Article published in Rock and Roll Songs, July 1968
Wake Up To The Strawberry Alarm Clock | “H-E-A-V-Y!!!” and “W-I-L-D!!!” with capitals, hyphens, and exclamation marks, not to forget quote-end-quote, are possibly the best ways and means to describe the group that is causing the nation to wake up – the Strawberry Alarm Clock. Theirs is a disarmingly, charmingly, and alarmingly different sound The SAC Sound is distinctly somewhere between, in, around, among or what have you jazz hard-rock and raga-classical rock – replete with all the varied frenzy, demanding drive, and yet subtle harmonic blend that builds into an indescribable “wild-tame” music.
“Incense & Peppermints,” a million seller, the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s first hit was No. 1 in the nation by Nov. 18 in Cash Box, Record World, Ted Randal, and Bill Gavin charts. Furthermore, the SAC’s strained control and inventive excitement is witnessed in their first album which may well prove the top selling album of the year for a new group.
Named after their hit single, “Incense & Peppermints” Super-album contains an eight and a half minute cut entitled, The World’s On Fire,” for which they have been labelled — fire-rock!
In performance, The Strawberry Alarm Clock is a firey experience. Pete Johnson, pop critic of the Los Angeles Times, said of them in a review (Aug. 19, 1967): “The group creates the same kind of intriguing frenzy that the Doors and several San Francisco acts do.” Because they excite with intricate jazz techniques and a display of “controlled feedback,” the SAC is what most San Francisco groups would like to be.
Wake Up To The Strawberry Alarm Clock
Enter the Strawberry Alarm Clock! The great organ flair comes from the Midas touch of Mark Weitz (born Nov. 18, 1945) the SAC leader. Influenced by the mystic sounds and keys of Oriental-Indian music, Mark can match sustained control of minor chords and technique with the best in the pop field.
Sharing much of the singing honours is Lee Freeman (born Nov. 8, 1948) whose voice convinces the listener that the SAC invitation to groove with them is well worth the time. On stage Lee exerts his authority on guitar, drums (when he stands in for Randy,) harmonica, and sometimes flute, sax, bagpipes, and even the piano.
Ed King (born Sept. 14, 1949) on lead guitar, is the sound master of the SAC. His inventive theory put into practice gives rise to the instrumental arrangements of the group. Ed contends that the lead instruments (high instruments) follow the bass and drums which give foundation. “We utilize variations in one song of rhythm and tone levels, building up and down to achieve an accelerating, driving impression,” he says.
One of the innovations of the SAC is the fact that Gary Lovetro (born Oct. 2, 1948), and George Bunnell (born June 9, 1949) are both on bass guitar. One of the originators of the group, Gary contributes extensively to the “spiritual automatic” writing of the SAC. George, on special effects bass, brings impressive writing ability with “Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow,” “Strawberries Mean Love,” and “Hummin’ Happy,” cuts on the “Incense & Peppermints” Super-album.
Wake Up To The Strawberry Alarm Clock
Enter Randy Seol. Randy (born Sept. 7, 1949) creates the visual frenzy which has made him, in short order, one of the most discussed drummers and idols in the nation. Very visual (often he sets his hands as well as his vibes on fire in concert) and very vital, Randy sings lead on most songs in his own individual style, including the much air-played, “Birds In My Tree.” His is a true talent which has wholeheartedly captured the imagination of the public. “Tomorrow,” the newest blockbuster in the SAC repertoire, destined to be The STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK’S follow-up to “Incense & Peppermints,” shows Randy at his vocal best.
Within a period of one month, TV demand for the SAC has put them on “The Danny Thomas Show: The Scene,” “The Joey Bishop Show,” “The Woody Woodbury Show” (2 times). “American Bandstand” (2 times), “Boss City” (3 times), “Groovy” (3 times), “Pat Boone Show”, and “Keene At Noon.” They have firm commitments for “The Smothers Brothers,” and “Tonight Show;” and an “Ed Sullivan” is in the offing.
In addition to their TV appearances, they guest-star in Dick Clark’s motion picture, “The Love Children,” scheduled for early release. In addition to guest-starring on the national Beach Boys tour, the SAC have headlined in concert throughout California, including dates at Gary Bookasta’s Hullabaloo, The Cheetah, the Pasadena Civic, the Santa Monica Civic and the Anahiem Convention Centre.
CLOCK is influencing the sound of progressive rock. Enter the STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK – a triple treat . . . a triple threat . . . a triple triumph!!!
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