ALBUM REVIEW (by Dave Dowling)
Mellower sound, different tempo, and more sedate drums characterize the Dave Clark Five's second US entry into the album charts. Fortunately, the music once again showcases the talents of lead vocalist Mike Smith, with help from the voices of Lenny Davidson and Dennis Payton.
SIDE ONE - After opening the LP with the quick-but-light single, CAN'T YOU SEE THAT SHE'S MINE, we're treated to more of that signature DC5 sound with the up-tempo, heavier numbers I NEED YOU I LOVE YOU and I LOVE YOU NO MORE. Both invite the listener to sing (or at least hum) along to sagas about dating relationships. But then the mood suddenly changes with RUMBLE, a repetitious and uninteresting instrumental. (Some of the sounds in it would later be put to better use in the 1969 instrumental "Five By Five".) But before stopping the turntable, we're greeted by the simple, but catchy FUNNY.
SIDE TWO - Unfortunately this opens with Disney's ZIP-A-DEE-DO-DAH. Probably recorded as a novelty song, tongue-in-cheek, it's unclear to me why this song was ever included on the vinyl; it just seems out of place. (For a second opinion on ZIP, see Rob's comments below.) Surprizingly, three consecutive and impressive ballads follow. All three compositions show the groups ability and versitility to write, sing, and play outside of the rock-and-roll arena. The vocals and harmonies on CAN I TRUST YOU and FOREVER AND A DAY are impressive. In addition, the ever pleasant-sounding instrumental THEME WITHOUT A NAME, laced with soothing strings, finishes this song trio in high fashion. The 10th and final cut, the cover version of the Drifters hit ON BROADWAY, salvages any flaws the LP might have. With its fine production values and great song execution, the Mike Smith driven number should go into the DC5 history as "the single that got away".
AND MORE - The package for the album is one of the best one will see in the groups entire catalogue. The liner notes on the sleeve's back are considerably above average. For the first time, we actually get to meet the five players, through comprehensive notes, a nice band photo, and very little white space. Like many of their albums, we hear just ten songs. The total playing time leaves the stylus just short of 22 minutes: barely a whetting of the appetite for the Tottenham sound that rocked the airways so vibrantly in the 60s. One can also question the song order, whereby side one is strictly up-tempo, and side two is basicly ballads. (This was often a characteristic of their British album releases.) Overall, "The Dave Clark Five Return" is an enjoyable blend of music, despite the few questionable inclusions and the brevity of its play. With a few changes in the song lineup, this album had the potential of being remembered as a top effort, closely rivaling even their enormously successful debut LP, Glad All Over. - Dave Dowling, Owego NY, USA, 4/99.
SECOND OPINION - Dave: Thanks for writing a nice review, but I happen to love ZIP-A-DEE-DO-DAH. The DC5 took the song seriously enough to open two of their TV appearances with it. The tone quality on the "1...1-2...1...1-2" is wonderful, setting a unique and inquisitive mood. An American soul band (whose name escapes me) used that beat on this song in the late 50s, and had a minor hit with it. I think the song's more than "Satisfactory"! (-Rob Bolton)