British Invasion

The Beatles and the Rolling Stones were the generals leading the mid-'60s British Invasion, but foot soldiers like Herman's Hermits, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and the Small Faces, who are featured along with late singer Dusty Springfield in this outstanding set, also made valuable contributions. The four main discs combine literally dozens of live and lip-synced performances from European and American concerts and TV, plus file footage and new and archival interviews with the musicians and others. Herman's Hermits, dismissed for fluff like “I'm Henry VIII, I Am,” were actually a tight little combo with tuneful harmonies and some memorable pop singles (like Gerry Goffin and Carole King's “I'm Into Something Good”). Springfield, whose catalog includes immortal interpretations of songs by Burt Bacharach (including “I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself,” called “the greatest British soul record ever made”), was also a live performer of immense power. Liverpudlians Gerry Marsden and his Pacemakers were a good deal bluesier and more rockin' than their biggest hits (ballads like “Ferry Cross the Mersey”) would suggest. And the Small Faces' 26 songs here will be a revelation for those who know them mainly through “Itchycoo Park” (their only American hit). In fact, Steve Marriott—later with Humble Pie—was a wonderfully soulful vocalist, the band was steeped in R&B, and the multiple selections from Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake attest to why that album is now legendary. Each disc includes bonus performances, interview clips, and booklets with extensive liner notes, while a bonus fifth disc adds more songs and interviews. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)