Customer Reviews

Medium

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The brooding second album by Mandrake Memorial is complex, transitional and driven by four egos trying to define a unique sound-and still get along. I would chalk up any unevenness between the tracks to the compromises happening behind the scenes. It lacks the upbeat, spontaneous flow and continuity of their first album, though this music has a gradual tidal wave swelling to it, and it's full power becomes accessible after repeated listening. Mandrake's musicianship is improved and the song writing is far more adventurous. The tensions within the group with regard as to what they should sound like are played out over the variety of tracks. You can hear the distinct influences of groups they must have revered, Traffic, Cream and Jefferson Airplane to name a few. Upon "Medium's" release in 1969 Michael Kac, whose distinctive keyboards (especially harpsichord) helped define Mandrake's sound, left the group due to musical differences. Whereas the first album was wonderfully cohesive this one stands as collection of beautifully crafted songs that shine individually. Their mood is one of loss and introspection rather than the ethereal optimism and pop joy reflected on their first album. But the times were rapidly changing, a darker side of 60's culture had emerged. Mandrake is sadder but wiser, louder, tighter and serious about gaining your complete attention.

This was the first Mandrake album I bought, in 1969 after hearing the track "Barnaby Plum" on radio station KRAB in the middle of one night. It started a lifelong love for their music (the singer is somewhat of an acquired taste...) and later turned into a long professional association (and personal friendship) with Craig Anderton, their guitarist. MM was and is utterly unique in the world, sounding like nobody else and, surprisingly, having no imitators.

The electric harpsichord, the guitar effects, the long instrumental sections never get old for me. Good music is timeless. Great music is forever.