Originally getting together as The Ragamuffins in 1965, they changed their name the next year. Their debut album, (Turn On) The Music Machine, was released in 1966 on the Original Sound label. Seven of the 12 tracks were originals, written by vocalist Sean Bonniwell.
One of the songs, Talk Talk, recorded at RCA studios on July 30, 1966, became a Top 20 hit in the U.S. The track is the ultimate spew of garage angst, its tortuous chord changes complemented by pounding electric keyboards, snaky Asiatic guitar, and Bonniwell's unforgettable guttural howl. It was the Los Angeles band's only high-charting 45, but from '66 to the end of the decade, they released much fine garage-psychedelia, with Bonniwell's tormented visions, hard rock melodic hooks, and alternately gravely/crooning vocals to the fore.
The follow-up single, "The People In Me," peaked at #66. Bonniwell blamed the weak showing on a supposed feud between the band's manager and a top record executive. Four cover songs were included on this release, due to record company pressure.
After a promotional tour of the U.S., the rest of the original lineup, which included Ron Edgar (drums), Mark Landon (guitar), Keith Olsen (bass) and Doug Rhodes (organ), left Bonniwell due to internal conflicts. In 1967, The Music Machine (essentially only Bonniwell at this point) was signed to Warner Bros. and renamed The Bonniwell Music Machine. A self-titled LP was released that year, made up mostly of previously recorded songs with the original lineup. The recording spawned no big hits, despite the inclusion of a few more pop-oriented songs.
A third album was recorded but never released. In 2000, a Bonniwell Music Machine album called "Ignition" was released on Sundazed Records. This is a collection of songs from the unreleased 1969 album, as well as demo tracks from the band's Raggamuffin days in 1965.
In 2000, Bonniwell wrote about his life and The Music Machine in a biography called "Beyond The Garage," published by the small press publisher Christian Vision.
Cherry Cherry
The Music Machine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, but she burns
Like rum on the fire
Hot and fast and angry
As she can be
I walk my days on a wire
It looks ugly, but it's clean
Oh, momma, don't fuss over me
Open hand or closed fist would be fine
The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine
Calls of guilty fall on me
All while she stains
The sheets of some other
Thrown at me so powerfully
Just like she throws with the arm of her brother
But I want it, it's a crime
That she's not around most of the time
The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine
Open hand or closed fist would be fine
The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine
Her fight and fury is fiery
Oh, but she loves
Like sleep the the freezing
Sweet and right and merciful
I'm all but washed
In the tide of her breathing
And it's worth it, it's divine
And I can have this some of the time
The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine
Open hand or closed fist would be fine
The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.
The Music Machine's song "Cherry Cherry" is a raw and intense portrayal of a relationship that is full of passion, but also marked by violence and addiction. The singer describes his lover's eyes as "icy," but also notes that she is "hot and fast and angry" and "fiery." He walks on a wire, balancing the demands of her love with the knowledge that she could hurt him at any moment. Despite her violent outbursts and her infidelity, he is still drawn to her and craves her love, describing it as "worth it" and "divine." Ultimately, the blood that is spilled represents both the danger and the sweetness of their relationship, likened to cherry wine.
The imagery in the song is simultaneously sensual and violent, with references to rum, fire, and the sheets of some other. The singer and his lover are caught in a cycle of intense emotion and physicality, with the implication that their passion is akin to addiction. The phrase "open hand or closed fist would be fine" suggests a sense of resignation on the part of the singer, as if he is willing to endure physical pain as long as it is accompanied by the intense feelings he experiences when he is with his lover.
Overall, "Cherry Cherry" is a powerful and provocative exploration of the dark side of love and desire, highlighting how the line between pleasure and pain can become blurred. The song's visceral lyrics and driving beat create a sense of urgency and instability, mirroring the tumultuous relationship described in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Her eyes and words are so icy
Despite her cold demeanor, she is passionate.
Oh, but she burns
She is filled with intense emotions.
Like rum on the fire
Her passion is hot and explosive.
Hot and fast and angry
Her passion is intense and sometimes volatile.
As she can be
She has a fiery personality.
I walk my days on a wire
Living with her is uncertain and risky.
It looks ugly, but it's clean
Despite the mess, the relationship is pure and honest.
Oh, momma, don't fuss over me
Don't worry about me, I can handle it.
The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine
She is possessive and exclusive in her love.
Open hand or closed fist would be fine
She will take affection any way it is given.
The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine
The love they share is rare and beautiful.
Calls of guilty fall on me
I feel responsible for the problems in the relationship.
All while she stains
As she causes problems, she also leaves a mark.
The sheets of some other
She has been with other people.
Thrown at me so powerfully
Her love is overwhelming and sometimes aggressive.
Just like she throws with the arm of her brother
She shows her love with the same intensity as her brother shows aggression.
But I want it, it's a crime
I am willing to do anything for her love.
That she's not around most of the time
Although we have a strong connection, we spend a lot of time apart.
Her fight and fury is fiery
Her passion can sometimes result in fights and anger.
Oh, but she loves
Despite the anger, she is deeply in love.
Like sleep the the freezing
Her love brings comfort and warmth.
Sweet and right and merciful
Her love is kind and just.
I'm all but washed
Her love has encompassed and consumed me.
In the tide of her breathing
Her love affects every aspect of my life.
And it's worth it, it's divine
Her love is worth all the ups and downs, it is almost divine.
And I can have this some of the time
Our love is not consistent, but it is still worth it.
Contributed by Evan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Mersey Sound
As much as I like the feel of Neil Diamond's version, I personally think The Music Machine's production and arrangement of the song make it superior to the original
BlueBurro922
Luv the flute! This version is way better by far. But I'm not a Neil Diamond kinda guy...
Christine E H
This version of Cherry Cherry will grow on you with listening. Sean Boniwell's rich voice suits the song.
RevbIGhIG
Actually, a very groovy re-imagination of the tune. No band needs to be locked into one thing forever. I can dig Talk Talk and this too ...
viking90706
Forced to do others music for ratings by management, if they had realized their sound, Music Machine would have been an influential game changer.
Dennis LaGrua
This departure in material was no doubt driven by the groups management. While it is good, it doesn't represent Sean Bonniwell's unique style. A small record label , bad management and poor promotion didn't help this group achieve what they should have achieved.
kitthevideoman
Sean Bonniwell, God rest your soul. You and your band mates did a great job.
Mark Landon
@ComradeCrusty We only did the first LP covers because after Talk Talk hit, we were given zero time to put out an LP!.. Zero... We came off the one nighter road, went into the studio, & came out a week later with an LP, & hit the road again...
Saraiva Toledo
Ruthless record Industry . A disgrace , and I can only imagine how they manipulated you to do just that .
dramamine
listened to their full album for the first time a few days ago and fell in love. will be buying it on vinyl soon.