Herman’s Hermits - Into Something Good: The Mickie Most Years 1964-1972

How much Herman’s Hermits is too much?

For those not satisfied with the 26 tracks on The Best Of Herman’s Hermits released in June, here comes five hours of jangley Northerness. The Hermits have sold over 80 million recordings, and most of them are on this box set.

Of course the big hits such as Heartbeat, I’m Into Something Good and Silhouettes are included, but they’re all available on said best of too. Aside from RC contributor Spencer Leigh’s sleevenotes, the reason to buy this album lies in the gems EMI forgot – the most impressive being the cover of the Skeeter Davis track, The End Of The World. Sadly though, the gems are rare among a lot of fairly decent – but ultimately samey – pop, and an hour-and-a-bit in your toe will be all tapped out.

For fans of frontman Peter Noone there are 10 previously unreleased tracks of mixed quality, as well as all of Herman’s gang’s UK and US hits, album and EP tracks, film soundtracks and B-sides. It’s one for the die-hard fans, or those who want to compile their own best of without EMI’s input. For most of us, however, there is just too much Hermit to be had here.

EMI | 2284172 (4-CD)

Reviewed by Lynn Roberts
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