Unrequited love has inspired many a song, and “I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree” is one such lament. Climbing to the No. 34 spot on the nationwide charts in the spring of 1966, the sad sentiment would be the only song from Just Us to make a stand.
A duo, Just Us featured Chip Taylor — who wrote great songs that became big hits for artists like the Hollies (“I Can’t Let Go”), the Troggs (“Wild Thing”), the Pozo Seco Singers (“I Can Make It With You”), and Merilee Rush and the Turnabouts (“Angel Of The Morning”) — along with studio musician Al Gorgoni.
Fastened to a light and airy folk foundation, “I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree” shares a cozy kinship with the style of the Everly Brothers, Chad and Jeremy, and Simon and Garfunkel. Soft textures, paired with hauntingly melancholic vocals weep in perfect sync with the aching confession of love unreturned. A poetic quality pads the song, while those with an ear for deciphering these things will surely pick up on the sexual metaphor tucked within the innocent and polite sound. Chuckle, chuckle! Harmonious and melodious, “I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree” moves to a calm and sleepy pace until the middle of the song when a quick burst of strummy guitars arrive on the scene.
Just Us released an album in conjunction with their fine single, which was also called I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree. Pressed on the Kapp label, the album contained similarly fashioned easy listening efforts and is now considered a major rarity.
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