Together since high school, the Ohio Express were the ultimate bubblegum band. Their lead singer,Joey Levine , sang like he had a huge wad of bubblegum in his mouth. His super nasal vocals are a bubblegum trademark. The band played tense go-go grooves with chug-chug-chug-chug-chug-chug-chug-chug guitars & roller rink keyboards. Compared to most bubblegum bands, the Ohio Express were HEAVY.  Their biggest hit, "Yummy Yummy Yummy" is the foundation of power pop. It's opening riff has been borrowed by everyone from the Cars to Judas Priest.

During their 1968 - 69 heyday, the group put out several albums and a ton of singles for BUDDAH RECORDS including "Sweeter Than Sugar", "Mercy" and "Down at Lu-Lu's". Kasenetz, Katz and Levine kept sticking together hit after hit for the Express as its membership constantly mutated. In fact, the band pictured here were not the original band that recorded the first Express single, "Beg Borrow and Steal".

The "OHIO EXPRESS" album is particularly interesting. The album features just two Levine/Super K - produced songs. The rest of the album is filled out with the band's own material which ranges from bubblegummy pop to freakout psychedelic space-rock. Of course, the real fun can be found in the 45s.  While "Chewy Chewy" and "Mercy" continue in the "Yummy Yummy" vein, B-sides like the backwards  instrumental "Zig-Zag", and the super-funky-soulful "Roll It Up" suggest that too much bubblegum may lead to drug use! Other weirdness occours on the single "Peanuts"  (say it a few times fast and you'll get the idea).
The Ohio Express still play today & can be booked thru the Mars Talent Agency. They even have a new single out called "Goody Goody"! The new singer sounds a lot like Joey & the original Express guitarist, Douglass Grassel also plays with the group on special occasions.
 
 

45s
Beg Borrow And Steal/Maybe 1967
Try It/Soul Struttin' 1967
Yummy Yummy Yummy/Zig Zag 1968
Down At Lulu's/She's Not Comin' Home  1968
Chewy Chewy/Firebird  1968
Sweeter Than Sugar/Bitter Than Lemon  1968
Mercy/Roll It Up  1969
Pinch Me (Baby Convince Me)/Peanuts 1969
Sausalito (Is The Place To Go)/Make Love Not War  1969
Cowboy Convention/The Race (That Took Place)  1969
Peanuts/Love Equals Love 1969
Hot Dog ?
Goody Goody 1999?

33s
BEG, BORROW AND STEAL 1968
THE OHIO EXPRESS  1968
SALT WATER TAFFY 1968
CHEWY CHEWY 1969
MERCY  1969
THE VERY BEST OF THE OHIO EXPRESS 1970