Album of the Day

Manfred Mann scored a No.1 hit with debut U.S single, “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” and followed it up with such other British Invasion favorites as “Sha La La” and “Pretty Flamingo,” which topped the chart in the band's native England on this day in 1966. These may be the most recognizable songs on DOWN THE ROAD APIECE (THEIR EMI RECORDINGS 1963-1966), but there are many other great ones on this 4-volume set. Away from the pop airwaves, the Manfreds offered a jazz-influenced take on R&B that was both classy and exciting on such songs as “I'm Your Kingpin.” Featuring the complete recordings (including several unreleased cuts) of the original quintet fronted by singer Paul Jones, DOWN THE ROAD APIECE shows Manfred Mann to be one of the most underrated British bands of the 1960s.