artists UAS 5175

(US, 1968)

Although not a proper Spencer Davis Group album, eight of the fourteen songs on the soundtrack to this silly late-'60s British flick were by the group (most done, alas, just after the departure of Stevie Winwood). There were also three tunes from Traffic, and a nice orchestral-psychedelic oddity from Andy Ellison (lead singer of John's Children). Heard in isolation from the movie, the album tends to highlight just how important Winwood was to the Spencer Davis Group, whose numbers are pleasant, almost stereotypically late-'60s London pop throwaways. "Waltz for Caroline," which does feature Winwood, is an organ-dominated instrumental that is identical to the cut titled "Waltz for Lumumba" on other SDG releases; "Picture of Her" is a ringer for the kind of songs Jack Bruce and Peter Brown wrote for Cream. Better are Traffic's more soulful contributions, especially the title track. (Richie Unterberger in AllMusic)

SPENCER DAVIS GROUP: "Autumn '66"

Original released on LP Fontana TL 5359

(UK, September 1966)

It is almost impossible to say anything about this band without making reference to a young Steve Winwood. Basically filled with rhythm and blues standards from the 60's, it would be a ho-hum listen if not for him. But, putting it in another perspective it was the perfect vehicle to emphasize one of greatest talents to arise from this era. Later known for his contributions in Traffic, Winwood certainly was a forerunner to the term blue-eyed soul. Listen to him sing "When a Man Loves a Women" and you wonder why you were tortured by Michael Bolton's attempts when there were such superior versions out there. Perhaps not an essential album, but it certainly should be labeled: Why Not? (in RateYourMusic)

SPENCER DAVIS GROUP: "The Second Album"

Original released on LP Fontana TL 5295

(UK, January 1966)

During the British blues-rock/R&B boom of the mid-60's popularized during the mod movement, The Spencer Davis Group was one of the tighest, leanest of all the bands from this era (which also encapsulates the Stones and the Animals). That said, these guys were really more of a singles band than an albums band, especially in this early stage. While not every track on here can really be considered a hidden gem, there are some highly enjoyable moments on here. For example, the jammy, Ray Charles cover "Georgia On My Mind", one of their first hits "Keep On Running", the edgy "Hey Darling", and the lean rock and roll of "Watch Your Step". It's hard to believe good ol' Steve Winwood is only at the mere age of 18 here, since his voice already sounds so gritty and soulful. For a guy who presumably didn't have much vocal training, this guy could definitely belt it out. And his voice coalesces excellently with the rest of the band's tight, bluesy sound. In fact, Steve takes so much of the band's spotlight, it would seem more fitting to call the band "The Steve Winwood Group". But Spencer does actually get to sing 2 tracks on here - "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" and "Since I Met You Baby", both obscure blues covers. His voice is pleasant enough, but he doesn't really have the charisma of Winwood, and it doesn't really help that the songs he chose to cover are rather unmemorable, frail tracks. But once again, when the band gets it right, they really do get it right. It's definitely not an essential 60's album, but if you like good old 60's mod-rock, this would be a great album to check out. (in RateYourMusic)

SPENCER DAVIS GROUP's First Album

Original released on LP Fontana TL 5242 (mono)

(UK, July 1965)

The Spencer Davis Group first album is basically a reflection of their early repertoire and very heavy on the R&B/soul standards. Dominated by covers of Ike & Tina Turner, the Coasters, John Lee Hooker, Little Walter, Brenda Holloway, and others, only three of the tunes are original. Two of these are written by Stevie Winwood, the other by Spencer Davis; Winwood's mid-tempo soul number "It Hurts Me So" is easily the best of them. A great album of Rhythm & Blues, presented here in its original mono sound.