Tin Tin

Tin Tin was an Australian pop/rock band. The band was formed in 1966 by Steve Groves and Steve Kipner, who named the band after the popular cartoon character Tintin. Through a friendship with Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, who would later produce both of their singles and both of their albums, the duo was signed to a one-album contract with music producer Robert Stigwood's organization. Maurice produced their 1969 debut album and played on about half the tracks, which bore a marked resemblance to the tight harmonies of the Bee Gees. The LP sold poorly until the dreamy ballad "Toast and Marmalade for Tea", with lead vocals by Kipner was belatedly released a single in the spring of 1971, hitting #20. The song featured These four lines of nursery rhyme lyrics are repeated five times over eerily distorted piano and synthesizer backing. The song gradually builds in intensity adding acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, a string orchestra, and finally brass instruments, and is now Tin Tin's best-remembered song.

After the single's unexpected success, Tin Tin toured with the Bee Gees on their 1972 American tour. Further releases sold poorly and the duo broke up shortly afterward. Toast, while seldom played on oldies radio today, is regarded by some critics as one of the finest and most ambitious singles by a one hit wonder, and a late psychedelic classic.

After Tin Tin disbanded in 1973, Kipner went on to write and produce songs for Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, and Dream.