Manfred Mann always used the long-play format to showcase its virtuosity and range of influences away from the world of pop singles. This was evident early in the band's career with albums such as The Five Faces of Manfred Mann, which was a hardcore R&B album, far removed from the pop sensibilities of singles like "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Sha La La." The contrast between this album and their singles output of 1968 is not quite as stark, as the LP contains pop material such as "It's So Easy Falling" and "The Vicar's Daughter." More unorthodox selections include "Cubist Town," "Harry the One-Man Band," and "Country Dancing," which showcase the eclectic side of the group. The album failed to chart in the U.K., which is surprising considering Manfred Mann's popularity in 1968 -- three British Top Ten singles. Perhaps the inclusion of one or two more hits like "Ha Ha Said the Clown" would have attracted more sales. In the U.S., the album was released as The Mighty Quinn and mixed some tracks from this album with older single material. The result is a more balanced affair, with the hits providing a welcome contrast to the more highbrow material. However, the U.K. record business was intent on not duplicating singles on albums -- a tradition that became rare in the 1970s. ~ Rob Flanagan, All Music Guide
Despite including two UK 'Top 5' hit singles ("Mighty Quinn" and "Ha! Ha! Said The Clown"), the album did not chart. It was also their last album released, and they split up the year after. It was later re-issued in 2003, with bonus tracks, but still didn't chart.
The Manfred Mann Album •The Five Faces of Manfred Mann •My Little Red Book of Winners! •Mann Made •As Is •Soul of Mann •Up the Junction •Mighty Garvey!
Compilations
Chapter Two: The Best of the Fontana Years •Basic: Original Hits •The Best of Manfred Mann: The Definitive Collection •The Best of the EMI Years •Manfred Mann at Abbey Road, 1963-1966 •BBC Sessions •Very Best of Manfred Mann •The Story •Classic Masters •The Evolution of Manfred Mann •Complete Greatest Hits •
UK singles
"Why Should We Not" •"Cock-a-Hoop" •"5-4-3-2-1" •"Hubble Bubble (Toil and Trouble)" •"Do Wah Diddy Diddy" •"Sha La La" •"Come Tomorrow" •"Oh No, Not My Baby" •"If You Gotta Go, Go Now" •"Pretty Flamingo" •"You Gave Me Somebody to Love" •"Just Like a Woman" •"Semi-Detached Suburban Mr James" •"Ha! Ha! Said the Clown" •"Sweet Pea" •"So Long, Dad" •"Mighty Quinn" •"Theme from "Up The Junction" •"My Name is Jack" •"Fox on the Run" •"Ragamuffin Man"
