Customer Reviews

Golden Classics

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Lemon Pipers were the one hit wonders responsible for the Number One hit "Green Tambourine". This song is a recognized bubblegum classic, but the Lemon Pipers themselves were not a bubblegum group. They were actually more of a psychedelic rock band, but their producers pushed them into recording bubblegum songs. On this CD, about half the songs are bubblegummy, and the other half of the songs are psychedelic rock. It is definitely an odd mixture. Not everything here is good, but it is a good sampling of the Lemon Pipers recordings.

Sadly, I have to agree with the reviewer who gave this CD a low rating. I used to love the Lemon Pipers, but except for a few songs they haven't aged well. I'd still recommend this disc as a reminder of some of the lighter music produced in the '60s.

The LEMON PIPERS main voice and songwriter, Paul Leka, recorded two albums with the Pipers, then went on to write, produce and contribute lead vocal on his biggest hit, STEAM's "Na-Na-Hey-Hey Kiss Him Goodbye," still a staple of sports stadia the world over.

The Lemon Pipers had one Top 40 single ("Green Tambourine"). Two others made it into the lower reaches of the Top 100: "Rice Is Nice" (which appeared on the same BUDDAH records LP as "Tambourine"), and "Jelly Jungle (Of Orange Marmalade)," a brief charter from a brief band that soon after disappeared in a citrus mist.

Other noteworthy tracks in this collection were also on the group's debut album: "Shoeshine Boy," "Blueberry Blue" and the extended-length trippy "Through With You." This album is best though for fans of late-Sixties bubble gummish BUDDAH/KAMA SUTRA stuff. A "Golden Classic" by no means. (3½ stars)

TOTAL PLAYING TIME -- 57:51

This CD takes a One Hit wonder band and gives you a collection of their songs. Amazingly every tune is catchy and lovable, and to be honest very wierd and creative at times. It's worth checking out if you love the 60s or just like zany, lighthearted music in general.