The Strawberry Alarm Clock Incense And Peppermints
Introduction
In the mid-1960s, a new form of music emerged that was unlike anything that had come before it. Psychedelic rock was born out of the counterculture movement that was sweeping across America, and it quickly became a symbol of the youth rebellion that was taking place. One band that played a crucial role in the development of this new genre was The Strawberry Alarm Clock. Their hit single "Incense and Peppermints" is considered to be one of the defining songs of the era, and it helped to catapult the band to stardom.
The Beginnings of The Strawberry Alarm Clock
The Strawberry Alarm Clock was formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California. The band members were all in their late teens or early twenties, and they shared a love of music that was outside of the mainstream. The original lineup consisted of Ed King on guitar, Lee Freeman on rhythm guitar, Mark Weitz on keyboards, Randy Seol on drums, and George Bunnell on bass.
Initially, the band played cover songs at local clubs and bars, but they soon started to write their own music. They were heavily influenced by the psychedelic sounds that were coming out of San Francisco at the time, and they began to experiment with different musical styles and instruments.
The Rise to Fame
In 1967, The Strawberry Alarm Clock released their debut album, "Incense and Peppermints." The title track was written by John Carter and Tim Gilbert, two songwriters who were not members of the band. However, the song's catchy melody and psychedelic lyrics perfectly captured the spirit of the times, and it quickly became a hit.
Thanks to the success of "Incense and Peppermints," The Strawberry Alarm Clock became one of the most popular bands of the psychedelic era. They went on to release several more albums, including "Wake Up...It's Tomorrow" and "The World in a Seashell." However, they were never able to replicate the success of their debut single.
The Legacy of The Strawberry Alarm Clock
Although The Strawberry Alarm Clock's commercial success was short-lived, their influence on psychedelic rock cannot be overstated. They helped to define the genre with their use of electronic instruments, unusual time signatures, and unconventional song structures. They also paved the way for other bands that would come to dominate the scene, such as Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and The Doors.
Today, The Strawberry Alarm Clock is still remembered as one of the most important bands of the 1960s. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and their legacy lives on.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermints" is a classic song that perfectly captures the spirit of the psychedelic era. It helped to define a new genre of music that was unlike anything that had come before it. Although the band's commercial success was short-lived, their influence on psychedelic rock cannot be overstated. Today, they are remembered as one of the most important bands of the 1960s, and their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
