Customer Reviews

Sugar, Sugar

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ok, time to staighten out this online database review mix-up. There have been many CD issues simply titled "Sugar, Sugar - The Archies" and over time, the reviews have gotten mixed up. This review is for the 24 track compilation released on the Repertoire label, not the heart-shaped CD single with the same name released earlier on the 32 Records label, although, most of the reviews that follow are for that CD single. This 24-track compilation is without a doubt the BEST Archies compilation to hit the market yet. Songs are included from all 6 of the original Archies albums. The sound is clean, bright, and at the right pitch. While most of these songs have been included on other Archies compilations, this is the only one I have found that took great care and used good quality source material to get the job done right. If you are an Archies fan, THIS is the CD to get. Do not let this one slip by. I have been an Archies fan for over 30 years, and have my own Archies web-site, so you can trust my judgement on this one.

The year 1969 was a year in which unbelievable things happened: human beings walked on the moon and the New York Mets won the World Series. But such things usually come in threes and one nomination for that final spot would be that in 1969 the biggest selling pop song of the year was "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies. The group was created by producer Don Kirschner after he was fired by the Monkees. Behind the animated figures of Archie and the gang were a group of seasoned session vocalists including Andy Kim, Ron Dante, Ellie Greenwich, Jeanie Thomas and Toni Wine. Most of the songs recorded by the group were written by Jeff Barry, who usually wrote with his wife, Greenwich. But the two big Archies hits, "Sugar,Sugar" (#1) and "Jingle Jangle" (#10), were both co-written by Barry and Kim. You would have thought that would have been a giant clue for the pair to do more, but Barry wrote the majority of these songs by himself, and once he left the picture the Archies faded from music history.

The other minor hits by the Archies would be "Bang-Shang-A-Lang" (#22), "Feelin' So Good (S.k.o.o.b.y-D.o.o)" (#53), "Sunshine" (#57), and "Who's Your Baby?" (#40). Notice that the six singles that charted are the first six cuts on the album, so do not be surprised when this collection starts off strong and then by the time you get to the end of the album the flavor has gone out of it (what other metaphor would you suggest?). All of these songs fit the same mold, which means a catchy melody and meaningless lyrics about love. It would be easy to dismiss all bubblegum music as ear candy, but "Sugar, Sugar" sold six million copies. As long as you have the six songs that made the charts you have the basics covered and then the rest depends on how well you remember the Archies and your personal preferences as to what other songs you want in your collection. For most of us, having "Sugar, Sugar," and "Jingle, Jangle" as part of your bubblegum music collection is enough. This album would be for the die hard Archies fans.

I have mixed emotions about this CD. After searching and waiting for a CD like this, with all of these excellent and, in some cases, hard to find Archies classics, I was very disappointed. It is not the song selection that is the problem. Although I would have deleted a couple and added a couple of others, that is not the issue here as everyone has their favorites. It is the sound quality that baffled me. Some songs are not so bad, but still not as good a quality as on other Archies CDs. In some cases, my vinyl recordings sound better. It is as if different people mixed different songs because there is no continuity. Some sound extremely shrill with too much treble and high end. Some sound muffled, almost distorted. Some sound entirely different than the vinyl - for example: Melody Hill; the background vocals are barely audible while on the vinyl they are vibrant and play a key role in the song. I'm glad I have the CD but I hope to find these songs on other CDs with better mixing. If you are very picky about your CD sound quality and good mixing, you should pass this one by.

What a treat to find such a great song on a CD single. The unique heart shaped CD and the jewel case insert was very cool; I sent it as a gift to my sister for Valentine's Day. We listened to this 45 over and over again when we were growing up, so much so that my mom had to buy a new record because we wore it out! My favorite part has always been Veronica's 'I'm gonna make your life so sweet'. This CD makes a sweet gift or a nice present to buy for yourself to relive your childhood.

I was tangentially attached to the "Absolutely Best Of The Archies" CD release as a researcher, and I'm afraid I must take responsibility for some errors. Jeannie Thomas did not sing on Archies recordings, and neither did Andy Kim or Ellie Greenwich, though Andy was present at some of the sessions. According to Ron Dante (and you can verify this with him by emailing him at rondante@yahoo.com), The Archies vocalists were himself (on lead), Jeff Barry, Bobby Bloom, Leslie Miller and Toni Wine (on duet vocals). Toni was replaced by Donna Marie in 1970. The following year, Merle Miller replaced Donna Marie. As to the identity of the lead singer on 1971's "Love Is Living In You" (the only Archies single not to feature Ron Dante), I predict this will always be a source of controversy. For many years, Ritchie Adams was assumed to be the vocalist on this cut. He isn't. Joe Renzetti, who arranged the session, believes that the singer might have been Neil Goldberg, an associate of Jeff Barry. He doesn't remember clearly. The song was written by Phil Cody, who has said he didn't sing on it, even though he's never heard the record. However, in my opinion, the vocalist on that single is identical to the vocalist who recorded the album LAUGHING SANDWICH for Kirshner Records that same year: Phil Cody! Needless to say, "Love Is Living In You" is not included among the songs on this import CD. Hopefully someday . . .

I'm refering to the Repertoire release with 24 cuts. I think Jeff Barry actually oversaw the release of this, therefore the great sound quality as opposed to other Archies releases. Folks, this is the best one I've found. Great sound, great selection, and finally, there it is on CD, my favorite Archies tune..."Love Light". Sorry, the old plastic 45 just doesn't cut it anymore! "Love Light" was one of Bubblegum's best shots at Power Pop! Crank it up! Rock on Jughead! If you're looking for a comprehensive and high quality Archies collection, this is it. Get it while it's available!

This 24 track CD is definitely THE best of the CD released compilations by the Archies. Not only does it feature the majority of the singles, but also contains some key album tracks from various Archies albums.

The best thing overall about this CD is in the sound quality. It sounds as if the folks down at Repertoire really took interest in the release and cleaned up the tracks to give them a more pristine sound. Most of the Archies comps so far have been very low in quality with some sounding like they were lifted straight from the vinyl complete with pops and crackles. This also features an attractive cover which actually features the Archie gang, some of the other comps have not.

Another good thing is the selection of tracks. This CD features the tracks "Justine", "Truck Driver", "Who's Gonna Love Me", and "Archie's Party" which up to this point had never been released on CD. This may be the closest thing we will get to an Archies box set, but I am still hoping!!

This CD was well worth the money. I bought the cheapo one for 1.99 and it was mixed SO bad that the bass drum echoed and made it unlistenable. This collection has all the songs you want and remember, and they are remixed very well.

This CD includes the great classic cuts, "Truck Driver" "Love Light" "Hot Dog" "Rock and Roll Music" and of course "Sugar Sugar," "Skooby Doo," and "Bang Shang A-Lang". I was born in 1964 and as a kid I listened to these songs. We had the first two LPs. Listening to this I could still smell the vinyl and cardboard. It brought me right back.

If you're looking for the best Archies collection out there, look no further.

I think "Sugar Sugar" is the best song Ron Dante has ever recorded. It's good that you can get "Sugar Sugar" as a single, because I don't want to have to go through a whole CD/tape full of other songs. It's really a great song.

Superb quality in this compilation. If you want to save a little money though for many of the same songs, pick up "Absolutely The Best of The Archies". "Rock & Roll Music" and "Seventeen Ain't Young" from The Archies' first album appear here. All songs are very well re-mastered.

The liner notes aren't much to read. It's as if someone had to translate German to English. The notes erroneously mention that Andy Kim sang on the Archies sessions and that Ellie Greenwich co-wrote some songs, both of which aren't true but the quality of the music transcends any inaccuracies.