Thee Sixpence "Step By Step" (1967-1968)

Thee Sixpence are most noted by collectors as the group that, with some lineup changes, evolved into Strawberry Alarm Clock. Before that, they issued four singles in 1966-1967 on the tiny All-American label. These were above-average, though not outstanding songs in the typical raw, foreboding Los Angeles garage-verging-on-psychedelia mode, sounding close in respects to better-produced efforts during the same era by the Chocolate Watch Band, the Seeds, and the Standells. They had the good taste to cover a couple of Love songs, "My Flash on You" and "Can't Explain," and were one of several L.A. bands to take a shot at a hard rock version of "Hey Joe" (which, as it happened, Love had also put on their debut album). Their best song that was not a cover of a well-known tune was "Heartful of Rain," with its characteristic pained snarled vocal, snaky guitar lines, piercing organ, and minor-keyed background harmonies. Just before they released "Incense and Peppermints," their name was changed to Strawberry Alarm Clock; when that single was picked up by Uni, it went to number one and started a whole new career for the band. All of the material from their rare All-American singles (including the "Incense and Peppermints"/"The Birdman of Alkatrash" 45 released under the Strawberry Alarm Clock name and picked up by Uni) was assembled for the CD reissue Step By Step. ~ Richie Unterberger, AllmusicOne of the most famous U.S. psychedelic groups to come out of the "Swinging '60's" the STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK (SAC) began it's journey in Glendale, CA as THE QUAKER OATS. They were soon renamed THEE SIXPENCE to avoid legal hassles and to give their moniker a "British Invasion" flavour. Led by drummer Gene Gunnels and featuring bassist Greg Lovetro, guitarist Steve Rabe and vocalist Mike Luciano, the quartet soon expanded by adding guitarists Ed King and Lee Freeman. This lineup released the first three 45's found here. Along with covers of LOVE and "Hey Joe," it was their version of Benny Spellman's "Fortune Teller" that became popular enough to be re-released on national label DOT Records. After releasing the fuzz-laden "In The Building," singer Luciano left and was replaced by keyboardist & vocalist Mark Weitz who also composed their next single "Heart Full Of Rain." It would be be their next release however that catapulted them to the top of the charts. Weitz and guitarist King wrote and recorded an interesting eastern-tinged number but were having trouble with the lyrics, so management took it to songwriting team John Carter and Tim Gilbert.The result was "Incense And Peppermints" which after a slow start climbed to #1, their highest-charting record and a psychedelic touchstone. King and Weitz almost quit when they found the song only credited to Carter and Gilbert, but decided to stay when warned not blow their chance at the "big time." The group also had trouble laying down a suitable vocal so they tried a few outside vocalists. The Shapes' Greg Mumford became the choice along with new drummer Randy Seol who had replaced the departing Gunnels.As the single rose on the charts they were offered a contract with UNI Records. The band also felt it was time for a name change to better suit their new musical direction. Now the STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK were now completely wound and ready to wake up the world...! (The story continues here.)
This Italian import on Akarma may or may not be licensed, but considering the age of the material and the possibility that it was dubbed from vinyl, the sound quality is passable. The version of "Incense And Peppermints" found here is rawer compared to the "sweetened" UNI Records version. The first half-dozen cuts have that rough garage-band sound collectors crave, especially their cover of Arthur Lee's "My Flash On You" and the aforementioned fuzz-fest "In The Building." (Goldmine)
More Info: http://www.unwindwithsac.com/misc/thee-sixpence-the-pre-strawberry-alarm-clock-bandthe band:
LEE FREEMAN - Guitar & Vocals / ED KING - Guitar & Vocals / STEVE RABE - Guitar / GENE GUNNELS - Drums & Vocals / GARY LOVETRO - Bass / MIKE LUCIANO - Vocals, replaced by MARK WEITZ - Keyboards & Vocals

trax:
1. long days care 2. can't explain 3. fortune teller 4. my flash on you 5. in the building 6. hey joe 7. heartful of rain 8. first plane home 9. incence and peppermints 10. birdman of alcatraz 11. The World's On Fire
…served by Gyro1966...