Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title:  Deep Water
Company: RCA Victor
Catalog: LSP-5018
Year: 1969
Country/State: UK
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
Catalog ID: 6057
Price: $40.00

I've always been puzzled by bands that seemingly change their musical identities and direction for no apparent reason. Grapefruit's a perfect example of such an outfit.

Prior to the release of their second album the band underwent a couple of personnel changes including the departure of rhythm guitarist Pete Swettenham (replaced by Bobby Ware who also handled most of the lead vocals) and the addition of keyboardist Mick Fowler. Produced by Terry Melcher who had made a name for himself producing The Byrds and an impressive array of sunshine pop acts, 1969's "Deep Water" sounded absolutely nothing like their cheery, pop-psych tinged debut. Bassist George Alexander was again responsible for the bulk of the ten songs (Ware contributed three selections - all happened to be among the standout performances), but this time out the band seemed determined to showcase their skills as a serious and 'happening' band. The result was a scattershot stab at a wide array of popular genres including blue eyed soul ('Deep Water'), boogie-rock 'Thunder & Lightening', country (''The Right Direction'), and hard rock ('Lady Godiva'). While these guys were certainly talented, this time out they simply shed any semblance of a band identity which was a major disservice. Needless to say, critics dumped all over this one. Shame since the album's actually quite good. True, it isn't pop-psych, but had this been their debut release I suspect it would have gotten much more favorable reviews.   

- Kicked along by a simply Alexander bass line (I think I could play this one), 'Deep Water' opened the album with a likeable slice of blue-eyed soul. Very commercial, though by 1969 it may have already been a little behind the times. rating: **** stars
- 'Can't Find Me' found the band taking a stab at country-rock. I'm guessing The Allman Brothers may have been an influence on this one. Complete with mandatory pedal steel guitar, the song was certainly decent enough, but Ware's voice sounded strained and barely in tune. One have been a lot better with a more polished performance. rating; ** stars
- 'Thunder & Lightening' was an okay stab at boogie rock - anyone into early Foghat would find this one attractive. That said, the song wasn't particularly original or memorable, making you wonder why it was tapped as a single in the States. Ware's lead guitar provided the song highlights. rating; ** stars
- The Cro-Magnon fuzz guitar propelled rocker 'Lady Godiva' has always reminded me of a Spinal Tap song ('Big Bottoms' come to mind). (Yeah, I know this album predates Spinal Tap by a couple of decades.) With a mind numbing Alexander bass line and some tasty horns (I'm usually not big on horns), this was one of the album's highlights. Easy to see why it was tapped as a single.   rating; **** stars
- Sadly, 'The Right Direction' wasn't. Opting for a country direction, this sounded like something that might have been recorded for a Saturday morning cartoon. Hideous. Ware should have had his harmonica license pulled for this performance.  rating; * star
- The jaunty 'L.A. & Back Again' was probably the song that came the closest to capturing the debut's charm. Nice melody with Alexander's pounding bass way up in the mix. Once again, the only minor drawback came in the form of Ware's strained vocals and the fact the song faded out too soon.   rating; **** stars.
- 'Come Down to the Station' found the band returning to Spinal Tap-styled hard rock. Since I love Spinal Tap, I have to admit a fondness for this rocker; particularly Ware's sustained lead guitar notes, the cluttered refrain - I would have hated to have to sing it live, and Ware's hysterical attempt at scatting.   rating; **** stars.
- Complete with horn arrangement, 'A Dizzy Day' sounded a bit like early David Clayton Thomas and Blood, Sweat and Tears. I can just see folks running for the doors ... Nah, this one was actually another enjoyable blue-eyed soul performance.   rating; *** stars.
- In spite of the title, 'Blues In Your Head' was actually one of the album's most psychedelic tracks. A mid-tempo, looping rocker, the song showcased some nice Mick Fowler swirling organ fills and Ware's fuzz guitar. This one was also probably Ware's best vocal performance.   rating; **** stars
- Normally sensitive singer/songwriter numbers don't do much for me (I've been told I have the sensitivity of a brick), but 'Time To Leave' was an exception. The album's starkest performance, simply Ware accompanied by acoustic guitar, pedal steel and minimal percussion, I've seen one review that compared this one to a Badfinger song and that's a perfect comparison. Very pretty song ...   rating; *** stars

In the States the following single was released off the LP:


- 1971's 'Thunder and Lightning' b/w 'Blues in Your Head' (RCA Victor catalog number 74-0241)

Throughout Europe there was also a second single:

- 1971's 'Lady Godiva' b/w 'Can't Find Me' (various releases)

Since you can still buy this one on the cheap, I'd suggest ignoring most of the reviews and taking a chance on this one; especially if you've never heard their debut collection.

"Deep Water" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Deep Water (George Alexander) - 2:14
2.) Can't Find Me (George Alexander) - 2:07
3.) Thunder & Lightening (George Alexander) - 3:04
4.) Lady Godiva (George Alexander) - 3:18
5.) The Right Direction (George Alexander) - 2:54

(side 2)
1.) L.A. & Back Again (Bobby Ware) - 2:14
2.) Come Down to the Station ( Bobby Ware) - 3:03
3.) A Dizzy Day (George Alexander) - 2:49
4.) Blues In Your Head ( Bobby Ware) - 4:47
5.) Time To Leave (George Alexander) - 3:14


There was also a one shot 1971 European single with Alexander being supported by former Easybeats members Harry Vanda and George Young:


- 1971's Sha-Sha' b/w 'Universal Party' (Deram catalog number DM 343)

And that was it for Grapefruit.

Foster reappeared as a member of Fynn McCool.

Perry showed up as a member of The Only Ones.