I first heard this song in the 80s on an oldie channel. The song has a drive to it that I love. After I heard it I went straight away and learned it on guitar. We played this at every gig because it’s so much fun…and yes easy. As I pasted the words…I thought…hell…we sang our own words and just sounded them out.
It was originally released in 1969 and it peaked at #12 on the Billboard 100, #9 in Canada, and #12 in the UK. It was written by Joey Levine and Ritchie Cordell. The band wasn’t really a band that toured…just a studio band. It was one of the many formed by the Kasenetz-Katz production duo.
The duo took advantage of the bubblegum phase in the late sixties. They also formed The Ohio Express, The Music Explosion, and the 1910 Fruitgum Company. This song though…if it’s played at the right volume and intensity loses that bubblegum feel quickly.
The band needed attention so they made a rather elaborate story which said that they were a group of coal miners who came all the way from Wales. Vocalist Robert “Bobby” Spencer did the lead vocals on this song. Future 10cc member Kevin Godley later sang lead vocals on one of Crazy Elephant’s songs, There Ain’t No Umbopo.
Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’
From Atlanta, Georgia, to the Gulf Stream water
up to California end I’m gonna spend my life both night and day
I say, gimme, gimme good lovin’ every night
(Hey you know it’s alright, child)
Gimme, gimme good lovin’ make it alright
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
To the girls in Frisco, to the girls in New York
To the girls in Texican, you gotta understand
That baby I’m your man
I say, gimme, gimme good lovin’ every night
(Yeah you know it’s alright now)
Gimme, gimme good lovin’ make it alright
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
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oh yeah, I know this one. Wasn’t sure if it was the one I was thinking of til I played it. Would have never known who the band was though. sounds like a fun one to play in a bar.
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Yea one of those studio bands put together…this one is actually good and fun to listen to.
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Class! I love ‘bubblegum’ music, so don’t care if it’s perceived as that. Never heard the ‘Umbopo’ track before … had me singing ‘It never rains in California’ to it. 😉 🙂
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I do like ‘Gimme.’ Dare I say there is ‘good’ bubblegum, and this one is one of ’em. It has an urgent beat to it that any bar band would love. Also, I’ve never heard ‘Umbopo’ but theres a nice bass line through it.
Now I know that ‘Gimme’ chorus is going to be in my brain all day!
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Yep that is the trouble with the song…it’s like a bad hangover…it stays with you.
It has some R&B and a little soul in it…so its not your typical Bubblegum song.
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I’m in love with their “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha”!
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Just one of those great songs from 1970. I remember a lot of them…
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This song would definitely pull me out onto the dance floor. Love those sound effects and the organ fluorishes.
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I can see why “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'” was a fun tune to play and how it would engage an audience.
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This is peak bubblegum. There’s only like two or three other ones as good as this. I think it’s awesome that you used to play it. That was a great idea.
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It really is a driving song and one that other bands don’t play…sorry I’ve been behind in commenting…I came down with a nasty bit of flu.
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I love the photo at the top of the post. Is that the 45 packaging? Very cool.
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Yes that was part of the packaging and I agree…it is cool.
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