“Brown Paper Bag” (1970) – Syndicate of Sound * Written by Steve Jenkins * 45: “Brown Paper Bag” / “Reverb Beat” * Producer: Garrie Thompson * Label: Buddah Records * Charts: Billboard #73
San Jose’s Syndicate of Sound had three US charting singles. The first two, the garage band classics “Little Girl” and “Rumors,” happened in 1966, while the third one, “Brown Paper Bag,” appeared in 1970. Newly signed to Neil Bogart’s Buddah label, which was at the tail end of its bugglegum experiment with hits by the 1910 Fruitgum Co. and Ohio Express, among others, the band in all likelihood aimed their record toward preteens. At the time of its release, though, the George Baker Selection was already on the radio with their “Little Green Bag,” hampering promotional efforts for “Brown Paper Bag.” Another publicity challenge: the otherwise loveable Creedence-tinged stomper focused overtly on the plight of a wino.