Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Incense and Peppermints” is a classic song of the Flower Power era. It’s a catchy tune that’s still popular today and can bring back memories of peace, love, and the good old days. The song is unique because it combines a pop melody with psychedelic sounds. It also features a Hammond organ and guitar distortion, which gives it a distinctive sound. The song’s psychedelic qualities are further enhanced by the lyrics, which reference drugs and other mind-altering activities.
The song began as an instrumental track by band members Mark Weitz and Ed King. They hired songwriter John S. Carter and his writing partner Tim Gilbert to write the lyrics. Weitz and King were credited only as arrangers on the song, while Carter and Gilbert were given sole credit for the lyrics. The band was unhappy with the song’s vocals, and so they brought in sixteen-year-old Greg Munford to sing lead on the recording. Though Munford was a guest in the studio, he never officially joined the band.
When the record was released, it was a B-side to an A side called “Birdman of Alkatrash.” Local radio stations began playing the B-side, which quickly gained popularity. The song was re-released as the A side, and it became a hit. At this point, the band had changed their name to the Strawberry Alarm Clock. The group continued to release records until 1969, although they never again reached the top of the charts.
The success of “Incense and Peppermints” gave the group a huge boost in their career. It helped them get a new label and sign a touring deal with Jimi Hendrix. It also set the tone for the group’s future releases, which were psychedelic rock laced with sunshine pop. The band went through several lineup changes during this time, including the addition of bassist Randy Seol and guitarist George Bunnell.
The single spent 16 weeks on the chart and peaked at number one in November 1967. It was the first of five top 100 hits for the band between September 1967 and May 1969. The song was even featured in the movie Austin Powers, which further boosted its popularity. “Incense and Peppermints” has become a classic song that’s been covered by many other bands and artists over the years.