Search - Archies :: Sugar, Sugar

Let's Get This Straight....

Windsor Bear | Isle of Wight, VA USA | 04/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, time to staighten out this online database review mix-up. There have been many CD issues simply titled "Sugar, Sugar - The Archies" and over time, the reviews have gotten mixed up. This review is for the 24 track compilation released on the Repertoire label, not the heart-shaped CD single with the same name released earlier on the 32 Records label, although, most of the reviews that follow are for that CD single. This 24-track compilation is without a doubt the BEST Archies compilation to hit the market yet. Songs are included from all 6 of the original Archies albums. The sound is clean, bright, and at the right pitch. While most of these songs have been included on other Archies compilations, this is the only one I have found that took great care and used good quality source material to get the job done right. If you are an Archies fan, THIS is the CD to get. Do not let this one slip by. I have been an Archies fan for over 30 years, and have my own Archies web-site, so you can trust my judgement on this one."

The True Identity of The Archies

Stuffed Animal | Kansas City, Missouri United States | 03/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was tangentially attached to the "Absolutely Best Of The Archies" CD release as a researcher, and I'm afraid I must take responsibility for some errors. Jeannie Thomas did not sing on Archies recordings, and neither did Andy Kim or Ellie Greenwich, though Andy was present at some of the sessions. According to Ron Dante (and you can verify this with him by emailing him at rondante@yahoo.com), The Archies vocalists were himself (on lead), Jeff Barry, Bobby Bloom, Leslie Miller and Toni Wine (on duet vocals). Toni was replaced by Donna Marie in 1970. The following year, Merle Miller replaced Donna Marie. As to the identity of the lead singer on 1971's "Love Is Living In You" (the only Archies single not to feature Ron Dante), I predict this will always be a source of controversy. For many years, Ritchie Adams was assumed to be the vocalist on this cut. He isn't. Joe Renzetti, who arranged the session, believes that the singer might have been Neil Goldberg, an associate of Jeff Barry. He doesn't remember clearly. The song was written by Phil Cody, who has said he didn't sing on it, even though he's never heard the record. However, in my opinion, the vocalist on that single is identical to the vocalist who recorded the album LAUGHING SANDWICH for Kirshner Records that same year: Phil Cody! Needless to say, "Love Is Living In You" is not included among the songs on this import CD. Hopefully someday . . ."

The best of the Archies (i.e., of Jeff Barry, 1968-1970)

Lawrance M. Bernabo | The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota | 07/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The year 1969 was a year in which unbelievable things happened: human beings walked on the moon and the New York Mets won the World Series. But such things usually come in threes and one nomination for that final spot would be that in 1969 the biggest selling pop song of the year was "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies. The group was created by producer Don Kirschner after he was fired by the Monkees. Behind the animated figures of Archie and the gang were a group of seasoned session vocalists including Andy Kim, Ron Dante, Ellie Greenwich, Jeanie Thomas and Toni Wine. Most of the songs recorded by the group were written by Jeff Barry, who usually wrote with his wife, Greenwich. But the two big Archies hits, "Sugar,Sugar" (#1) and "Jingle Jangle" (#10), were both co-written by Barry and Kim. You would have thought that would have been a giant clue for the pair to do more, but Barry wrote the majority of these songs by himself, and once he left the picture the Archies faded from music history.The other minor hits by the Archies would be "Bang-Shang-A-Lang" (#22), "Feelin' So Good (S.k.o.o.b.y-D.o.o)" (#53), "Sunshine" (#57), and "Who's Your Baby?" (#40). Notice that the six singles that charted are the first six cuts on the album, so do not be surprised when this collection starts off strong and then by the time you get to the end of the album the flavor has gone out of it (what other metaphor would you suggest?). All of these songs fit the same mold, which means a catchy melody and meaningless lyrics about love. It would be easy to dismiss all bubblegum music as ear candy, but "Sugar, Sugar" sold six million copies. As long as you have the six songs that made the charts you have the basics covered and then the rest depends on how well you remember the Archies and your personal preferences as to what other songs you want in your collection. For most of us, having "Sugar, Sugar," and "Jingle, Jangle" as part of your bubblegum music collection is enough. This album would be for the die hard Archies fans."