Moby Grape “69”
Moby Grape ’69 found the band rebounding after the double album Wow/Grape Jam debacle. Wow is still a great but flawed record that at times recalls Buffalo Springfield’s tension filled Last Time Around. After Wow was completed, Skip Spence exited the band in pursuit of a solo career, releasing the legendary Oar. Spence’s departure was a major blow but like other great American bands of the time who lost key members, the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, Moby Grape was still brimming with talent and enthusiasm.
While ’69 is not on par with Moby Grape’s self-titled debut, it’s still a great back to basics country rock record. The album only enhances the group’s legend though, including Skip Spence’s final contribution to the band, Seeing. ‘Seeing’ is undoubtedly their finest moment as a band and one of the best pieces of San Fransisco psychedelia ever waxed!
It starts out with Spence’s plaintive, apologetic vocals which give way to a hard rocking bridge with great spiraling acid leads. It’s as deranged as Syd Barrett’s swansong, Jugband Blues, and mandatory listening for anyone interested in 60’s rock. The band also rock hard with successful results on Trucking Man, Hoochie, and Going Nowhere. Trucking Man is almost a sequel of sorts to Fall On You, with some great, fat slingshot guitar riffs that hit you hard. There are also some quiet, country rock moments on the album like the majestic I Am Not Willing and the classic It’s A Beautiful Day. It’s A Beautiful Day is Moby Grape’s Ripple (Grateful Dead), a sparkling, country folk-rock gem that shines with hippy optimism.
Moby Grape ’69 proved that after all the debut related hype settled, the band was still making great music. Another late period Moby Grape title worth searching for is 20 Granite Creek which was released in 1971. Indeed one of America’s great bands.
“It’s A Beautiful Day Today”
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This is a review from April. I hope Jason doesn’t mind me reposting it.
Sundazed recently put out an excellent reissue series of the classic Moby Grape records. You had better hurry to pick up their debut and Wow, however, because I have read that the Grape’s legal troubles are still following them to this day. Sundazed is no longer selling these, but Truly Fine Citizen and ’69 are still available. I recently picked up ’69 and I Am Not Willing really hit me off the bat. I have not listened to it much, but I can already recommend ’69 to be essential for anyone who has experienced the true power of this band’s debut.
Moby Grape is the best band we ever talked about on this web page, i think.
20 Granite Creek has been getting regular spins over here ever since you guys reviewed it.
Thanks for the heads up on a great album!