Maid Of Sugar, Maid Of Spice

Maid Of Sugar, Maid Of Spice by Mouse & The Traps

Release Date : 1966

Album : Single

Mouse and the Traps could very well be one of the most prolific bands that you have never heard of before.  Formed in Tyler, Texas in 1965, the group released only one album although they did release several singles as well.  They got their name due to the fact that lead singer Ronnie Weiss had a nasal, mouse-like vocal delivery (a little like Bob Dylan say some), after going through several other names such as Positively 13 O'Clock.

During their early period the group met Bugs Henderson and recorded "A Public Execution", which would become their biggest hit, reaching number 121 on the Billboard charts.  They also recorded several covers including a rip-roaring version of the Count Five's "Psychotic Reaction".  These were mostly done for the Fraternity Records label, which also released their own original music.  The band dissolved in 1969 after barely three years however they have reunited for shows in 1972 and most recently in 1986.  While their contribution was small, their influence remains today. 

While most consider "Maid of Sugar, Maid of Spice" their best overall recording, it did not reach the success of their previous effort, "A Public Execution", which was extremely akin to Bob Dylan's music of this time.  That song became a hit in many places, including Ottawa, Ontario, where it was covered by many local musicians.  However, since that song is too much of an homage/parody of Dylan, I have decided to use "Maid..." instead as it is more representative of the true sound of the band.

With a rocking punk-like riff and an in your face vocal delivery, this overly loud classic literally sounds like it was recorded in someone's garage.  Perhaps that is why it has been hailed as a masterpiece of the Garage Rock movement, being prominently featured in Lenny Kaye's "Nuggets" series as well as several other compilations.  An all out assault for sure, this is a perfect example of Garage Rock at its finest.

Kevin Fever