Magic Garden

To the moronic "music critic" (emphasis on "critic," as in, they get paid to trash other people's hard work because they're not capable of doing said work themselves) who mercilessly panned this mostly lovely Jimmy Webb/5th Dimension collaboration (what a team!), the 5D cover of "Ticket To Ride" actually is one of the best Beatles covers I've ever heard, and I'm a huge fan of both groups. Sir, or ma’am, do you even have a clue who "The Wrecking Crew" are? They were only the most-requested and most prolific session musicians in L.A. in the 1960s and 1970s, and they're all over this album as well as pretty much everything the 5th Dimension never recorded. And THAT is whose music you mindlessly reviled. Feel stupid yet? You should. Drummer extraordinaire Hal Blaine and ace bassist Joe Osborne, in particular, brilliantly showcase throughout this and most 5D albums why their rhythm section was such a tour de force, and the horn section—especially the trumpets—absolutely KILL it on "Ticket To Ride"!! Anyone with a lick of musical sense or taste will tell you that this uber-soulful and jazzy version of the song musically blows away the Beatles' original; it's not even close. The Fab Four would agree, I'm sure. Furthermore, you don't even have the decency to praise the 5th Dimension for what they did arguably better than anyone—harmonize with otherworldly vocal prowess. What a philistine you are. (By the way, the phrase "conscientious harmonies" is illogical and absurd. People can be conscientious, but harmonies? Umm, not unless they are sentient beings. Apple, please fire this person or at least do everyone a favor and promptly remove his/her clueless and misleading review.)

… and I would not call, as the reviewer here puts it, a “misfire” of “Ticket To Ride”. OK, its an AOR take of it, but it still is quite peppy a track and still is to this day. IMHO.

i am spitting tacks at this moment after reading the above review that was written by someone that obviously only listened to the album one time, if at all. this themed album was so far ahead of it's time and as a matter of fact, it STILL is. this is my favorite work written by jimmy webb, and i have a load of favorites penned by that master, believe me. i must admit i didn't take to the Magic Garden (renamed The Worst That Could Happen) immediately but that is because of it's many layers and varied intensity on many different levels. to say that "Ticket to Ride" is the low mark of the set may be correct, but it is still quite an excellent version overall. there is a lot of grunting and wailing from billy's vocally raunchy style, but it is darn good and rather "out there" taking a chance which the 5th dimension rarely ever did. they stuck to their tried and true formula 99 percent of the time otherwise. each and every other track is nothing short of phenomenal. the songs run the gambit from mystical and psychedelically inspired, to rousing, hand clapping rockers such as "Carpet Man". "Requiem:820 Latham" is at once a frightningly sad dirge with mysterious lyrics that end up enfolding the listener in a lush haze that ultimately becomes comforting and spiritual towards the end with billy's vocal utterly mesmerizing. the project ends on an optimistically high note with "Orange Air", a little over two minutes of Mamas and Papas style pop but with much more gusto - a hysterically funny lyric/story and then on into one of the most uplifting pop songs ever performed, "Paper Cup" (and with lyrics so insane and infectious i fail to see how it only reached #34 on the Top 40 Billboard Singles Chart in late 1967). the Prologue and it's bookend the Epilogue ask "have you tried LOVE?" with powerful harmonies, and to this day never fail to produce real tears of absolute JOY. the 5th dimension proves their immense talent in this project with much of the power vested in Webb's quirky tunes and enigmatic lyrics. Equal in it's scope to the beach boys Pet Sounds and the Beatles Sargaent Pepper LP. listen a few times - you will be hooked and your soul will be FREE.

2nd review..thanks to "itamis" I myself was born in 71, but parents liked that ONE song..., so I grew up with it, and its a tearjerker, and so soulful. To this day, i've never heard a song that compares, it just takes you right there with him.. would love to know any other songs he does that sound similar!! listen to "requiem 8:20 latham". U wont believe it's the 5th dim.!!! I grew up with this song, and it gets me everytime, Stil!! Cant say i enjoy this band overall, or ever have, just this one song, but its perfect! Glad to see Itunes has it! Def. Listen to # 7. Wish all their stuff was more like this one!

What is not to like? 5th Dimension Harmonies Orchestration NICE arrangements Jimmy Webb melodies One of my favorites for 35 years!

This has been one of my favorites since 1967. Yes, it may be a tad pretentious. I am the same age as Jimmy Webb and this was an early showcase of his talent. "Ticket to Ride" does not belong but the rest of the album does. This was followed by another classic (in my book), "A Tramp Shining" by Richard Harris. (Yes, Macarthur Park was a great song.) I guess that I am some sort of weird because this and "Renaissance" by the Association are consistently two of my favorites. Try them!

It right there next to live peace in Toronto. man what a contrast

This is the answer to the question above. This album pops up when you type in Paul Mc, because they did a cover of Ticket to Ride.....

Tell me why this shows up under Paul McCartney?????