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The Electric Prunes

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The Electric Prunes
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1965 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsPsychedelic rock music

The Electric Prunes emerged as an American psychedelic rock ensemble originating in Los Angeles, California, in 1965. Music historian Richie Unterberger characterized their sound as having a "haunting and occasionally tormented atmosphere," blending psychedelic elements with early electronic rock influences. Their recordings showcased groundbreaking techniques such as fuzz-distorted guitars and modulated audio effects. Guitarist Ken Williams and vocalist James Lowe crafted a distinctive "free-form garage music" approach, enhancing both their sonic texture and lyrical depth.

After signing with Reprise Records in 1966, the group released their first single, "Ain't It Hard," followed by their debut album, The Electric Prunes. This album featured two nationally charting singles: "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" and "Get Me to the World on Time". Their sophomore effort, Underground, showcased a greater emphasis on original compositions.

By 1968, the band had disbanded amid challenges recording the intricate arrangements devised by producer David Axelrod for the albums Mass in F Minor and Release of an Oath. These projects were issued under the band's name—controlled by producer David Hassinger—but primarily featured performances by session musicians.

In 1999, several founding members reunited to revive the group and continue recording. The band still performs sporadically; however, lead vocalist James Lowe, the sole surviving original member until recently, died in May 2025.

Formation

The Electric Prunes originated from a surf rock-influenced garage band called the Sanctions in 1965. This initial lineup consisted of James Lowe (vocals, guitar), Mark Tulin (bass), Ken Williams (lead guitar), and Michael "Quint" Weakley (drums). They recorded a dozen cover tracks on an acetate disc within a home studio environment. Keyboardist Dick Hargrave briefly joined before departing to pursue a career in graphic arts. These early recordings remained unreleased until 2000, when Heartbeat Productions issued them as Then Came The Electric Prunes, noted for its impressive audio quality given the recording conditions.

After reverting to a four-member formation, the band encountered Barbara Harris, a real estate agent who introduced them to producer Dave Hassinger at Sky Hill Studios. Hassinger—known for his work on The Rolling Stones' Aftermath—offered to produce them and recommended a name change. Though initially chosen as a joke for its memorability despite lacking appeal, the name Electric Prunes was adopted. Their debut single, a cover of "Ain't It Hard" backed with Lowe's original "Little Olive," was released in early 1966 but did not achieve chart success.

Initial achievements

Although their first single did not chart, Reprise Records signed the band under Hassinger’s guidance. Drummer Weakley departed and was replaced by Preston Ritter; rhythm guitarist James "Weasel" Spagnola joined, expanding the group to five members. While the band was writing original songs, Hassinger predominantly utilized songwriters Annette Tucker and Nancie Mantz for most material. Recording sessions took place at American Recording Studio and Leon Russell's Skyhill Studios, incorporating experimental techniques such as reversed guitar passages that opened their breakthrough track "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)". Released in November 1966, this single reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 49 in the UK charts, leading to extensive touring and endorsement deals with Vox.

Their follow-up single in May 1967, "Get Me to the World on Time", combined psychedelic sound effects with a Bo Diddley rhythm and reached number 27 in the US and number 42 in the UK—marking their most adventurous release at that time. The debut album The Electric Prunes blended exotic audio effects with varied pop compositions but suffered from inconsistency due to heavy reliance on Tucker-Mantz material; only two songs were penned by the band themselves. Bassist Tulin later expressed dissatisfaction with some tracks that did not align with their artistic intentions.

In July 1967, they released "Dr. Do-Good," an atypical single featuring early use of steel guitar sounds and unconventional vocals; it peaked at number 128. Their second album, Underground, granted more creative control with seven out of twelve tracks written by band members and expanded experimental sounds. During recording, lineup changes occurred: Ritter left due to creative disagreements and was replaced by Weakley; Spagnola exited because of health issues and was succeeded by Mike Gannon. Despite artistic progression, Underground only reached number 172 on the Billboard 200.

Following a US tour late in 1967, the group toured Europe performing at notable venues such as The Roundhouse and Middle Earth. Their final tour performance was recorded by Swedish Broadcasting Corporation and later released in 1997 as the live album Stockholm '67.

The Axelrod era

Prompted by manager Lenny Poncher and producer Dave Hassinger, The Electric Prunes embarked on creating a concept album that fused elements of Gregorian music with psychedelic pop, targeting mainstream appeal. Poncher brought in classically trained composer David Axelrod to write the entire set of compositions. The outcome, Mass in F Minor, was an intricate rock album with religious themes, performed in Greek and Latin. Due to the elaborate arrangements, Hassinger enlisted Canadian band The Collectors alongside various session musicians to assist in completing the project, although Lowe, Tulin, and Weakley participated on every track.

Upon its release in January 1968, Mass in F Minor peaked at number 135 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its haunting opener, "Kyrie Eleison," gained cult status after being featured in the soundtrack of the countercultural film Easy Rider. The Electric Prunes only performed these compositions live once; their concert at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium suffered from technical problems and disarray, resulting in prolonged improvisations rather than refined renditions.

Musical and financial challenges prompted Weakley and Lowe to depart early in 1968. Tulin and Williams completed a tour with a lineup that included Kenny Loggins and Jeremy Stuart but exited by mid-year.

Despite these changes, Hassinger retained ownership of The Electric Prunes name and, buoyed by the moderate success of Mass in F Minor, assembled a new group. Under Rich Fifield's direction, he recruited members of Colorado’s band Climax: Richard Whetstone (vocals, drums), John Herron (organ), Mark Kincaid (guitar), and Brett Wade (bass). Axelrod once again composed all material for their subsequent album focused on the Jewish prayer Kol Nidre.

Released as Release of an Oath, this album featured prominent session musicians including Howard Roberts, Carol Kaye, and Earl Palmer, with Whetstone as the only band member performing on the recordings. Although more unified and progressive than its predecessor, it failed to chart when issued in November 1968. Afterward, Axelrod resumed his role at Capitol Records, while The Electric Prunes toured as support for acts like Steppenwolf, Canned Heat, and New Buffalo Springfield.

The "New Improved" Electric Prunes

The group’s final studio release, Just Good Old Rock and Roll, appeared in June 1969 under the billing The "New Improved" Electric Prunes. Prior to completion, Herron departed but remained credited; Ron Morgan—formerly associated with Three Dog Night and a key session guitarist for The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band—replaced him. Except for "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers," co-written by Jimmy Holiday, all tracks were original compositions by the band. Wade also contributed "Flowing Smoothly," which served as the B-side to the non-album single "Hey, Mr. President."

This album marked a stylistic transition toward straightforward hard rock infused with funk influences, though songs such as "So Many People to Tell" preserved psychedelic characteristics. Whetstone remarked that their experimental style reflected a learning process due to limited guidance. In early 1970, Whetstone and Wade left to form Stallion Thumbrock in Canada. Morgan and Kincaid assembled a fresh lineup including Michael Kearns among others; however, the band dissolved by mid-1970.

Revival and reformation

Although The Electric Prunes disbanded in 1970, their recordings continued to circulate through reissues and compilation albums. Their song "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" was included on the seminal compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968 (1972), reigniting interest in their work. European reissues followed in 1986 for albums such as Underground, Release of an Oath, along with their first greatest hits collection titled Long Days Flight, which compiled early singles and was issued on compact disc by 1989.

By 1997, all their albums were available on CD format. After issuing the live recording Stockholm '67, original members Tulin, Lowe, Williams, and Weakley reunited in 1999 to produce new material after a hiatus of 31 years. Following the well-received 2001 compilation Lost Dreams, the band recommenced live performances incorporating new personnel.

On October 31, 2001, they released Artifact, featuring guest appearances from musicians like former Moby Grape guitarist Peter Lewis. This album revisited their psychedelic origins with enhanced cohesion. A European tour in 2002 included dates in the UK and Greece; a DVD titled Rewired documented this tour. Subsequent releases comprised the concept album California (2004) and the experimental record Feedback (2006).

Bassist Mark Tulin passed away in 2011 at age 62; following his death, the band temporarily halted activities but resumed touring in 2013. In 2014 they issued WaS, inspired by their Tokyo performances and featuring Tulin's final studio recordings alongside two live tracks. Drummer Preston Ritter died in 2015 at age 65.

On May 29, 2025, it was announced that founding vocalist James Lowe had died on May 22 at age 82.

Musical style

Recognized for their innovative and occasionally unsettling soundscapes, The Electric Prunes incorporated early facets of psychedelic and acid rock, as noted by Loren DiBlasi of Paste Magazine.

Current members

  • Steve Kara – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–present)
  • Jay Dean – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–present)
  • Walter Garces – drums (2006–present)
  • Rocco Guarino – bass guitar, backing vocals (2013–present)

Former members

  • James Lowe – lead vocals, harmonica, percussion instruments including theremin and autoharp, guitar (1965–1968, 1999–2025; deceased 2025)
  • Mark Tulin – bass guitar and keyboards (1965–1968, 1999–2011; deceased 2011)
  • Ken Williams – lead guitar (1965–1968, 1999–2003, 2006)
  • Michael "Quint" Weakley – drums and percussion (1965–1966, 1967, 2001; deceased 2024)
  • Steve Acoff (1965)
  • Dick Hargraves – keyboards (1965)
  • Preston Ritter – drums and percussion (1966–1967; deceased 2015)
  • James "Weasel" Spagnola – rhythm guitar; backing and lead vocals (1966–1967; deceased circa 2000)
  • Joe Dooley – drums (1967–1968, 2001–2005)
  • Mike Gannon – rhythm guitar (1967–1968; deceased 1972)
  • John Herron – keyboards (1968–1970; deceased 2003)
  • Mark Kincaid – guitar and backing vocals (1968–1970; deceased circa 1994)
  • Brett Wade – bass guitar, backing vocals, flute (1968–1970)
  • Dick Whetstone – drums, lead vocals, guitar (1968–1970)
  • Kenny Loggins (1968)
  • Jeromy Stuart (1968)
  • Ron Morgan – guitar (1969–1970; deceased 1989)
  • Cameron Lowe – keyboards (2001–2003)
  • Mark Moulin – lead guitar (2001–2003)
  • Glen Bostic (2007)

Studio albums

Live albums

  • Stockholm '67 ([Heartbeat Productions] BMRO39), released in 1997
  • Return to Stockholm Live at Debaser 2004 ([PruneTwang] catalog number 8-69691-13), released in 2012

U.S. singles

  • "Ain't It Hard" / "Little Olive" ([Reprise Records] catalog number 0473), issued in 1966
  • "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" / "Luvin" ([Reprise] catalog number 0532), released in 1966 reaching US #11 and UK #49
  • "Get Me to the World on Time" / "Are You Lovin' Me More (But Enjoying it Less)" ([Reprise] catalog number 0564), issued in 1966 peaking at US #27 and UK #42
  • "Vox Wah-Wah Ad" ([Thomas Records] catalog number 08-000132-0), released in 1967
  • "Dr. Do-Good" / "Hideaway" ([Reprise] catalog number 0594), issued in 1967
  • "The Great Banana Hoax" / "Wind-up Toys" ([Reprise] catalog number 0607), released in 1967
  • "Everybody Knows You're Not in Love" / "You Never Had it Better" ([Reprise] catalog number 0652), issued in 1968
  • "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" / "Get Me to the World on Time" ([Reprise] catalog number 0704 – Double A-side), released in 1968
  • "Shadows" ([Reprise PRO] catalog number 287), issued in 1968
  • "Sanctus" / "Credo" ([Reprise PRO] catalog number 277), released in 1968
  • "Help Us (Our Father, Our King)" / "The Adoration" ([Reprise PRO] catalog number305), issued in 1968
  • "Hey! Mr. President" / "Flowing Smoothly" ([Reprise] catalog number0756), released in 1969
  • "Sell" / "Violent Rose" ([Reprise] catalog number0833), issued in 1969
  • "Love Grows" / "Finders, Keepers, Losers, Weepers" ([Reprise] catalog number0858), released in1979
  • "Hollywood Halloween" ([Birdman Records] BMR1313), issued in2001 — Peter Lewis (Moby Grape) backed by The Electric Prunes
  • "Get Me to the World on Time" [Live] ([Birdman Records] BMR037), recorded at Voxfest III June2001; released in2002
  • "Left in Blue" originally by Azure Halo

European singles

  • "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" / "Luvin" ([Reprise RS20532]), UK release from1966
  • "Get Me to the World on Time" / "Are You Lovin Me More (But Enjoying It Less)" ([Reprise RS20564]), UK issue from1967
  • "The Great Banana Hoax" / "Wind-Up Toys" ([Reprise RS20607]), UK release from1967
  • "Long Days Flight" / "The King In His Counting House" ([Reprise RS23212]), UK issue from1967
  • "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" / "Luvin'" / "Little Olive" / "Ain't It Hard" ([Reprise RVEP60098]), French release from1967
  • "Everybody Knows You're Not In Love" / "You Never Had It Better" ([Reprise RS20652]), UK release from1968
  • "Long Day's Flight" / "Dr. Do-Good" / "The Great Banana Hoax" / "Captain Glory" ([Reprise RVEP60110]), French issue from1968
  • "Everybody Knows You're Not In Love" / "You Never Had It Better" ([Reprise RV20149]), French release from1968
  • "Hey Mr President" / "Flowing Smoothly" ([Reprise RV20198]), French issue from1969
  • "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" paired with ("Lies," by The Knickerbockers) ([Elektra K12102]), UK release from1973 tied to the Nuggets compilation
  • "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" / "Luvin'" reissued as picture sleeve single ([Radar ADA16]), UK release from1979

Compilation albums

  • Long Day's Flight issued by Edsel Records/Demon Records in1986 within the UK
  • The Singles released by Gone Beat Records during1995 in Israel
  • Lost Dreams distributed by Birdman Records/Heartbeat Records around2000 within the US
  • The Sanctions / Jim and the Lords - Then Came the Electric Prunes released by Heartbeat Productions circa2000 within UK markets comprising pre-Electric Prunes recordings
  • Too Much To Dream - Original Group Recordings: Reprise1956-1957 produced by Rhino Records/Reprise Records during2007 across UK & Europe
  • The Original Albums Series, a five-CD boxed set launched in2012

Various

  • Soundtrack for Easy Rider, released during1969 featuring “Kyrie Eleison”
  • Compilation album Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era (65-68), initially issued by Elektra Records during1972 including “I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)” with multiple reissues such as Rhino's four-CD box set featuring “Get Me to the World on Time”
  • Compilation “Pebbles Volume 2”, originally published during1979 including “Vox Wah-Wah Radio Ad” under BFD Records label; reissued on CD format via AIP Records during1992
  • Compilation “Rarities”, published during1981 featuring four songs recorded live at Stockholm concert (‘67) plus Vox ad split with Count Five, distributed under Great Live Concerts label

DVDs

  • Rewired, produced by Snapper Music during 2002 within United Kingdom

References

External links

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