Journey to the Center of the Mind

Journey to the Center of the Mind
Studio album by The Amboy Dukes
Released	April 1968
Recorded	1967
Genre	Psychedelic rock, acid rock
Length	39:15
Label	Mainstream
Producer	Bob Shad
The Amboy Dukes chronology
The Amboy Dukes (1967) Journey to the Center of the Mind (1968) Migration (1969)

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Journey to the Center of the Mind is the second studio album released by The Amboy Dukes. It was released in April 1968 on Mainstream Records (stereo S/6112, mono 56112 (promo only)).

A remastered CD reissue was released in 1992 by Mainstream Direct Ltd. with one bonus track (MDCD 911).

Production

Journey to the Center of the Mind was recorded on a higher budget than the previous album (after the success of the debut album), and features two new members to the line-up; Greg Arama replacing Bill White on bass, and Andy Solomon replacing Rick Lober on piano/organ. While their first album had more of a garage-rock style and sound, the Amboy Dukes' second album was recorded with a more psychedelic/pop sound to it (with the exception of "Mississippi Murderer" which has a similar feel of the first album with its R&B style). This was also the first Dukes album to feature all original songs, most of which were written by guitarist/singer Steve Farmer. Originally, Ted Nugent was to write the first side, and Farmer the second. The different styles of songwriting between Farmer and Nugent are somewhat noticeable. For example, Nugent's songs are much more fast-paced and have a hard-rock sound, while Farmer's have a softer, psychedelic pop sound. The two collaborated on such songs as "Mississippi Murderer", "Dr. Slingshot", and the title track "Journey to the Center of the Mind", as well as an unreleased track "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire". One particularly unusual method was used to record "Dr. Slingshot" where Farmer and Andy Solomon sing back-to-back. The reason for this was to properly demonstrate Farmer's lyrics, i.e., the two alternate lyrics he had written for the original music which Nugent wrote. The album also features a distinct harmonizing of Drake, Farmer, and piano/organ player Andy Solomon on most of the songs, such as the strong chorus in "Missionary Mary", in which each of the three are actually singing in different emotions. What's unique about this album is that the B-side was produced to play through without any pauses. The back of the album's jacket tells its listeners that all the songs on the second side are each part of a story, or "Journey".

Shortly after the album's release, Drake left the band over creative disputes, and was replaced by Rusty Day the same year.

Track listing

Side one

1. "Mississippi Murderer" (Nugent, Farmer) – 5:12
2. "Surrender to Your Kings" (Nugent) – 2:52
3. "Flight of the Byrd" (Nugent) – 2:50
4. "Scottish Tea" (Nugent) – 4:01
5. "Dr. Slingshot" (Nugent, Farmer) – 3:09

Side two

1. "Journey to the Center of the Mind" (Nugent, Farmer) – 3:33
2. "Ivory Castles" (Farmer) – 3:21
3. "Why Is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange" (Farmer) – 2:26
4. "Missionary Mary" (Farmer) – 2:35
5. "Death Is Life" (Farmer) – 2:08
6. "Saint Philips Friend" (Farmer) – 3:33
7. "I'll Prove I'm Right" (Farmer) – 1:38
8. "Conclusion" (Nugent, Farmer) – 1:57

CD bonus track

1. "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire" (Nugent, Farmer) – 2:44

Personnel

• John (J.B.) Drake – vocals
• Ted Nugent – lead guitar
• Steve Farmer – rhythm guitar, vocals
• Greg Arama – bass
• Dave Palmer – drums
• Andy Solomon – organ, piano, vocals

Covers

The song "Journey to the Center of the Mind" was covered by Slade (as "Ambrose Slade") in 1969 on the album Beginnings, by The Ramones in 1994 on Acid Eaters and by Sun City Girls in 2001 on Libyan Dream.

References