Crosstalk- The Very Best Of Moby Grape Review

07/13/2005 5:33 AM, AMG


After the unfortunate departure of Skip Spence, Moby Grape continued as a four-piece band. They still had the power, songwriting, and talent, but Spence's exit was something that robbed the band of an indefinable magic. Nevertheless, '69 is a good and very real album. Sounding like it was cut from a variety of sessions at different times, this album isn't exactly what you would call cohesive, but it is still excellent, in places. Bob Mosley shines on the rocker "Hoochie" and the gorgeous pop/folk ballad "It's a Beautiful Day Today," which is underscored by some brilliant fingerpicking guitar from Peter Lewis. Lewis also has some excellent country-oriented songs here, notably "I Am Not Willing" and "If You Can't Learn From My Mistakes," the latter of which still graces his solo performances. The record concludes with "Seeing." Recorded (partially) before his exit, it remains one of Spence's finest songs, easily one of Moby Grape's most glorious (and disturbing) achievements, and a good reason to get this record as well. ~ Matthew Greenwald, All Music Guide