S.O.D. "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations

8/29/2015     Replacing vocalist Clem Curtis, new lead vocalist Colin Young sang his first song with The Foundations on this smash hit.  It was written by musician, singer/songwriter Mike d'Abo of Manfred Mann fame and outstanding composer/songwriter Tony Macaulay.  Released in December 1968, in early 1969 it was #1 on the Cash Box singles chart, #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 in the UK, quickly earning Gold Certification.  

     A handful of cover versions were made including a 2003 version by Colin Young in which all of the proceeds went to the Milly's Fund.  This is a trust fund set up in the name of Amanda "Milly" Drowler who disappeared in Surrey, England in March 2002.  It was later discovered that she was abducted and murdered on her way home from school.  On the recording of the song, the backup singers are the Surrey Police Force.  Her killer, Levi Bellfield is still in prison.  One other interesting cover version was done by a group called the Valentines in the 60s.  Among their backup singers was (unknown at the time) future AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott.  

     Buttercup has appeared in many social media spots including the films Mallrats and There's Something About Mary. During the seventh inning stretch it is used by the major league baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels.