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Moby Grape

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'69

                 



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Format: LP     Want this on CD also?

Condition: VG+ COVER / VG+ LP (cover/media)    More Info
Label: Columbia CS 9696
Country: Country-rock
Released: 1969
Genre: country-rock
Num In Set: 1
Quantity: 1 in stock

In the wake of Skip Spence's mental and physical breakdown, 1969's "'69" was recorded as a quartet featuring singer/rhythm guitarist Peter Lewis, singer/lead guitarist Jerry Miller, drummer Don Stevenson and bassist Bob Mosley.   Produced by David Rubinson, the album doesn't get much credit from critics or Grape fans, but to my ears it's quite good.   It's even more impressive when you consider the turmoil surviving members found themselves surrounded by.   Part of the criticism is understandable in that the set isn't particular cohesive, leaving you with the impression it was cobbled together from earlier sessions and catalog odds and ends.   Others aren't going to agree, but I've always found the album's diversity is actually one of the characteristics that makes it so enjoyable.   With all four members contributing material, the set bounces between different genres, including country & western, folk-rock, pop and conventional rock.   It's done with a sense of professionalism and a laidback charm.   There are plenty of highlights with Mosley acquitting himself with particular distinction - check out what may be his prettiest song 'It's a Beautiful Day Today' and the boogie rocker 'Hootchie'.   Other standout tunes include 'Ain't That a Shame', the rocking ''Going Nowhere' and the typically bizarre (and disturbing) Spence leftover - 'Seeing'.   In fact, the latter selection may be enough for some psych fans to buy this set.   If I had to find something to criticize then it would probably have to do with Lewis' growing interest in country, but I have to admit I liked 'Ain't That a Shame' and 'I Am   ot Willing'.   On tracks like 'If You Can't Learn from My Mistakes' the band reminded me of something out of Mike Nesmith's solo career.  Was it the best Moby Grape studio album?   Nah, it doesn't come close to the debut, but I'm proud to own a copy, having done my part to boost its sales to # 113 n the Billboard album charts.   And as you'd expected by a band seemingly cursed with bad luck, things turned even uglier for the band when Mosley unexpectedly quit the band in order to enlist in the Marines Corps.   He last nine months before be given a dishonorable discharge for hitting an officer (not a career enhancing decisions).   
Giving it three stars, I originally felt the set was a touch too country-rock-ish, but revisiting it I have to admit I was just wrong.   Four stars release all the way.
"'69" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Ooh Mama Ooh (Don Stevenson - Jerry Miller) - 2:23 rating: **** stars
With a sparking, good-time melody, the old school boogie-rocker 'Ooh Mama Ooh' offered up a wonderful display of the band's versatility and harmony vocals.   I always loved Don Stevenson's out-of-control bass vocals - Funny to hear him channeling his inner Bowzer.   I love the song's Poco-meets-Sha Na Na sound, but I have to admit it was one weird choice as a single.   
- 1969's 'Ooh Mama Ooh' b/w 'It's A Beautiful Day Today' (Columbia catalog number 4-44855
2.) Ain't That a Shame (Jerry Miller - Don Stevenson - Peter Lewis) - 2:30 rating: **** stars
I'm not a big country fan, but have to admit the breezy melody combined with Bob Mosley's laconic delivery made 'AIn't That a Shame' charming.   Not to sound like a broken record, but it sounded like a good Micheal Nesmith tune written for the Monkees.
3.) I Am Not Willing (Peter Lewis) - 2:55 rating: **** stars
Built on a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic keyboard riff (Jerry Miller providing the tasteful guitar responses), 'I Am Not Willing' was a mesmerizing country-rock ballad.   Lewis' forlorn vocals just made it all the more touching.
4.) It's a Beautiful Day Today (Bob Mosley) - 3:02 rating: ***** stars
I'm as cynical as anyone else (Maybe even more so), but there's something about this tune that's makes me step back from the edge and contemplate the gifts life gives us.   Written and song by Mosley, it may be the best thing he ever recorded.   The song's always reminded me

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