Elephants Memory
Apple Records
SMAS 3389
1972
Some of you Beatles fans may well of heard of Elephants Memory.
They were John Lennon's loose & ragged back up band on his 'Sometime In New York City' album in 1972.
However, Elephants Memory have a bit more to them than that.
The band was formed in 1967 by drummer Rick Frank & saxophonist Stan Bronstein. Apparently they met on the New York strip-joint circuit & formed a band which specialised in a Frank Zappa-like mix of Psychedelia, garage, jazz & acid tinged rock.
Their 1st album, simply called 'Elephants Memory' (not to be confused with this LP) was released in 1969 on Buddah Records. Two tracks from the LP found their way onto the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack later that year. This gave them some exposure but this didn't translate into sales for them.
Their second album in 1970 called 'Take It To The Streets' had even less impact.
But then came John Lennon & Elephants Memory had their moment in the sun.
They released this album, produced by John & Yoko, in 1972 & also titled 'Elephants Memory'
In 1974 they released 'Angels Forever', which turned out to be their last album.
Ultimately they will be remembered purely for their association with John & Yoko. Many musicians have played with the nucleus of Frank & Bronstein over their seven year history including Carly Simon (yes that Carly Simon), Jon Sachs, Gary VanScyoc, Michal Shapiro, Chris Robinson, Martha Valez, John Ward, Chester Ayres, Myron Yules, Richard Sussman, Wayne "Tex" Gabriel, Daria Price & John Labosca.
On this album we have Stan Bronstein, Rick Frank, Wayne Gabriel, Gary Van Scyoc & Adam Ippolito.
I don't really rate John Lennon's 'Sometime In New York City' very much & actually gave my copy away a few years ago. I only used to ever listen to 'John Sinclair'. Don't let that album guide you in any way as to how good or bad Elephants Memory were.
You see, I really do think this album is a forgotten gem. From the opening riff of 'Liberation Special' this album packs quite a punch & doesn't let up until a brief breather whilst you turn over the record. Then it's straight back into it.
I only knew two tracks from this album which were on an Apple Records sampler from years ago - 'Liberation Special' which was a single with 'Power Boogie' on the B Side.
I wasn't disappointed by a single track & seriously recommend you give it a go.
I don't really rate John Lennon's 'Sometime In New York City' very much & actually gave my copy away a few years ago. I only used to ever listen to 'John Sinclair'. Don't let that album guide you in any way as to how good or bad Elephants Memory were.
You see, I really do think this album is a forgotten gem. From the opening riff of 'Liberation Special' this album packs quite a punch & doesn't let up until a brief breather whilst you turn over the record. Then it's straight back into it.
I only knew two tracks from this album which were on an Apple Records sampler from years ago - 'Liberation Special' which was a single with 'Power Boogie' on the B Side.
I wasn't disappointed by a single track & seriously recommend you give it a go.
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