416:, is a quickly recorded document of songs he penned during a 6-month stay at Bellevue Hospital. The dour tone of that time in Spence's life may explain the album's large amount of nondiscernible lyrics. He seems at times to purposely muffle them, making him a pioneer of unintelligible vocal chic long before R.E.M. And Spence's guitar—once unbridled during Moby Grape sessions—is understated, yet ethereal enough to echo the pained state of his soul. "Weighted Down (The Prison Song)" is a seemingly distant cousin of "Hey Joe," with Spence jealously asking a mate, "Whose socks were you darning, darling, while I've been gone so long?" A generous 10 bonus tracks have been added to the original 12. Chronic health issues kept Spence from being creatively active as a solo artist, but overall,
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164:
29:
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is a genuinely strange record. Unsurprisingly, the journey from "Little Hands"' Grape-esque guitar grooves to "Grey / Afro"'s terrifying nine minutes of mantric drone, isn't an easy one. Even when Spence builds his songs around a familiar sound (primarily minimalist country-folk) unsettling
362:
In June of 1968, Alexander "Skip" Spence was admitted into the
Psychiatric Ward of New York's Bellevue Hospital in lower Manhattan, putting an end to a highly creative period of his life. Oddly, it also signalled the beginning of his most prolific writing cycle. Unbeknownst to everyone involved with
439:
was released by Sony
Special Products in 1991 and was totally remixed from the multitrack masters. This was the first release of the fadeless "Grey / Afro" along with four outtakes from the sessions. The newer Sundazed reissue uses the original 1968 mix master tapes for the first time and
250:
According to Spence, the
Nashville sessions were intended by him to only be a demo, which he gave to Rubinson with the intent that the songs would be fleshed out with full production for the actual album. Instead, Rubinson had the demo recordings released by Columbia.
242:
in
Nashville, where there was a particularly patient recording engineer, Mike Figlio. Rubinson instructed Figlio to keep the tapes running at all times, to record everything that Spence did. The majority of the tracks were recorded using a
1048:, under the supervision of producer David Rubinson. It was Rubinson who called the police, in order to address Spence's threatening behaviors, while Miller and Stevenson swore criminal complaints, in order to facilitate Spence's arrest.
411:
When former Moby Grape guitarist/singer
Alexander "Skip" Spence died in April, it was another sad footnote in the unfruitful saga of one of rock's most multi-talented, but terminally inauspicious, bands. Spence's lone solo disc,
357:
was not promoted by
Columbia Records, despite pleadings from Rubinson. It was at the time the lowest-selling album in Columbia Records history and was deleted from the Columbia catalogue within a year of its release.
394:
A common motif to this album is the presence of saints and demons. Even the straightforward narratives such as the love ballad "Broken Heart" or "Cripple Creek" — which feature vocal treatments reminiscent of folkie
424:
Subsequent reissues have added ten more songs, in different stages of completion, to the original dozen. The original release ended with a fade out of "Grey / Afro". The 1999
570:
in their list of "100 Records That Set the World on Fire (While No One Was
Listening)". The staff described the "brilliant" album as "a progenitor of both the loner/stoner and
496:
was released by label Modern
Harmonic. It included two discs / LPs of previously unreleased tracks; 36 tracks on discs 2 and 3 were previously unreleased at all.
503:, a 7" single of "I Want A Rock & Roll Band" backed with a previously unreleased version of "I Got A Lot To Say / Mary Jane" was released by label Modern Harmonic.
399:— are bathed in unusual chord sequences and lyrical double-entendre. The majority of the sounds on this long-player remain teetering near the precipice of sanity.
1397:
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211:
Described as "one of the most harrowing documents of pain and confusion ever made", the album was recorded after Spence had spent six months in
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reissue appends "This Time He Has Come" to a fade-less "Grey / Afro", which reflects how the two songs appeared on the master tapes.
247:. Rubinson chose to stay away from the studio, concerned that Spence's recording activities would be distracted by the presence of a producer.
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his career at that point, Bellevue provided Spence the safety he needed and the time to create what was to become his best-known work.
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Combining the ramblings of a man on the brink of mental collapse with some real moments of flippancy and laughter,
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At the time of Spence's release from hospital, he had written a number of songs that he wanted to record. Producer
203:. It was recorded over seven days in December 1968 in Nashville, and features Spence on all of the instruments.
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represents a type of internalized psychedelic exploration that would not find a real audience for decades."
1402:
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1021:
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According to producer David
Rubinson, the actual recording period was seven days. See Alexander Lau.
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28:
239:
75:
1133:
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of "Books of Moses", "All Come To Meet Her", "Broken Heart" and "War In Peace"; www.beck.com.
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8:
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562:
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In
September 2018, another reissue, of a three-CD / three-LP boxed set, titled
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554:'s list of top 50 Canadian albums of all time. The album was also included in the book
1212:
https://www.discogs.com/release/13489274-Alexander-Skip-Spence-I-Want-A-Rock-Roll-Band
842:
Alexander "Skip" Spence - vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums
215:. Spence had been committed to Bellevue following a delusion-driven attempt to attack
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1347:"The Chapel hosts all-star tribute to San Francisco rock legend Skip Spence"
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At the time, Moby Grape was in New York City recording its second album,
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1095:. No. 42. San Francisco: Straight Arrow Publishers, Inc. p. 37
941:"The Top 25 1960s Folk-Rock Albums: A Subjective List of Personal Faves"
1328:"100 Records That Set the World on Fire (While No One Was Listening)".
1257:
998:
588:
write that despite the album's initial poor sales, leading to it being
470:
315:
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1305:
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition
1201:
https://www.discogs.com/release/12279537-Alexander-Spence-AndOarAgain
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396:
96:
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523:" series, Beck began posting the videos of his complete version of
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label of Burbank, California released a tribute album titled
36:
478:
425:
728:"Dixie Peach Promenade (Yin For Yang) (Alternate)" - 2:06
390:
The album is viewed by critic Lindsay Planer as follows:
527:
on his website (www.beck.com), recorded with members of
983:
981:
979:
977:
975:
1115:"Robert Christgau: Consumer Guide (1): July 10, 1969"
773:"I Want A Rock & Roll Band (Instrumental)" - 1:47
972:
767:"Weighted Down (The Prison Song) (Rehearsal)" - 1:11
852:
Charlie Bradley, Don Meehan, Mike Figlio - engineer
1303:Dimery, Robert; Lydon, Michael (7 February 2006).
710:"Furry Heroine (Halo Of Gold) (Alternate)" - 3:26
1369:
506:It was voted number 510 in the third edition of
604:All tracks composed by Alexander "Skip" Spence
403:The album is viewed by critic John Reed in the
1062:. Crawdaddy.wolfgangsvault.com. Archived from
635:"Dixie Peach Promenade (Yin for Yang)" – 2:53
592:, it "was later hailed as one of the greatest
283:
1272:"The 50 Greatest Canadian Albums of All Time"
994:After 40 Years: Brilliant or Mere Ramblings?"
550:In 2013, the album was listed at number 8 on
372:After 40 Years: Brilliant or Mere Ramblings?"
1222:
1024:More Oar: A Tribute To The Skip Spence Album
450:More Oar: A Tribute To The Skip Spence Album
1398:Psychedelic rock albums by Canadian artists
1302:
794:"All Come To Meet Her (Alternate 2)" - 2:13
722:"All Come To Meet Her (Alternate 1)" - 2:14
959:
957:
719:"Broken Heart (Voc & Acoustic)" - 4:44
386:oddities and ominous modulations creep in.
162:
27:
803:"All Come To Meet Her (Rehearsal)" - 2:59
731:"Lawrence Of Euphoria (Alternate)" - 2:01
620:"Weighted Down (The Prison Song)" – 6:27
574:movements", further adding: "Recorded on
16:1969 studio album by Alexander Spence
903:
658:"Keep Everything Under Your Hat" – 3:06
596:albums ever released on a major label."
557:1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
254:
1344:
1127:
1060:"Blogs :: Crawdaddy :: Paste"
1019:
954:
935:
832:"I Got A Lot To Say / Mary Jane" - 2:02
812:"Broken Heart (Extended Master)" - 4:36
785:"I Got A Lot To Say (Version 2)" - 0:49
737:"I Got A Lot To Say (Version 1)" - 1:50
440:added a further six unreleased tracks.
1370:
1216:
1084:
829:"I Want A Rock & Roll Band" - 3:27
815:"War In Peace (Guitar Overdub)" - 4:45
725:"I Want A Rock & Roll Band" - 3:10
661:"Furry Heroine (Halo of Gold)" – 3:35
1269:
904:Marchese, David (September 6, 2012).
872:
800:"It's A Hard Life (Version 2)" - 0:38
776:"It's A Hard Life (Version 1)" - 0:32
761:"Little Hands (Vocal Overdub)" - 3:47
655:"It's the Best Thing for You" – 2:48
377:As described by critic Ross Bennett:
264:
1130:"Disc of the Day - Alexander Spence"
1057:
875:"The Memory of Music: Skip Spence's
743:"War In Peace (Instrumental)" - 3:27
238:suggested that Spence record at the
1085:Marcus, Griel (20 September 1969).
987:
855:David Rubinson, Don Meehan - mixing
457:of the original record's tracks by
285:
13:
1270:Unger, Andrew (13 February 2013).
1154:
825:(2019 Record Store Day 7" tracks)
797:"It Ain't Nice (Version 2)" - 1:04
788:"It Ain't Nice (Version 1)" - 1:16
782:"Diana (12 String Version)" - 3:58
519:In November 2009, as part of his "
14:
1419:
873:Black, Louis (17 December 1999).
716:"War In Peace (Alternate)" - 3:46
1181:
988:Lau, Andrew (24 November 2009).
779:"I Got Something For You" - 2:00
599:
547:, and others the previous June.
304:
299:
294:
289:
284:
1345:Pehling, Dave (June 13, 2024).
1338:
1334:. No. 175. September 1998.
1321:
1296:
1263:
1250:
1205:
1194:
1184:"Review of Sundazed reissue of
1175:
1157:"Review of Sundazed reissue of
1148:
1128:Bennett, Ross (July 12, 2008).
1121:
1107:
652:"This Time He Has Come" – 4:42
648:(1999 CD reissue bonus tracks)
199:, released on May 19, 1969, by
1078:
1051:
1038:
1013:
929:
897:
866:
809:"War In Peace (Take 2)" - 4:16
734:"Mary Jane / Steamboat" - 4:59
704:"Cripple Creek (Basic)" - 2:16
701:"Little Hands (Take 2)" - 3:40
638:"Lawrence of Euphoria" – 1:31
629:"All Come to Meet Her" – 2:04
195:by American singer-songwriter
1:
1020:Brunner, Rob (23 July 1999).
859:
823:I Want A Rock & Roll Band
206:
168:Cover of 2018 deluxe box set
1256:See, and hear, for example,
836:
770:"The Shape You're In" - 0:54
746:"Diana (Alternate 2)" - 5:55
740:"Diana (Alternate 1)" - 2:38
617:"Margaret/Tiger Rug" – 2:17
7:
1258:Beck's Record Club versions
906:"Alexander "Skip" Spence –
686:"I Think You and I" – 1:14
10:
1424:
764:"Diana (Version 2)" - 1:10
664:"Givin' Up Things" – 0:59
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82:
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35:
26:
21:
1229:All Time Top 1000 Albums
632:"Books of Moses" – 2:42
513:All Time Top 1000 Albums
435:The first CD reissue of
1388:Sundazed Records albums
1383:Columbia Records albums
818:"Diana (Basics)" - 3:42
791:"She Don't Care" - 0:55
707:"Diana (Take 3)" - 4:36
611:"Cripple Creek" – 2:16
197:Alexander "Skip" Spence
1132:. Mojo. Archived from
806:"Diana (Overdub)" 4:01
626:"Broken Heart" – 3:29
623:"War in Peace" – 4:05
608:"Little Hands" – 3:44
422:
420:is a radiant endeavor.
401:
388:
375:
78:(Nashville, Tennessee)
52:May 19, 1969
1408:Outsider music albums
674:"If I'm Good" – 0:47
409:
392:
379:
360:
353:When first released,
255:Release and reception
1031:Entertainment Weekly
883:The Austin Chronicle
757:CD3 reissue tracks)
697:CD2 reissue tracks)
260:Professional ratings
245:three-track recorder
1284:on 18 February 2013
1066:on 19 December 2007
937:Unterberger, Richie
641:"Grey/Afro" – 9:38
578:, absolutely solo,
261:
67:December 3–12, 1968
1403:Lo-fi music albums
1393:Skip Spence albums
713:"My Friend" - 2:49
683:"Fountain" – 0:34
677:"You Know" – 1:47
259:
1378:1969 debut albums
1155:Planer, Lindsay.
351:
350:
213:Bellevue Hospital
184:
183:
153:Alternative cover
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1280:. Archived from
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1247:
1232:(3rd ed.).
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1058:Williams, Paul.
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680:"Doodle" – 1:02
501:Record Store Day
483:Diesel Park West
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343:Robert Christgau
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240:Columbia Studios
201:Columbia Records
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144:Alexander Spence
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102:psychedelic rock
92:Psychedelic folk
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42:Alexander Spence
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1236:. p. 178.
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614:"Diana" – 3:32
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463:Robyn Hitchcock
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1226:, ed. (2000).
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1136:on 22 May 2011
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576:three track(!)
545:Brian LeBarton
489:, and others.
453:. It featured
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1092:Rolling Stone
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1046:Wow/Grape Jam
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600:Track listing
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499:In 2019, for
497:
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443:In 1999, the
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428: /
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368:Andrew Lau, "
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331:
330:Rolling Stone
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277:
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265:Review scores
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226:
222:
221:Don Stevenson
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25:
20:
1356:September 2,
1354:. Retrieved
1350:
1340:
1329:
1323:
1307:. Universe.
1304:
1298:
1286:. Retrieved
1282:the original
1275:
1265:
1252:
1234:Virgin Books
1227:
1224:Colin Larkin
1218:
1207:
1196:
1185:
1182:Reed, John.
1177:
1165:. Retrieved
1158:
1150:
1138:. Retrieved
1134:the original
1123:
1109:
1097:. Retrieved
1090:
1080:
1068:. Retrieved
1064:the original
1053:
1040:
1029:
1023:
1015:
1003:. Retrieved
997:
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541:James Gadson
537:Jamie Lidell
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475:Mark Lanegan
459:Robert Plant
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193:studio album
191:is the only
187:
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37:Studio album
1288:14 February
1099:10 February
1022:"Review of
755:AndOarAgain
695:AndOarAgain
560:. In 1998,
521:Record Club
494:AndOarAgain
336:(favorable)
322:(favorable)
170:AndOarAgain
1372:Categories
1163:. AllMusic
999:Crawdaddy!
860:References
471:Greg Dulli
316:Crawdaddy!
219:bandmates
217:Moby Grape
207:Background
56:1969-05-19
1087:"Records"
847:Technical
837:Personnel
646:Extra Oar
566:included
467:Tom Waits
397:Fred Neil
97:folk rock
1351:CBS News
1331:The Wire
968:AllMusic
594:outsider
585:CBS News
563:The Wire
516:(2000).
487:Mudhoney
430:Sundazed
366:—
279:Allmusic
229:fire axe
140:Producer
133:Columbia
76:Columbia
64:Recorded
49:Released
39: by
1277:Ballast
1167:15 June
1140:15 June
1070:3 March
1005:15 June
946:May 22,
888:15 June
590:deleted
552:Ballast
445:Birdman
227:with a
54: (
1311:
1240:
921:22 May
753:(2018
693:(2018
455:covers
273:Rating
270:Source
111:Length
72:Studio
572:lo-fi
533:Feist
529:Wilco
128:Label
84:Genre
1358:2024
1309:ISBN
1290:2013
1238:ISBN
1169:2011
1142:2011
1101:2016
1072:2012
1007:2011
948:2023
923:2023
915:Spin
890:2011
751:More
479:Beck
426:Sony
223:and
1186:Oar
1159:Oar
992:Oar
966:at
964:Oar
908:Oar
877:Oar
580:Oar
568:Oar
525:Oar
510:'s
437:Oar
418:Oar
414:Oar
383:Oar
370:Oar
355:Oar
188:Oar
22:Oar
1374::
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