Jason Crest - Turquoise Tandem Cycle (1968)

Don’t be misled by their name. This was no solo artist; it was a psychedelic band coming from the ashes of a band called The Good Thing Brigade in a place called Tonbridge, England, located some twenty-nine miles southeast of London. Signed to Philips Records at the end of 1967, the group released five singles in 1968. All five releases were considered commercial failures, even their cover of The Move’s popular song, “(Here We Go Round) The Lemon Tree,” despite receiving heavy airtime. Following the group’s disappointing releases, they disbanded in 1969 when their contract with Philips expired. The only link to success the band was ever able to claim was when the French singer Joe Dassin covered their song “Waterloo Road” in 1968 under the title of “Les Champs Élysées” and took it to number one in France.

The song, coming from the group’s first single as the A-Side was the first of five failures released by the group in 1968. Combined with the failure of the second single, the record company suggested that the group try a cover song rather than original material. The Move’s “(Here We Go Round) The Lemon Tree” was chosen, but failed to make an impact. Unfortunately, the band’s fourth and fifth singles were met with the same indifference.



Jason Crest - Turquoise Tandem Cycle (1968)

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Lyrics:

A turquoise tandem cycle
Has wheels of rubber rings
A choir of silent voices
A book of silent hymns

A house of papier-mâché
The walls are very thin
I’d be knocking there forever
They’ll never let me in

A band of scarlet ribbons
Are hanging from the sky
A mother expects a baby
An old man waits to die

A house of papier-mâché
The walls are very thin
I’d be knocking there forever
They’ll never let me in

A band of scarlet ribbons
Are fading from the sky
The mothers have her baby
The old mans die