This singles compilation covers Manfred Mann's HMV years; with Paul Jones as their lead-singer. All British A-sides, except the first two, are included - recordings from 1965-66. Most B-sides are here too, some of which have only rarely been included ( "John Hardy" and "What Am I Doing Wrong" ) on compilations. Moreover a good handful of EP-only songs can be found.
The early Manfreds were a funny mixture of pure pop, r&b and jazz. Some of these tracks sound pretty dated today, but their best singles like "If You Gotta Go", "Pretty Flamingo" and "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" still are great listening. Among the B-sides the Folkish "John Hardy" is quite enjoyable.
Among the EP-tracks "The One in the Middle" with its great melody and self-irony stand out.
A good complilation.
