The Campers -- Camp Favorites

Producer

Unknown

Releases

 Date    Label    Number     Country   Format     Comments
 ----    -----    ------     -------   ------     --------
 1962    Cameo    C-1047                 LP       out of print, mono

David Cohen wrote about this long-lost Ochs album

Someone was selling a copy of this on Ebay and had this commentary (which is undoubtedly exagerated if not false, but it is good for a laugh):

This is the ultra-rare LP by folk legend Phil Ochs' first professionally-recorded band. For a short while in the early '60s The Campers were a popular touring act, bringing traditional campfire songs to hundreds around the globe. Consisting of Ochs, a woman who preferred anonymity and several children (who also preferred anonymity), The Campers reached the peak of their success with the smash hit single "Polly Wolly Doodle" b/w "Friends Friends Friends." Although the follow-up single "Hambone" b/w "Crucifixion" failed to chart, The Campers remained a top attraction on the campfire circuit until an unfortunate incident while on tour doomed the group forever. Although the circumstances remain unclear, Ochs was arrested at a campfire in Florida and charged with violating federal child labor laws. As part of a plea bargain agreement, Ochs agreed not to play in a band for seven years. All copies of the yet-to-be-released "Camp Favorites" were ordered destroyed but, amazingly, several copies -- including this one -- managed to escape the incinerator! Ochs reluctantly retired The Campers and soon moved to New York City where he began performing as a solo artist. Bitter about his legal troubles and the demise of his band, Ochs wrote scathing songs blasting the government and its policies... And the rest is history.

Last modified 25 Dec 02 by trent