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 The self-titled 1972 album by Elephant's Memory, with the catalog number SMAS-3389, is a crucial release for the band and a fascinating piece of rock history due to its direct connection with John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The Album's Context and Production

• Produced by Lennon and Ono: This album is most famous for being produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who also contribute on guitar and vocals. The collaboration happened after Elephant's Memory served as Lennon and Ono's backing band for their 1972 album Some Time in New York City.

• The "Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band": The band's association with Lennon and Ono led them to be billed as the Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band during this period. They performed with the couple at various events, including the legendary One to One Concert.

• Release on Apple Records: The album was released on the Beatles' Apple Records label, a significant step up from their previous albums on Buddah Records and Metromedia. This gave them a new level of exposure, even if the album didn't achieve major commercial success.

Musical Style and Content

• Hard-Rocking and Political: The album's sound is a continuation of the band's eclectic style, but with a harder, more direct edge influenced by their work with Lennon. It combines elements of hard rock, boogie, and blues with the band's signature horn section.

• A New Direction: This album stands in contrast to the band's earlier work, which was more psychedelic and avant-garde, and had two tracks ("Jungle Gym at the Zoo" and "Old Man Willow") on the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack. The 1972 self-titled LP is more focused on political and social themes, reflecting their time with Lennon and Ono.

• Track Highlights: The album features tracks like the single "Power Boogie," the politically charged "Liberation Special," and the bluesy "Crying Blacksheep Blues." These tracks showcase the tight musicianship and raw energy of the band, a quality that Lennon and Ono were keen to capture.

Legacy and Collectibility

• Cult Status: The album never became a commercial smash, but its association with Lennon and Ono has made it a significant item for collectors of Beatles-related material and fans of the period's rock music.

• Vinyl Pressing: The original SMAS-3389 pressing is sought after by collectors, particularly a sealed copy or one in excellent condition. It features a gatefold sleeve with photo montages and lyrics. It has never been re-issued on compact disc, which further adds to its collectible status.

In summary, the 1972 self-titled album by Elephant's Memory is more than just a footnote in John Lennon's career. It's a powerful and unique document of a band at a pivotal moment, showcasing a hard-rocking, politically charged sound that was a departure from their earlier work and a direct result of their famous collaboration.