Cockatoo Blues ("Tongue-Tied" demo rec.) [previously unissued]
Like many rock artists who trekked to Nashville in the late-'60s to lay down or pick up roots, Moby Grape emerged with an LP that stripped the band back to its core strengths to make music that was simple yet effective. Pr... more »oduced by Bob Johnston (Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel), Truly Fine Citizen finds the San Francisco group, now down to a trio, keying in on songwriting and vocals. Highlights include guitarist Peter Lewis' countrified album-opener "Changes, Circles Spinning," his tender, almost Neil Young-ish ballad "Now I Know High" and Jerry Miller and Skip Spence's rollicking "Tongue-Tied." An unpretentious -- and underrated -- album of the '60s.« less
Like many rock artists who trekked to Nashville in the late-'60s to lay down or pick up roots, Moby Grape emerged with an LP that stripped the band back to its core strengths to make music that was simple yet effective. Produced by Bob Johnston (Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel), Truly Fine Citizen finds the San Francisco group, now down to a trio, keying in on songwriting and vocals. Highlights include guitarist Peter Lewis' countrified album-opener "Changes, Circles Spinning," his tender, almost Neil Young-ish ballad "Now I Know High" and Jerry Miller and Skip Spence's rollicking "Tongue-Tied." An unpretentious -- and underrated -- album of the '60s.
CD Reviews
Grapes "worst' still rates 5 stars with me!!
Walker Reddick | milledgeville , Ga. USA | 11/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had all of the Grapes albums in almost every format through the years . First bought Truly Fine Citizen in the Woolworth cut- out bin around 1972. Liked it then and like it even more now . A lot of folks think this is their weakest LP. It IS their most laid back LP. Back to basics ,countryish , folky ..whatever ..it's still a quality album from a quality band. Much better than WOW. The only fault I can find with this and the other Sundazed Grape reissues are the recycled "Vintage Grape" EXTRAS. Lets face it the people that buy these reissues are already Grape fans and have the Sony set. They dont really hurt the Album but I cant help but think that there have to be other rarities that could have been included. Anyhow, get this and all of the Sundazed Moby Grape reissues.
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Finally on CD!
Clifford P. Beede | Stuyvesant, NY USA | 11/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've reviewed this album before in its vinyl version, and my opinion hasn't changed. This is a terribly underrated album that really deserves another listen. Solid country and blues throughout, and if you can't fairly compare it to the Grape's debut (which is like comparing any 60's group to the Beatles--you're never gonna win)Truly Fine Citizen holds up very well as a modest, enjoyable release by 3/5ths of the original group. The bonus tracks are decent if not essential--much better than the bonus Grape Jam recordings.
All in all, I once listed this as one of the "Great Albums That Should Be On CD, But Aren't", and now I can happily remove it from that list!"
Nothing wrong with this album
David A. Elliott Jr. | Pinellas Park,Fl | 02/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the summer of 1990 I found "Truly Fine Citizen" by Moby Grape at my local library. I had heard of Moby Grape but not heard their music. Being a fan of 60's rock I checked it out. I liked the album well enough to make a tape of it, knowing it was a rare & out of print album at the time. 15 years later,I still liked it & it was still rare, so I made a home CD of the tape I had made. I don't know why I've read bad reviews of this LP. It has some great & beautiful songs. I especially liked "Beautiful Is Beautiful" & the jazzy instrumental closer,"Love Song Part 2". The album made me want to check out more Moby Grape, but throughout the 90's their music was hard to find or way overpriced, as the San Francisco label reissues. Now that their albums are finally reissued I hope to check out more Grape soon."
I love this CD
L. Timphony | oakland, ca United States | 12/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this record, when records existed, and loved it. I never understood the bad press this record received. To my ears, this is a truly fine record. The extras, esp. the live "Miller's Blues", are worth having in your collection.
I prefer this CD to the Grape's first."
Ok..its still a good album!
B. medici | the east | 12/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i still think i like this album after over thirty years.
i cant say why.
many grape fans shy away from talking about this one like its gonna bite em if they say the truth.
but the truth was they were on the verge of becoming no more.
yet,somhow,they managed to do yet another totally different sounding lp!
only the grape could do that.a spoiler would be if i were to name anything i like here.just buy it,get your gal,some wine and lower the lights..and enjoy this lp!(oopss..cd..im gittin old eh?)
great reissuing of all grape albums this too has super packaging!
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1