I used to have bootleg MP3s of "25 All-Time Greatest Bubblegum Hits: The Ultimate Bubblegum Collection" (http://astore.amazon.com/imwan-20/detail/B00004TGT4/102-7769838-2566501) but lost it in a hard drive crash. I thought about just getting that CD, but I'd kinda like to get something a little more comprehensive.

Anybody know of any good box sets that cover the genre well?

The closest you're gonna get to a box set is The Buddah Box, which covers the label that was home to several of the best-known bubblegum acts. It has representative tracks from Ohio Express, Lemon Pipers, 1910 Fruitgum Company, and Kasenetz-Katz Circus, and marginally bubbly tracks like "The Rapper" and "Brother Louie." But more than half of the box is devoted to other artists on the Buddah label, from Lovin' Spoonful to Gladys Knight to the Fat Boys, and 45 tracks over 3 CDs seems kinda skimpy.



You'd be better served trying to track down the 5 volumes of Bubblegum Classics issued by Varese. That 25 Greatest... (also issued by Varese) is basically a distillation of the 5 earlier CDs. They average ~20 tracks/CD, but they are OOP and currently fetch silly money on Amazon. You might get lucky on eBay.

Another related series from Varese, Sunshine Days, compiles more pop nuggets from the mid-60s/early 70s. 5 volumes, lots of HTF nuggets, but also OOP and becoming collectable.

Rhino should put out a Nuggets-style box set of all bubblegum!

I was going to suggest the Buddah Box as well, but it definitely has shortcomings, and I've actually found the Varese "25 All-Time Greatest" probably the most satisfying collection of bubblegum I've heard so far. My recommendation: download that one again.

Thanks, guys! That Bubblegum Classics series looks cool, but is insanely priced. I think I'll just replace my copy of 25 All-Time Greatest.

Besides, it has Captain Groovy and His Bubblegum Army. What else do you really need?

"Captain Groovy and His Bubblegum Army" is the bomb. I put that on just about every mix CD I make for people. I feel positively evangelical about that song!

Jimbo is right on - the Bubblegum Classic series is the best there is, nice sound and selection. Too bad they go for obscene prices now.

For those who want more to chew on, BMG issued separate best-ofs for Ohio Express, 1910 Fruitgum Company, and the Lemon Pipers. These are still in print and midline priced.

Here's a tasty one from Varese...