Sweet, clean folk rock sounds through my speakers. Melanie Safka is singing wiht a soft, though lightly rusty voice.
This is the version before Woodstock, before readjustments. The beautiful cover is a gatefold sleeve of the French pressing form 1968 (Buddah Records). Apparently for the French and Dutch album's release a different design was made. Two clear picture of Melanie give you a hint of the spirit of the album. Rumour has it in the late 60s she was not yet instantly recognised and had to sing the first few words of one of her songs to get past stage security. But her voice is unmistakably recognisable. The easy (or unskilled) guitar chords are sometimes distracting but most of the time her voice is playing the lead role and guides you in a relaxed mode through the record.
However, 'Merry Christmas' is the last song, and I am glad not to have waited till Christmas playing it. The anticipation would have been greater than the joy from listening. Let's keep it at eating Animal Crackers!
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