Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermints" (1967)
Dance song of the day - July 10, 2024
I meant to mention yesterday that a piece about Todd Rundgren is coming this weekend. I’ve just finished his autobiography and watched a slew of interviews with him, and have to say that his creative process as a performer, producer, and technology developer is fascinating, not to mention that he’s quite self-reflective and shares missteps and failures as much as successes. Stay tuned.
Song of the day
Here’s a 1967 number one single from the psychedelic rock vault called “Incense and Peppermints,” by L.A.-based Strawberry Alarm Clock from their debut album of the same name. Does it bring up groovy memories for you like it does for me? Or did you perchance get acquainted with it more recently in either Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery or Daisy Jones and the Six? Or is today your first time hearing this psychedelic standard?
These guys are still making albums and performing — with five of the original members! Check them out on their website.
Album and song credits
Songwriters: John S. Carter, Tim Gilbert (uncredited: Mark Weitz, Ed King)
Producers: Frank Slay, Bill Holmes
Strawberry Alarm Clock:
Mark Weitz – organ, piano, harpsichord, vocals
Randy Seol – drums, bongos, vibraphone, vocals
Ed King – lead guitar, vocals
Lee Freeman – rhythm guitar, harmonica, vocals
George Bunnell – bass, vocals
Gary Lovetro – bass, vocals
with:
Steve Bartek – flute (uncredited)
Greg Munford – lead vocals on "Incense and Peppermints" (uncredited)
Gene Gunnels - drums, cowbell on Incense and Peppermints (uncredited)
Technical
Paul Buff – engineer
Ed Caraeff – photography
Record company politics deprived Weitz and King of songwriting credits for the tune, and thus payment of royalties for it. Shouldn't have happened.
Earlier in his career, producer Frank Slay had been in a successful songwriting partnership with Bob Crewe (best known as the producer of the Four Seasons).