Skip was Jefferson airplane's drummer on their first album and went on to be Moby Grape's guitarist. He tragically suffered a complete mental collapse, tried to attack band mates with an axe and had to be institutionalised in Bellevue hospital. After six months he emerged having written the songs that would become 'Oar'. Recorded by Moby Grape producer David Rubinson and released by Columbia, it didn't just flop, for some time it was the lowest selling album the label had ever released and was deleted within a year.

Spence thought he was doing demos and the songs would be fleshed out but they were released with him singing and playing everything. 

Some say it is a harrowing account of someone with severe mental illness. Others say that it is a fearless work of artistry. The song 'Grey/Afro' is over 9-minutes of mantric drone and the whole album built a cult status over the years, so much so that it was re-released with added extra songs.

Challenging? Yes. But don't let that put you off. There is some genius buried in these grooves.

Alexander 'Skip' Spence Oar T-Shirt DJTees Originals