Song of the Day 5/15: Donovan, “Atlantis”
When we think of the ’60s we tend to think of the social movements for civil rights and against the war in Vietnam, which gives the impression that people back then were wrapped up in serious issues. We tend to forget that the hippie era gave rise to just as much bunkum and bullshit as any other. Case in point: Donovan’s apparently heartfelt belief in the Atlantis myth, which led him to release a song with a 110-second spoken introduction extolling the wonders of the lost continent. The song itself consists of a single line repeated ad infinitum, which I suppose necessitated the long intro. The record company wasn’t impressed, releasing it as a B-side, but DJs favored it over the A-side and the 45 reached No. 7 on the US charts. Hail Atlantis indeed.
It was later used in a pivotal scene in Goodfellas.
Yeah, this one:
https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/the-30-greatest-rock-roll-movie-moments-10318/9-donovan-atlantis-in-goodfellas-1990-37076/
Donovan had a way with odd songs like Mellow Yellow that became minor hits anyway. Saw him open for Yes in the late seventies at the now departed Spectrum, the hippie era was long gone and he was booed. He might have weighed 100 lbs and looked a little emaciated.
Once you’ve booed Santa Claus, emaciated ex-hippies are easy.
Interesting to note at the time Yes had plenty of young fans as opposed to the geriatric set they attracted late in the bands life span. Mostly Prog Rock Hooligans I suppose.
That’s a great band name right there.