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"Down To Middle Earth" by The Hobbits, released in 1967, is a fascinating artifact of the psychedelic era, capitalizing on the popularity of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It's more of a novelty album and a soundtrack to an imagined journey through Middle-earth than a traditional band album.
Here's a brief overview:
- Concept Album: The entire LP is themed around Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," with song titles and lyrical content directly referencing characters, places, and events from Middle-earth.
- Psychedelic Sound: Musically, the album is firmly rooted in the psychedelic pop of the late 1960s, featuring swirling effects, dreamy melodies, and sometimes whimsical arrangements.
- Narrative Element: The album often incorporates spoken word passages and sound effects to further enhance the storytelling aspect and create an immersive (albeit sometimes cheesy) experience.
- Novelty Appeal: Much of the album's charm lies in its novelty factor. It's a curious and often amusing attempt to translate the fantasy world of Middle-earth into musical form through the lens of psychedelia.
- Not a Traditional Band: "The Hobbits" for this album was likely a studio creation, possibly involving session musicians brought together specifically for this project rather than a cohesive, touring band. Information about the musicians involved is often scarce.
- Mixed Musical Quality: While some tracks capture the whimsical and imaginative spirit of Tolkien's world with catchy melodies, others can sound somewhat dated or musically uninspired by today's standards. The focus is often more on the lyrical themes than groundbreaking musicianship.
- Cult Following: Over time, "Down To Middle Earth" has developed a cult following among Tolkien enthusiasts and collectors of psychedelic oddities. Its unique concept and historical context make it an interesting listen.
"Down To Middle Earth" is less a serious musical endeavor and more a psychedelic trip through Tolkien's fantasy world. Its historical significance as an early example of Tolkien-inspired music and its quirky charm make it a noteworthy, if not always musically groundbreaking, album from the late 1960s. If you're a Tolkien fan with an appreciation for psychedelic pop and a sense of humor, it might be worth seeking out.
- 1967 LP Released on Decca Records # DL-4920 (Monaural)..
- This is a Sealed Album and will Provide you with Brilliant Sound Quality from your Player. Two small staples w/ six small small staple holes by upper left corner. Slight rounded corners. Corner crease by lower right.
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