Classic Bubblegum Psych!
Joseph C. Goetz | Huntington , New York | 06/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Lemon Pipers were a band from Oxford, Ohio who formed in late 1965..They released one single that year on a small labell, a song called "Quiet, Please"..It was a regional hit but never made it nationally...
That changed in mid 1966, when Buddah records boss' Kasenetz and Katz signed Ivan and the Sabres to their label, with the stipulation they change their name to the Lemon Pipers..So they did...Although they were given songs to record by outside writers, the band also wrote their own stuff, which , in some cases , actually surpasses the covers..
The album and single "Green Tamborine" were a big hit, top 5 for the single , and top 30 for the album..With it's sitar sounds and good feelings, the song "Green Tamborine" is a 60's classic, from 1968..Highlights of the outside material is "Rainbow Tree", "Blueberry Blue", "Turn Around and Take A Look" (one of my faves!) and "Ask Me If I Care"..The original songs, mostly sung by guitarist Bill Bartlett, are revelations in psychedelic music.."Fifty Year Void" is kinda bluesy and jammish, while the album closer, "Through With You" recalls The Byrds' "Eight Miles High" , only much longer--8 minutes!
The second album, "Jungle Marmalade", was released in late 1968, and in some ways , is a better album": "Jelly Jungle (Of Orange Marmalade") was the single , but only reached the number 47 spot or so on the ationcharts..They even cover the Byrd's song, "Wasn't Born to Follow", which is a little better...Great tracks are "Everything Is You" ( a pretty ballad), "Catch Me Falling", "Love Beads and Meditation" (more great bubble -psych melding), my fave psychedelic number "Wine and Violet" and the mega album ender , the 11 minute rocker medley "Dead End/Half Light"..
Definitely get this collection if you've ever loved late 60's rock...You won't be disappointed..
Note: Great , insightful liner notes and faithful reproductions of both album covers."
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1