VA - Pour a Little Sugar on It: The Chewy Chewy Sounds of American Bubblegum 1966-1971 [2024] (3 x CDs)
• Four-hour, 3CD, 91 track anthology of late 60s American bubblegum pop.
• Hit singles, cult collectables and obscure album tracks.
• Featuring The Archies, The Monkees, Ohio Express, 1910 Fruitgum Co., The Lemon Pipers and Crazy Elephant.
In the late summer of 1966, manufactured pop quartet The Monkees - a Beatles-inspired concept inevitably nicknamed the Prefab Four - made their TV and vinyl debut.
Overseen by industry veteran Don Kirshner, whose Brill Building-honed team supplied most of the songs, The Monkees were aimed at the pre-teen market effectively disenfranchised by the increasingly sophisticated nature of mid-60s pop.
The venture's runaway success encouraged numerous other backroom songwriting/ production teams to step forward, with the New York-based Kasenetz-Katz partnership coining the term “bubblegum” as shorthand for the manufactured pop process.
Kasenetz-Katz hit big with such names as Ohio Express, 1910 Fruitgum Co. and Crazy Elephant, while Don Kirshner and his favoured producer Jeff Barry - both sidelined when The Monkees rose up against their puppet masters - returned with cartoon pop group The Archies and the biggest-selling single of 1969, 'Sugar, Sugar'.
‘Pour a Little Sugar on It’ examines the bubblegum phenomenon in forensic detail, with all of the aforementioned acts joined by hits from The Lemon Pipers, Tommy Roe, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Cuff Links, The Box Tops, Lou Christie, Andy Kim and others as well as numerous cult 45s (The Raspberry Pirates, Cartoon Candy Carnival, The Four Fuller Brothers etc).
Also featuring some unlikely names who occasionally left their fingerprints in the sticky stuff (The Electric Prunes, The Beach Boys, Sparks, The Velvet Underground), ‘Pour a Little Sugar on It’ is housed in a 3CD clamshell box that includes a 48-page booklet with rare photos and the stories behind all 91 tracks. It's gonna make your life so sweet!
Bubblegum (also called bubblegum pop) is pop music in a catchy and upbeat style that is marketed for children and adolescents. The term also refers to a more specific rock and pop subgenre, originating in the United States in the late 1960s, that evolved from garage rock, novelty songs, and the Brill Building sound, and which was also defined by its target demographic of preteens and young teenagers. The Archies' 1969 hit "Sugar, Sugar" was a representative example that led to cartoon rock, a short-lived trend of Saturday-morning cartoon series that heavily featured pop rock songs in the bubblegum vein.
Producers Jerry Kasenetz and Jeffry Katz claimed credit for coining "bubblegum", saying that when they discussed their target audience, they decided it was "teenagers, the young kids. And at the time we used to be chewing bubblegum, and my partner and I used to look at it and laugh and say, 'Ah, this is like bubblegum music'." The term was then popularized by their boss, Buddah Records label executive Neil Bogart. It became often used as a pejorative for pop music that is perceived to be disposable and contrived.
Most bubblegum acts were one-hit wonders (notable exceptions included the Partridge Family and Tommy Roe) and the sound remained a significant commercial force until the early 1970s. Commentators often debate the scope of the genre and have variously argued for the exclusion or inclusion of dance-pop, disco, teen pop, boy bands, and especially the Monkees. During the 1970s, the original bubblegum sound was a formative influence on punk rock, new wave, and melodic metal.
Bubblegum is generally traced to the success of the 1968 songs "Simon Says" by the 1910 Fruitgum Company and "Yummy Yummy Yummy" by the Ohio Express.
The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar" became the best-selling hit of 1969 and inspired a wave of artists to adopt the bubblegum style. The song's success led to "cartoon rock", a short-lived trend of Saturday morning cartoon series that heavily featured pop-rock songs in the bubblegum vein. However, none of these songs had showings on the pop charts when released as singles, except for a record early in the year, The Banana Splits theme song "The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana)", which managed a number 96 peak on the Billboard Top 100. It was later revived by American punk band The Dickies who made the song a hit in the United Kingdom in 1979 with their cover version, marketed by A&M Records as "Banana Splits (Tra La La Song)". The record reached #7 in the UK Singles Chart, and was released appropriately on banana yellow coloured vinyl.
Robin Carmody of Freaky Trigger writes that British bubblegum from 1968-1972 was distinct from the "more worldly and sophisticated American equivalent" by being "simplistic, childish, over-excited, innocent, full of absolute certainties and safe knowledges", while noting that it "essentially bridged the gap between the poppier end of the mid-60s beat boom and glam rock".
Bubblegum Pop Music: Notable Artists and Characteristics
What Is Bubblegum Pop?
Bubblegum pop was a subgenre of pop music and rock ‘n’ roll that rose to prominence in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Bubblegum pop songs hinged on upbeat melodies, simple lyrics with sing-along choruses, and danceable rhythms. The term “bubblegum rock” refers to its intended audience - preteens and teenagers - and the sweet nature of its subject matter, which largely concerns young love.
Most bubblegum pop acts were one-hit wonders - acts that achieved brief mainstream success with a single hit record - who rarely played on their own recordings. However, their songs remained staples of oldies radio and influenced several other music genres, from glam rock and punk rock to the ‘90s era vocal pop of boy bands.
A Brief History of Bubblegum Pop
The history of bubblegum pop begins in the late 1960s with a handful of hit songs:
Influences: Many pop and rock bands and music genres influenced the sound of bubblegum rock. Chief among them were the pop-rock sounds of bands like the Beatles and songs from the Brill Building, a haven for songwriters in New York during the early ‘60s. Both sounds featured tight vocal harmonies, clever songwriting, and undeniable rhythms, all of which would fuel the sound of bubblegum pop.
Early efforts: Though countless pop, rock, and novelty songs were foundational elements of bubblegum pop, the true roots of the sound lay with a handful of bands from the late ‘60s. These acts included the R&B-influenced groove of Tommy James & the Shondells, the Beatles-influenced pop-rock of the Monkees, and one-off groups like the Lemon Pipers (“Green Tambourine”) and the Royal Guardsmen (“Snoopy vs. the Red Baron”).
First hits: Bubblegum pop in its truest form began in 1967 when an Ohio Group called the Music Explosion released a cover of the Little Darlings’ 1965 single “A Little Bit O’ Soul.” Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz recorded the single for Laurie Records, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The sound takes off: The success of “Soul” caught the attention of Buddah Records record executive Neil Bogart, who started to create similar-sounding hits for his label. Kasenetz and Katz soon produced a slew of songs for Buddha that became bubblegum classics: “Simon Says” by the 1910 Fruitgum Company; “Yummy Yummy Yummy” and “Chewy Chewy” by the Ohio Express; and “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’” by Crazy Elephant. In most cases, no actual bands played on these recordings, which instead featured a collection of veteran session musicians. The success of Kasenetz and Katz spurred other labels to craft their own bubblegum pop songs.
Bubblegum explosion: This second bubblegum wave expanded on the formula by removing actual pop groups from the equation and actual human beings. Animated characters performed some of the biggest bubblegum hits, the Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar,” and Josie and the Pussycats who released six singles in 1970 and 1971 were both featured on Saturday morning cartoons. The real guiding force behind "Sugar, Sugar" was producer/co-writer Jeff Barry, who tapped singer-songwriter Ron Dante and several studio musicians to stand in for Archie, Betty, and Jughead.
Non-conventional stars: Other prefabricated bubblegum stars included the costumed characters the Banana Splits and the Partridge Family, a pop group spawned from a live-action TV series about a family band.
Bubblegum decline: Bubblegum pop’s time on the charts was short-lived. Changing tastes in young listeners and the lack of a follow-up hit for most bubblegum acts, save for the Partridge Family, spelled the subgenre’s decline only a few years after its inception.
Influencing future sounds: Bubblegum pop proved a lasting influence on many of the genres that followed: glam acts like Barry Blue, Bay City Rollers and Kenny and punk groups like the Ramones drew on its model of catchy choruses and hook-heavy melodies. The Sweet scored their first hit "Funny, Funny" in 1971 and went on to have more 'bubblegum' hits up to "Wig-Wam Bam" in late 1972. From 1973 onwards with the release of their UK #1 classic "Block Buster!" they took on a much harder edged glam rock sound. Bubblegum also provided a template for the puppy-love songs of the boy band/girl group subgenre of the late ‘90s.
Characteristics of Bubblegum Pop
Several characteristics define the sound of bubblegum pop, including:
1. Lyrics: Bubblegum pop songs featured simple lyrics anchored by a central idea or metaphor that resonated with young listeners. Children’s games were a frequent choice (the 1910 Fruitgum Company’s “1-2-3 Red Light”), as were sweets or kid-friendly food as a stand-in for romance (“Sugar, Sugar,” “Chewy Chewy”). Choruses were memorable and frequently repeated throughout the song.
2. Performers: Bubblegum vocalists delivered songs in a friendly, playful, upbeat manner. High harmonies were a staple of bubblegum pop, especially on choruses. The lyrical content was neither threatening nor salacious.
3. Sound: The sound of bubblegum pop echoed the tone of its vocals: fun, positive, and innocent. Songs typically featured a traditional pop-rock lineup of guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards; the rhythm section drove the song and minimal soloing. Production was highly polished, and melodies were always catchy.
Notable Bubblegum Pop Artists
There are many notable bubblegum pop artists in the genre’s history. Among them are:
1. The Archies: Promoter Don Kirshner managed the Monkees before disputes over performing their own songs led to his dismissal. After severing ties with the band, Kirshner would play a part in creating the seminal act of the bubblegum pop genre: The Archies. When the animated characters in The Archie Show formed their own band, Kirshner assembled a group of singers and studio musicians to record material for the “group.” Songwriter-producer Jeff Barry was the primary architect of the group’s sound, for which he recruited fellow singer-songwriters Andy Kim, Ron Dante, and Toni Wine to provide vocals. The Archies enjoyed three Top 10 hits between 1968 and 1969, including two No.1 hits: “Sugar, Sugar,” and “Jingle Jangle.”
2. The Ohio Express: A fictional band created by Jerry Katzenetz and Jeff Katz, the Ohio Express scored a major hit for Buddha Records with 1968’s “Yummy Yummy Yummy.” Songwriter Joey Levine was the driving force behind the band, writing and producing “Yummy” and three additional Top 40 hits before departing the group in 1969. Studio musicians recorded the songs while various regional groups performed as the Ohio Express for live dates.
3. The Partridge Family: The Partridge Family bloomed from a fictional family band on a TV sitcom into a genuine pop-rock group in the early 1970s. The show’s producers, Screen Gems, released an album of songs featured on the sitcom to promote the show in 1970, which generated a chart-topping hit with the 1970s single “I Think I Love You.” Series star Shirley Jones and her real-life stepson, David Cassidy, were the only cast members who performed on the album. Meanwhile, studio musicians dubbed vocals and instruments for the other Partridge kids. The Partridge Family broke the bubblegum mode by earning four more Top 20 hits and releasing nine albums from 1971–1973.
4. Tommy Roe: Singer-songwriter Tommy Roe scored a No. 1 hit in 1962 with the rockabilly-tinged single “Sheila,” but later succeeded as a bubblegum artist in the late 1960s. “Sweet Pea,” released in 1966, pointed him toward the genre with its sing-song chorus, but the frothy “Dizzy” was his true entry into bubblegum pop. Roe scored a fourth gold single with 1970s country flavored “Jam Up and Jelly Tight,” but subsequent efforts failed to reproduce its success. Roe remained active on the oldies and rockabilly circuits until his retirement in 2018.
PLEASE NOTE: This 3-disc set is the official Cherry Red release ripped from my own personal box set and a replacement for any cobbled together or truncated versions from various sources you may have seen posted elsewhere.
The Cowsills original comic book, October 1968 in full:
https://www.bapresley.com/silverthreads/memorabilia/comicbook/
More Bubblegum can be found here with my previous compilation and post:
http://butterboycompilations.blogspot.com/2023/06/ks-bubblegum-special-va-greatest.html
Enjoy!
K
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Track lists
CD1
01 1910 Fruitgum Co. - Simon Says 2:16
02 Ohio Express - Yummy, Yummy, Yummy 2:20
03 The Monkees - A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You 2:48
04 The Archies - Bang-Shang-a-Lang 2:33
05 Paul Revere & The Raiders - Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon 2:48
06 Crazy Elephant - Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' 2:01
07 Neil Diamond - Cherry, Cherry 2:44
08 Andy Kim - Baby I Love You 2:56
09 Everyday Hudson - Love Is a Word 2:00
10 The Four Fuller Brothers - Groupie 3:00
11 Lou Christie - I'm Gonna Make You Mine 2:41
12 Dino, Desi & Billy - If You're Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin' 3:02
13 Brian Hyland - The Joker Went Wild 2:42
14 The Third Rail - Boppa Do Down Down 1:53
15 The Cuff Links - Tracy 2:16
16 Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart - Alice Long (You're Still My Favorite Girlfriend) 2:50
17 The Electric Prunes - Everybody Knows You're Not in Love 3:04
18 San Francisco Earthquake - Fairy Tales Can Come True (Have You Heard About Lucy) 2:21
19 Ron Dante - Let Me Bring You Up 3:10
20 Lt. Garcia's Magic Music Box - Latin Shake 2:10
21 The Globetrotters - Marathon Mary 3:07
22 Salt Water Taffy - Loop De Loop 2:43
23 The Grass Roots - Fly Me to Havana 3:45
24 Lobo - Me and You and a Dog Named Boo 2:57
25 Mark Eric - I'd Like to Talk to You 2:55
26 Street People - Jennifer Tomkins 1:48
27 The Raspberry Pirates - Looky, Looky, My Cookie's Gone 2:13
28 Patty Flabbies' Coughed Engine - Billy's Got a Goat 1:59
29 The Archies - Feelin' So Good (S.K.O.O.B.Y.-D.O.O.) 3:09
CD2
01 Tommy James & The Shondells - I Think We're Alone Now 2:10
02 The Lemon Pipers - Green Tambourine 2:26
03 The Fun & Games - The Grooviest Girl in the World 2:50
04 The Velvet Underground - Who Loves the Sun 2:47
05 The Archies - Jingle Jangle 2:43
06 Gary Lewis & The Playboys - Double Good Feelin' 2:17
07 Arnim-Hamilton - Pepperman 2:26
08 Halfnelson (Sparks) - Fa La La Lee 2:54
09 The Music Explosion - What's Your Name 2:21
10 The Cowsills - Indian Lake 2:42
11 The Beach Boys - How She Boogalooed It 1:57
12 The Peppermint Trolley Company - She's the Kind of Girl 2:18
13 Ohio Express - Chewy Chewy 2:39
14 The Box Tops - Cry Like a Baby 2:34
15 The Globetrotters - Bouncin' All Over the World 3:02
16 Lou Christie - She Sold Me Magic 2:08
17 The Cherry People - Girl on the Subway 2:36
18 Mama Cass - Move In a Little Closer, Baby 2:39
19 Bobby Bloom - Montego Bay 2:57
20 Ruthann Friedman (Art Podell & Nick Woods) - Candy Apple Cotton Candy 2:07
21 San Francisco Earthquake - The March of the Jingle Jangle People 2:30
22 The Pineapple Heard - Valleri 2:27
23 Mortimer - Would You Believe 2:39
24 The Parade - Sunshine Girl 2:45
25 The Knack - Banana Man 2:24
26 The Goggles - Go Lightly 2:28
27 Ron Dante - How Do You Know 3:15
28 Jamie - Gingersnap 2:05
29 Orange Colored Sky - Mr. Peacock 2:27
30 The Archies - Archie's Party 2:11
31 Tommy Roe - Jam Up Jelly Tight 2:20
CD3
01 The Shadows of Knight - Shake 2:29
02 Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus - Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run) 2:23
03 The Lemon Pipers - Jelly Jungle (of Orange Marmalade) 2:24
04 1910 Fruitgum Co. - Goody Goody Gumdrops 2:13
05 Merrell Fankhauser & H.M.S. Bounty - Things (Goin' Round in My Mind) 2:31
06 The Archies - Who's Your Baby? 2:51
07 John Fred & His Playboy Band - Judy in Disguise (with Glasses) 2:57
08 Cartoon Candy Carnival - Everything Is Mickey Mouse 2:18
09 South Amboy Port Authority - How Do You Like Those Apples 2:51
10 Bruce Channel - Keep On 1:55
11 San Francisco Earthquake - Sophia 3:06
12 The Puddle (aka The Bunch) - Red Rover, Red Rover 2:32
13 The Peppermint Trolley Company - Little Miss Sunshine 2:15
14 The Golden Gate - Make Your Own Sweet Music 2:22
15 Melanie - Brand New Key 2:24
16 Crazy Elephant - Sunshine, Red Wine 2:32
17 Culver Street Playground - Alley Pond Park 2:26
18 The Love Generation - Let the Good Times In 2:14
19 Rick Nelson - Suzanne on a Sunday Morning 1:56
20 Bobby Sherman - Bubble Gum and Braces 2:05
21 Neal Dover - Mr. Bus Driver 2:21
22 Pastrami Malted - Wiwwian Wevy 2:27
23 Bonnie & The Clydes - Ninny Bop Bop 1:55
24 The Marshmellow Highway - Loving You Makes Everything Alright 2:42
25 Ron Dante - Don't Let Love Pass You By 2:37
26 The Globetrotters - Cheer Me Up 2:26
27 Street People - Thank You Girl 2:24
28 The Free Design - Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? 2:12
29 The Jaggerz - The Rapper 2:44
30 The Goggles - Jennifer Rain 3:03
31 The Archies - Sugar, Sugar 2:47
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