The 5th Dimension - Up-Up And Away: The Definitive Collection

Though they were the epitome of the MOR mainstream in the late '60s and early '70s, this hugely successful coed vocal quintet had the benefit of first-rate material. Drawing from the catalogues of such ace tunesmiths as Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Webb, and Laura Nyro, the group was a fixture on Top 40 radio (and network TV) with hits like "Up-Up and Away," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Workin' On A Groovy Thing," "One Less Bell to Answer," "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep At All," and "If I Could Reach You." All of those and more are included on this 2 CD, 36-song package, which will pretty much tell you everything you need to know about the Fifth Dimension. --Scott Schinder Amazon.com

Talking the 5th

Pure vocal mastery and spectacular arranging come together in a collection of super hits by one of the finest groups ever. We can truly appreciate The 5th Dimension's incredible depth of talent by noting that few (if any?) vocal groups have put it all together as well since their time.

In addition, Marilyn McCoo's performance on the Hal David/Burt Bacharach 'One Less Bell' stands out as one of the greatest vocal solos of all time. So very rarely does artist, arrangement and environment come together in such a way that the only word to describe the result is: "perfect". May 16, 2008

great pop, almost all the way

A long, long time ago, when there were Doves and Hawks, Straights and Hippies, and AM and FM, Gary Pucket and King Crimson, you were not supposed to like the 5th if you were anywhere left of the White Album. You could hear "Up Up and Away," or "Paper Cup" on the radio, and you would secretly like it, but had to keep this close to your vest.

And you liked it because most of this music is really great. The 5d managed to combign their cherry-sweet vocals with great songwriting
(Jimmy Web, Laura Nyro) and crack wrecking crew players (Hal Blane, Joe Osborn.) The result is the perfect chemistry that creates great pop music.

Any one of the songs on Disc One is like a vitiman--a few per day and you'll feel a lot better. Plus, there is a lot more to the music than first meets the ear. Just listen to the 2nd half of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." Sure, it is great top 40 music, but listen to the band: they rock right up there with James Brown or The Stones.

After 1970, the band did tone it down and did get a little to deep into MOR ballads. This is covered on Disc Two, which is not all that bad but not all that interesing.

But disc one makes this well worth listening to.

Now, excuse me, but I have some Blue Cheer to listen to. May 4, 2008

satisfied

Purchased copy of cd could not find in any store and been looking for years. Product arrived sooner than estimated and packaged very well. Am quite satisfied with amazon service. March 3, 2008

Up Up and Away

My copy was stolen, I'm so glad I could replace it with my favourite recording! May 17, 2007

THE AGED AQUARIUS Now Resides At THE GOLDEN DREAM Retirement Community (*A Haiku Review)

Love's harmony to
Psychedelic groovyness.
Far out, man! Far out!

~ Stephen T. McCarthy
<"As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
~ Proverbs 26:11>
May 8, 2007

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