EDITORIAL REVIEWS
HOLD ON! And MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER are the soundtracks to the British invasion cult favorites from 1966 and 1968, starring Herman's Hermits (with lead singer Peter Noone). The albums are being released for the first time in the U.S.

REVIEW
This two-fer from ABKCO Records features a pair of out of print Herman's Hermits soundtrack albums, Hold On! and Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter, both originally issued on MGM in 1966 and 1968, respectively. The story line for Hold On!, the group's first film, involves NASA wanting to name a spaceship after the group while frontman and teen idol Peter Noone develops a crush on Louisa, played by Shelly Fabares. At that time in early 1966, Herman's Hermits were still one of the most popular British Invasion bands. Two years later, at the time of the second film, one that focuses on dog racing while Peter Noone develops a crush on Judy, played by Sarah Caldwell, the group had already peaked. The films are fun, but are second (or third) rate next to A Hard Day's Night and Help! The soundtracks, however, are loaded with some of the Hermits' best tracks: "A Must to Avoid," "There's a Kind of Hush," "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "Leaning on the Lamp Post." Also included is an unlisted bonus demo of "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," which is played at a much slower tempo than the hit version. While a greatest-hits package would satisfy most casual listeners' needs, these albums are worth acquiring for fanatics of the '60s British Invasion group. -- AllMusic.com, Al Campbell