At the height of the "Flower Power" era of psychedelic music in
the mid sixties, Strawberry Alarm Clock gave us one of classic
rock's most memorable songs, 1967's, "Incense and Peppermints".
Formerly known as The Sixpence, this California based
group was originally made up of Ed King of (lead guitar), Lee Freeman
(rhythm guitar), Gary Lovetro (bass), Mark Weitz (organ), and Randy
Seol (drums). (Ed King went on of course to play with
Lynyrd Skynyrd)
The story of the song, "Incense & Peppermints," is a
fascinating one. The recording was initially intended as a 'B side'
and the lead vocal is actually that of a friend of the band, 16 year
old Greg Munford, who was just hanging around during the session. He
was not even a regular band member, but ended up singing a tune that
would rocket to number one in the United States and sell over a
million copies. Despite this success, Munford never actually joined
the group.
Before recording their full-length debut album, the band added a
second bass guitarist, George Bunnell, who was also an accomplished
songwriter who's contributions enhanced a style that coupled hippie
trappings with enchanting melodies and some imaginative
instrumentation.
In the summer of 1967, The Strawberry Alarm Clock contributed
music to the film "Psych-Out", as well as appearing in it. The band
toured the US with some of the biggest acts of the day, but poor
management and dissention among the members started to tear it
apart. Bassist Gary Lovetro left the band before they recorded their
second album, "Wake Up It's Tomorrow", which also appeared in 1967.
A second single release, "Tomorrow" made it to number 23 in January,
1968.
Between 1968's album, "The World In A Seashell" and 1969's "Good
Morning Starshine" the band went through a number of line-up changes
which undermined their direction. To add to their problems, a
manager who double-booked them on several occasions brought on many
lawsuits.
Although they remained together until 1971, the Strawberry Alarm
Clock was unable to regain its early popularity and saw only limited
success on the singles chart with "Sit With The Guru".
Ed King later joined Lynyrd Skynyrd, while several of his former
bandmates reunited during the 80s for a succession of "summer of
love revisited" tours. Their memory would be brought to the
forefront again in 1997 when "Incense And Peppermints" was featured
in the first Austin Powers movie. The entire band who recorded "Incense and Peppermints", including
Greg Munford, was set to get together in December, 2004, for the
first time since the recording session, but last minute contract
problems prevented it.
Originally
made for The Strawberry Alarm Clock "Incense & Peppermints" in the 60's
these guitars were years ahead of their time.
Semie had once again created something futuristic. Ed Roman & Dana
Moseley can build
you a copy of one, two or the entire set of these guitars.
Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the original members
of the Strawberry Alarm Clock.
Be the first on your block to own a set of these wild guitars.
These guitars come in 6 string, 12 string, 4 string Bass, Baritone &
Doubleneck versions.
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