Vanilla Fudge – Where Is My Mind? The ATCO Recordings 1967-1969: Box Set Review
Few bands have left an impact quite like Vanilla Fudge. With their innovative blend of psychedelic rock and heavy soul, Vanilla Fudge influenced bands like Deep Purple and helped to shape the emerging heavy rock sound of the late 1960s. Where Is My Mind? The ATCO Recordings 1967-1969 by Esoteric Recordings is the ultimate collection of Vanilla Fudge’s foundational work, spanning nine CDs that include both mono and stereo versions of their albums, rare live performances, and loads of extras.
Here’s a look at what makes this box set so essential for fans and newcomers alike.
Formed in 1966, Vanilla Fudge consisted of Mark Stein (vocals, keyboards), Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass), and Vince Martell (guitar). Known for their slowed-down, reimagined covers, Vanilla Fudge transformed songs like The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” into heavy, almost symphonic experiences. Their early experimentation with long-form tracks, dramatic arrangements, and prominent Hammond organ set them apart from other psychedelic and rock bands of the time.
Box Set Contents and Album Highlights
This comprehensive collection brings together all of Vanilla Fudge’s ATCO Records releases from 1967 to 1969. Here’s a breakdown of the key albums included in this set, along with some historical chart data:
Vanilla Fudge (1967)
Charts: Peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200
Highlights: Includes their iconic cover of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” along with “Bang Bang” and “Eleanor Rigby.” This debut album is presented in both mono and stereo, capturing the band’s heavy, immersive sound from two distinct perspectives.
The Beat Goes On (1968)
Charts: Reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200
Highlights: This experimental album includes variations on “The Beat Goes On” and medleys of classical music and popular hits, arranged with psychedelic flair. Though challenging at times, it represents the band’s willingness to push boundaries.
Renaissance (1968)
Charts: Reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200
Highlights: Features tracks like “Season of the Witch” and “The Sky Cried – When I Was a Boy.” This album marks a return to more straightforward rock structures and includes a few originals, showcasing the band’s growing versatility.
Near the Beginning (1969)
Highlights: Contains the epic track “Break Song,” a live recording that showcases the band’s improvisational prowess. This album shows Vanilla Fudge edging closer to the hard rock sound they helped to inspire in other bands.
Rock & Roll (1969)
Highlights: Tracks like “Need Love” (a personal favorite) and “Street Walking Woman” mark this album as one of Vanilla Fudge’s most intense and cohesive works. It’s full of raw, emotional energy, capturing the band at their heaviest.
Live at the Fillmore West (1969)
Highlights: This two-disc live album captures Vanilla Fudge’s legendary live performances from January 1969, bringing fans a powerful snapshot of the band’s stage presence and improvisational skill.
A Stunning Package
Esoteric Recordings has outdone themselves with this set, from the meticulous remastering to the detailed booklet, which includes a wealth of photos, single artwork, and an in-depth essay. Each CD is loaded with extras, including single mixes, alternate takes, and B-sides, offering a complete look at Vanilla Fudge’s ATCO years.
For fans who have followed Vanilla Fudge through the years, Where Is My Mind? is a dream come true. The mono and stereo versions offer distinct listening experiences, especially given the quirky stereo mixing techniques of the late ‘60s. With everything packed into a deluxe clamshell box, it’s a release that’s both comprehensive and beautifully executed.
Without Vanilla Fudge, it’s hard to imagine the trajectory of heavy rock. Their fusion of psychedelic, soulful, and orchestral elements into rock music influenced bands like Deep Purple and inspired countless others. Where Is My Mind? The ATCO Recordings 1967-1969 not only preserves their groundbreaking work but enhances it, offering fans and collectors a definitive collection that celebrates this remarkable band. This box set has earned a permanent place in my collection and is an essential addition for any fan of ‘60s rock.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
