Other than the refreshing summer drink to which it lends its name, the lemon has to be among the most disrespected fruits. Cars that frequently break down or do not run at all are called lemons, instead of tangerines or plums. An unhappy facial expression is often described as lemon-faced, based on the sourness it indicates.
Given its unappealing tradition, it is surprising to learn that popular bands have chosen that particular fruit for their names over more desirable ones such as bananas or pears. For example, the late Sixties and Seventies gave us the Lemon Pipers, who hit the charts with the single “Green Tambourine.”
A decade later fans of New Wave music took pleasure in a group that called themselves the Mighty Lemon Drops, whose sound was often compared to Echo and the Bunnymen. Then in the Nineties singer-songwriter Evan Dando fronted a post grunge band named the Lemon Heads, who attracted fans of Nirvana and the late Kurt Cobain.
Although the lemon has overwhelmingly beaten the rest of its juicy genus, other fruits have managed to appear in some popular band names. Here are ten of the best.
The Raspberries
Eric Carmen and his three young buddies made quite an impression in the early Seventies, scoring the huge hits “Go All the Way” and “I Wanna Be With You.”
Wild Cherry
One hit was all it took to jolt this group, a quintet of white boys who wanted to play funky music, into immortality.
Apples In Stereo
Among the pioneers of the genre called indie rock, this eclectic band has outlasted most of its early peers.
The Electric Prunes
Psychedelic rock combined with a clever play on words helped make these guys a household name for a while, as “I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)” climbed the charts back in 1966.
Moby Grape
Former members of Jefferson Airplane formed this band that fused rock with country and jazz, drawing comparisons to Buffalo Springfield mainly because of its three guitar player lineup.
The Raisins
National success for the most part eluded this talented late Seventies group who had a minor hit with “Fear Is Never Boring”, but they remain much revered in their hometown of Cincinnati.
Strawberry Alarm Clock
By mixing incense with some peppermints back in 1967 these guys could smell, and taste, a Top Ten single.
Blind Melon
“No Rain” became the group’s smash hit, partly because of its infectious melody and partly due to its bee-themed video.
The Cranberries
No Need To Argue was the 1994 album that allowed the Irish alt band to break through, mainly due to strong singles like “Zombies” and “Ode To My Family.”
Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan led this Nineties alternative rock ensemble, who in addition to dozens of hits earned an appearance on an episode of The Simpsons.