The Lemon Drops

The Lemon Drops formed in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of McHenry in 1966. Despite its repetitive lyrics the band's only 7" I Live in the Springtime, has a strong enough melody to suggest that better things could have laid ahead... but as it turned out, none of their other 1967-68 recording sessions were released on record until the mid-eighties. Ricky Erickson (ex-The Nuchez) was brought in to do guitar on the 7" after the band's original guitarist (George Sorenson) had quit prior to the recording.

Ricky Erickson (ex-The Nuchez) was brought in to do guitar on the 7" after the band's original guitarist (George Sorenson) had quit prior to the recording.

"I Live In The Springtime" did get some airplay in New York at the time and consequently the Lemon Drops recorded a second 7", It Happens Everyday backed by a Ricky Erickson composition Alone, at the RCA Studios in Chicago, but it was never released. They then recruited a new 17 year old singer Dick Sidman and began working on an ambitious new project with tablas, flowery harmonies and numerous special effects ran up a studio bill of $1,200 that Reggie Weiss, the owner of Rembrandt Records couldn't pay.

Only in 1985 were the master tapes from this session released as Crystal Pure.

In their quest for major label interest the band proceeded to record a live album over two evenings at Weiss' home. They took the tapes to several Hollywood labels but none were interested and losing heart the band actually split in 1968.

However, the following month the Weiss family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and by chance played their tape for Buena Vista Productions who offered to put up $250,000 to promote the group. Obviously they were thrilled and the Lemon Drops reformed with just Ricky Erickson missing from the new line-up. They recorded lots of new songs in Chicago's Sound Studios during November and December 1968, but ironically these efforts too proved to be in vain, for the owner of Buena Vista died in his sleep and the deal was canceled. Devastated the band split up for good.

Gary and Eddie Weiss later formed Watermelon and then Buzzsaw. In 1972 Reggie Weiss, frustrated by their lack of success issued a stereo mix of I Live In The Springtime as Buzzsaw.

Personnel
Jeff Brand (Bass)
Bobby Lunaik (Guitar)
Danny Smola (vocals)
Eddie Weiss (lead guitar)
Gary Weiss (drums)
George Sorenson (lead guitar)
Ricky Erickson (lead guitar)
Dick Sidman (vocals)