The 5th Dimension

This two-fer contains the 5th Dimension's debut Up, Up and Away (1967) and their follow-up, The Magic Garden (1968). Added as bonus tracks are a trio of rare sides -- including the A- and B-sides of "I'll Be Loving You Forever" b/w "Train Keep on Movin'" by the pre-5D combo, the Versatiles (sic). Plus, "Too Poor to Die," which was the flip of their debut 45 -- a cover of "Go Where You Wanna Go" -- that made it all the way into the Top 20 pop chart. Behind the scenes, Johnny Rivers -- founder of the 5D's Soul City Records label -- was assembling a team of top-shelf all-star musicians and producers to support Lamonte McLemore, Ron Townson, Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo, and Florence Larue's equally masterful vocals. The end result would sound like a more soulful and funky version of the Mamas & the Papas. The instrumentalists were handpicked from the infamous Wrecking Crew led by Hal Blaine (drums). Jimmy Webb's widespread influence is evident, ranging from contributing nearly half of the material to his full-bodied orchestral arrangements. They are especially notable during the 5D's timeless take on Webb's "Up, Up and Away," as well as Tim Hardin's "Misty Roses" and the Willie Hutch ballad "Learn to Fly." The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" stands out of place among the remainder of the Webb-penned songs, such as "Carpet Man," "The Worst That Could Happen," "Paper Cup," and the criminally underrated ode to isolation "Orange Air." ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide