There are some bands that, despite their undeniable talent, go down in history. Moby Grape, a psychedelic quintet from the Californian rock scene of the 1960s, is one of them. Despite the recognition of connoisseurs, the band has remained in the shadow of the giants of the era, such as the Doors or Jefferson Airplane. Let's rediscover this hidden gem of music history.

Moby Grape was born in the midst of the cultural and artistic ferment of San Francisco in 1966. Its five members, from various local bands, came together with a common goal: to create music that fused blues, folk and rock influences with a psychedelic twist. Their talent did not go unnoticed and they were soon signed by Columbia Records.

Their eponymous debut album, released in 1967, was a sparkling demonstration of their musical vision. Critics at the time were enthusiastic, but the general public remained relatively indifferent, partly due to a clumsy promotional campaign by Columbia. Nevertheless, songs like “Omaha” and “Hey Grandma” remain classics of psychedelic rock today.

With its five singers and songwriters, Moby Grape is a true artistic collective, where each member brings his or her own voice and vision. This diversity is reflected in their music, which is both coherent and abundant, with vocal harmonies and explosive guitar solos. The band is not afraid to experiment, incorporating elements of country, jazz and even classical music into their compositions.

However, Moby Grape is also known for its descent into hell, marked by drug, management and mental health problems. Subsequent albums failed to match the success of the first, and the band finally broke up in 1971. Some members continued to make music, but the name Moby Grape gradually fell into oblivion.

Today, despite these obstacles and their lack of notoriety, Moby Grape remains a cult band for fans of psychedelic rock. Their musical talent, creativity and audacity deserve to be rediscovered. As Robert Christgau famously said, “Moby Grape was the best American rock band of the 1960s.”

Moby Grape is a reminder that music, however ignored or forgotten, has the power to stand the test of time, and that true legends never really die.

What does the name Moby Grape mean?

Moby Grape is a rather unusual name and it seems that there is no deep meaning behind it. The name is actually a play on words based on Herman Melville's novel, “Moby Dick”. “Moby Grape” combines “Moby” from “Moby Dick” with “Grape”, a slang term for “madness” or “madwoman” in English, which suggests a kind of “whale madness”.

It is also interesting to note that the cover of their 1972 compilation includes a bunch of grapes with a whale (Moby Dick) inside, visually playing on the band's name.

It is worth noting that despite their offbeat name and psychedelic image, Moby Grape's music is remarkably diverse and complex, combining elements of rock, folk, blues and country in a style that remains distinctive and innovative.

The Moby Grape album

“Moby Grape” is a celebration of the collective talent of its five members. Each member of the band is both a singer and a songwriter, creating an uncommon musical richness and diversity. The vocal harmonies, a signature of the band, sit alongside incendiary guitar solos. The listener is drawn into a musical whirlwind, from the incisive blues of “Fall on You” to the delicate folk of “8:05” to the raw rock'n'roll energy of “Omaha”.

The album is both compact and expansive. It comprises 13 tracks in just 32 minutes, but each track is a microcosm in itself, offering a unique experience. The three-guitar playing – rare at the time – weaves a rich and varied soundscape, supported by an efficient, no-nonsense rhythm section.

The album's production, handled by David Rubinson, is clear and precise, bringing out every detail of the band's complex playing. Each song is a complete work, with subtle arrangements that showcase the unique voices of each band member.

Highlights include “Hey Grandma,” a tour de force that combines a catchy pop melody with rumbling guitars and sparkling vocal harmonies. Or “Omaha”, with its relentless guitar riff and exuberant vocals that rise up in a liberating cry of joy.

Unfortunately, despite its undeniable artistic quality, “Moby Grape” did not enjoy the commercial success it deserved, falling victim to an overblown and misguided promotional campaign by Columbia. This led to a certain backlash against the band, and helped to push it under the radar of the general public.

But like good wine, “Moby Grape” has aged well, and today, more than fifty years after its release, it continues to amaze and delight those who discover it. It is a true piece of music history, a precious document of the psychedelic era that perfectly captures the spirit and atmosphere of the late 60s counterculture.

The song “Hey Grandma

From the very first notes, “Hey Grandma” surprises. The guitars roar, the rhythm pulses and the vocal harmonies intertwine to create a sound as vibrant as it is immediate. The catchy guitar riff and delightfully mischievous lyrics make this track a true ode to youth and rebellion.

“Hey Grandma” is a musical adventure in less than two minutes. The song's structure is simple, but its energy is infectious. The voices of Jerry Miller and Don Stevenson, backed by the harmonies of the rest of the band, bring to life lyrics that celebrate the free spirit and counterculture of the time.

The song is also a brilliant example of the band's instrumental mastery. The three guitarists – Peter Lewis, Jerry Miller and Skip Spence – create a towering wall of sound that propels the song, while the rhythm section – Bob Mosley on bass and Don Stevenson on drums – provide a solid foundation.

“Hey Grandma” speaks to youth, disguised as an old man, but with a young heart and a rebellious soul. The song's lyrics, which tell the story of a grandmother dressed eccentrically and unconcerned with the opinions of others, are an ode to non-conformity.

There's that incredible energy in “Hey Grandma” that makes rock'n'roll so infectious and is a testament to Moby Grape's creative daring. The free expression of self, the refusal of norms and the fearless exploration of new sonic frontiers were key elements of their musical identity, and “Hey Grandma” is a perfect expression of that.

Where to listen to Moby Grape?

• Listen to Moby Grape on Spotify
• Listen to Moby Grape on Deezer
• Listen to Moby Grape on Youtube

Useful links for Moby Grape

• Moby Grape Official Site

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