TCCDM Pulls One Out..."The Mandrake Memorial" - The Mandrake Memorial (1968)

"The Mandrake Memorial" - The Mandrake Memorial (1968)

I didn't know what to make of The Mandrake Memorial's self-titled debut album.  For whatever reasons, my expectations were skewed and I just wasn't prepared for the spin.  My expectations threw me off course.  In other words, my head wasn't ready for what my ears were hearing.  This album is definitely psychedelic-minded, but it comes at you from a more floaty, atmospheric realm.  And often with subtle, ominous undertones.

There are obvious Doors comparisons, but where The Doors enjoy entering your home through the front door with a baseball bat in hand...Mandrake Memorial outta Philly, PA, chooses to slip inside through an unlocked window and politely cover your face with a pillow while your guard's down.  And if no one's home, they leave a note saying..."Sorry we missed ya!" and come back another night.  What I mean to say in my poorly ascribed metaphorical way is...if this self-titled square doesn't hit your ears right the first time around...(like it missed mine)...give the square another spin or two.  It's a grower and I'm glad I have it. 

"The Mandrake Memorial" (back)

Favorites include the smoke and ethereal "Rainy May."  The fuzzed-out head-push "Dark Lady."  "Strange" creeps and claws.  The heady closing track "Sunday Noon."  The album is a mono promo on the Poppy Records label and has a great logo.  The words "Disk Jockey Record NOT FOR SALE" is printed on the label above the spindle hole.  The vinyl came in a stereo album cover with "MONO" taped on the front.  Probably done to save the record company some money.

It's always a rush to find an album you never see out in the wild.  The seller had a pricey tag on the record, but an OBO on the box.  I must've picked the album up a half-dozen times before throwing out a number.  It wasn't a steal, but it was fair and much less than the seller was originally asking.  I clearly remember it being my find of the day.

Poppy Records label (Promo Copy)

Cat #
PY40,002
SIDE A  DEADWAX
PY40002  Side 1  MG1564  Re-1  Σ
SIDE B  DEADWAX
PY40002  Side 2  MG1565  Σ

"Rainy May" - The Mandrake Memorial / "The Mandrake Memorial (1968)

TRACKS:
A1  "Bird Journey" 2:40
A2  "Here I Am" 3:50
A3  "Rainy May" 3:45
A4  "This Can't Be Real" 3:45
A5  "Dark Lady" 4:14
B1  "House Of Mirrors" 2:28
B2  "To A Lonely" 3:50
B3  "Strange" 3:55
B4  "Next Number" 4:11
B5  "Sunday Noon" 7:08

PERSONNEL:
Craig Anderton - guitars, sitar
Randy Monaco - vocals, bass
J. Kevin Lally - drums, timpani
Michael Kac - keyboard, vocals

Good stuff.

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Comments

Charlie Ricci said…
Great find! I'm familiar with the group, but unfortunately as a Philly guy I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't know they were from my area.
July 13, 2022 at 4:53 PM
Casey said…
Thanks for dropping in, Charlie. I'm a big fan of your Bloggerhythms. And I read somewhere that a band has to leave their hometown to be appreciated. And that's probably a real truth for many of them. Out here in the midwest for sure. Stay well and stay in touch ~casey
July 13, 2022 at 5:47 PM
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