By Chris Gedos
The indisputable psych-bubblegum paragon, “Green Tambourine” was the first Buddha Records #1 when it reached the Billboard pinnacle in February, 1968. (Lou Christie, a Buddha alum, reached #1 with “Lightning Strikes” the year before, while he was still with MGM.) For some unknown reason, “Green Tambourine” and much of the best bubblegum from the Summer of Love era has been brushed under the soundboard by OBG radio (thinking of Strawberry Alarm Clock and 1910 Fruitgum Company). The Lemon Pipers’ follow-up, “Rice is Nice”, fizzled out at #46, but it’s a solid ditty in the Village Green / Odyssey and Oracle vein. The Lemon Pipers’ influence on both their contemporaries and subsequent acts like Super Furry Animals and The Flaming Lips is incredible. Not bad for a one hit wonder from Ohio.
Rating 9.31
Reviewed by b3
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