The original version of Manfred Mann split their allegiances between bubblegum-type pop and the stuff they really loved: instrumental jazz. This collection, apparently culled from their early albums, showcases the latter. The tunes are pretty well split between originals and covers of then-current classics, among them The Stones' "Satisfaction", The Who's "My Generation", and an almost unrecognizable take on Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe". In addition there's a pair of Cannonball Adderly songs, including "Sack O'Woe" (though I prefer the cover by The Omega Men myself) and a Christmas song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". One oddity, "L.S.D." turns out to be "You Don't Love Me" (also from S&C's debut album) with different lyrics! (Yes, they slipped in a vocal.) The remastering job is great, and this CD contains both MONO and STEREO versions of every song! While the differences at times may be slight, in the 60's some groups (including The Beatles) used to actually remix mono and stereo versions differently-- and a VERY noticeable instance can be found here in the one recording I was familiar with before I bought this, "Why Should We Not", Mann's debut single from 1963. The stereo version sounds like a completely different recording, and far more complex & exciting for something so slow and moody!
