Journey to the Center of the Mind
Encyclopedia
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).
Shortly after the album's release, Drake left the band over creative disputes, and was replaced by Rusty Day the same year.
However, Farmer explains that the actual concept came about when the band decided to make an all original album. The first seven songs on the second side are meant to represent seven ascending levels of a conscious experience (Physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, imaginative, inspirational, and intuitive). In other words, "Journey to the Center of the Mind" describes physically traveling, while "Ivory Castles" describes suffering pain to achieve happiness, which follows immediately after a physical sensation. "Why is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange?" questions various meanings, therefore making it intellectual. "Missionary Mary" is meant to sound overwhelmingly uplifting, which symbolizes the feeling of being enlightened. "Death is Life" describes the fear (imagination) of death (among other things), which occurs after one is enlightened. "Saint Philips Friend" describes one being relieved of this fear, therefore it is inspirational. Finally, "I'll Prove I'm Right" expresses the intuitive desire to share their newfound knowledge of the first six levels, which brings them to "Conclusion", thus ending the "Journey".
Even more interesting is the fact that each individual song tells its own unique story lyrically. This was done out of the humor of Farmer's writing style, where his music and lyrics both have separate meanings to further confuse the listener, as well as hide its actual message. To add to this, each song is composed with its own musical concept in order to create the "Journey" as a whole. For example, the song "Ivory Castles" constantly bounces between positive and negative emotions. Also, the harmonization in "Missionary Mary" is done so in which each of the three singers demonstrates a different scale, where Drake sings deliberately as he were crying (negative), Solomon sings as if he were cheering (positive), and Farmer sings in a deliberate almost-monotone (neutral). Because of these innovative, as well as subtle, concepts, the album has been highly regarded for its near-superior originality.
The Amboy Dukes
The Amboy Dukes were an American rock music band of the late 1960s and early 1970s from Detroit, Michigan, best remembered for their hit single "Journey to the Center of the Mind", and for launching the career of Ted Nugent...
. It was released in April 1968 on Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records was an American record label, which released jazz, rock music, and soundtracks during the 1970s.It was founded in 1964 by Bob Shad, and in its early history reissued material from Commodore Records and Time Records in addition to some new jazz material...
(stereo S/6112, mono 56112 (promo
Promotional recording
A promotional recording, or promo, is an audio or video recording distributed for free, usually in order to promote a recording that is or soon will be commercially available...
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 singer John Drake sing back-to-back. The reason for this was to properly demonstrate Farmer's lyrics, which he had written two alternate lyrics 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 melodies. 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.
Meaning
The meaning of the album's B-side is believed by many to be about overdosing on different drugs. Most notable are "Journey to the Center of the Mind", which Steve Farmer claims was inspired by an acid trip, and "Missionary Mary", which has somewhat obvious references to marijuana, including lines such as "Reap your seeds and let us sow" and "Dwelling in your mist", as well as the line "Mary wanna?" which sounds like "Marijuana". On top of that, the album cover includes the picture of a smoking pipe collection. Today, Ted Nugent still claims to have not been aware of such drug references while with the band, or to have taken part in any drug usage. He has, however, said in later interviews that he had several fights with Farmer over the band's drug abuse.However, Farmer explains that the actual concept came about when the band decided to make an all original album. The first seven songs on the second side are meant to represent seven ascending levels of a conscious experience (Physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, imaginative, inspirational, and intuitive). In other words, "Journey to the Center of the Mind" describes physically traveling, while "Ivory Castles" describes suffering pain to achieve happiness, which follows immediately after a physical sensation. "Why is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange?" questions various meanings, therefore making it intellectual. "Missionary Mary" is meant to sound overwhelmingly uplifting, which symbolizes the feeling of being enlightened. "Death is Life" describes the fear (imagination) of death (among other things), which occurs after one is enlightened. "Saint Philips Friend" describes one being relieved of this fear, therefore it is inspirational. Finally, "I'll Prove I'm Right" expresses the intuitive desire to share their newfound knowledge of the first six levels, which brings them to "Conclusion", thus ending the "Journey".
Even more interesting is the fact that each individual song tells its own unique story lyrically. This was done out of the humor of Farmer's writing style, where his music and lyrics both have separate meanings to further confuse the listener, as well as hide its actual message. To add to this, each song is composed with its own musical concept in order to create the "Journey" as a whole. For example, the song "Ivory Castles" constantly bounces between positive and negative emotions. Also, the harmonization in "Missionary Mary" is done so in which each of the three singers demonstrates a different scale, where Drake sings deliberately as he were crying (negative), Solomon sings as if he were cheering (positive), and Farmer sings in a deliberate almost-monotone (neutral). Because of these innovative, as well as subtle, concepts, the album has been highly regarded for its near-superior originality.
Side one
- "Mississippi Murderer" (NugentTed NugentTheodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
, Farmer) – 5:12 - "Surrender To Your Kings" (Nugent) – 2:52
- "Flight Of The Byrd" (Nugent) – 2:50
- "Scottish Tea" (Nugent) – 4:01
- "Dr. Slingshot" (Nugent, Farmer) – 3:09
Side two
- "Journey to the Center of the Mind" (Nugent, Farmer) – 3:33
- "Ivory Castles" (Farmer) – 3:21
- "Why is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange" (Farmer) – 2:26
- "Missionary Mary" (Farmer) – 2:35
- "Death is Life" (Farmer) – 2:08
- "Saint Philips Friend" (Farmer) – 3:33
- "I'll Prove I'm Right" (Farmer) – 1:38
- "Conclusion" (Nugent, Farmer) – 1:57
Personnel
- Ted NugentTed NugentTheodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
– lead guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with... - Greg Arama – bass
- John (J.B.) Drake – vocals
- Steve Farmer – rhythm guitar, vocals
- Dave Palmer – drums
- Andy Solomon – organOrgan (music)The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
, piano, vocals