By Ken Paulson
Real Gone Music continues to do justice to the recorded legacy of the 5th Dimension, a groundbreaking, yet underrated group of vocalists. First came re-issues of albums by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, followed by a McCoo solo album.
Just released is Earthbound, the only 5th Dimension album never to make its way to CD. It was the final album for the original quintet and marked their reunion with Jimmy Webb as songwriter and producer. It was his “Up, Up and Away” that ignited their careers in 1967 and led to the stunning The Magic Garden album, recorded the same year.
Webb’s songs anchor the album – most notably “When Did I Lose Your Love” – but the covers are unexpected and well done: George Harrison’s “Be Here Now,” the Beatles’ “I’ve Got a Feeling” and a lush take on the Rolling Stones’ “Moonlight Mile.”
The oddity is Webb’s cheery “Walk Your Feet in the Sunshine,” a primer on podiatric care and the perfect companion piece to the Beach Boys’ 1971 song “Take a Load Off Your Feet.”
Earthbound wasn’t a hit in 1973, but was both ambitious and adventurous. It’s good to have it back.
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