...it's on my to-do list to listen to more by Ohio Express. I was going to go for a greatest hits, but would you recommend that LP instead?
Not really - most commercial pop bands in the 60s actually had little control over their albums, as was illustrated in the movie That Thing You Do!... So the albums mostly ended up just being The New Single plus some filler, and doubt they even intended to sell that many copies.
That doesn't, or shouldn't, mean those two albums wouldn't qualify as "seminal," though, at least within the genre. Also, many people would argue that the Monkees and the Turtles (for example) were "bubblegum" bands, and while they're still best-known for their singles, some of their albums were pretty great.
baystateoftheartNeil Young as a butternut squashProfile Massachusetts
Not really - most commercial pop bands in the 60s actually had little control over their albums, as was illustrated in the movie That Thing You Do!... So the albums mostly ended up just being The New Single plus some filler, and doubt they even intended to sell that many copies.
That doesn't, or shouldn't, mean those two albums wouldn't qualify as "seminal," though, at least within the genre. Also, many people would argue that the Monkees and the Turtles (for example) were "bubblegum" bands, and while they're still best-known for their singles, some of their albums were pretty great.
Ironically the Ohio Express actually had more control over their albums than anything else. They were trying to make it as a psych band, but ended up being used mostly as a front for bubblegum studio musicians, who recorded all the hit singles. The actual band would tour regularly and only got to record the album filler. Apparently for one of their hit singles (Chewy Chewy), they weren't even aware it was recorded or released until fans started demanding it at concerts. Record company shenanigans touch all genres, but apparently were if anything more pronounced with bubblegum bands, with a pattern of the band not making the hits, being relegated to touring and recording filler, and barely if ever getting paid. For Buddah Records, home of Ohio Express, 1910 Fruitgum Company, and many more, Jeff Katz and Jerry Kasenetz were the production masterminds, and Joey Levine did lead vocals for the singles from many of their "bands."
The Monkees definitely have a lot of bubblegummy songs. I've only listened to them in compilation form, and love the singles. Any album recommendations?
I like The Turtles too, but not sure if I'd call them bubblegum. I've heard most of their singles, Happy Together is a really good album, and The Battle Of The Bands is on my to-do list. _________________ Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM
[quoteThe Monkees definitely have a lot of bubblegummy songs. I've only listened to them in compilation form, and love the singles. Any album recommendations?
I like The Turtles too, but not sure if I'd call them bubblegum. I've heard most of their singles, Happy Together is a really good album, and The Battle Of The Bands is on my to-do list.[/quote]
If I were to recommend any monkees album to start with it would be
They were probably one of very few bubblegummers (I’m trademarking that term) who because an actual proper band and their later albums were more psychedelic. Another later album to try might be
They were probably one of very few bubblegummers (I’m trademarking that term) who because an actual proper band and their later albums were more psychedelic. Another later album to try might be
Good call, totally hear the connection. Love Sugar, Sugar - an amazing song and The Archies' best. Believe it or not, this is my first time hearing Pour Some Sugar On Me... I guess I've been living under a rock 🫢 _________________ Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM
baystateoftheartNeil Young as a butternut squashProfile Massachusetts
If I get a chance soon-ish (and assuming someone else doesn't get to it first), this comp from last year might be a good add for the BEA database — three CDs worth of classic bubblegum singles in one chewy box.
Good call on the Grapefruit compilation - was just eyeing it the other day. Placed an interlibrary loan request and will report back!
Reporting back - this is a great compilation and I definitely recommend it to bubblegum lovers!
The quality could have been more consistently strong if it were 2 discs instead of 3, but you get some cool rarities by taking a deeper dive. _________________ Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM
baystateoftheartNeil Young as a butternut squashProfile Massachusetts
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