Moby Grape’s attempt to record their second album in New York descended into disorganisation, with members frequently absent and struggling with drug use, relationship breakdowns and personal problems. Guitarist Skip Spence became particularly detached from the project after moving to Greenwich Village, where he spent time with Joanna Stevenson, who described herself as a white witch, and an older man regarded by some as an oracle.

According to guitarist Peter Lewis, Spence was using hallucinogens daily and was heavily influenced by Stevenson, whom Lewis characterised in sensational terms as a “sex witch”. Despite the turmoil, producer David Rubinson managed to assemble the two-album release Wow and Grape Jam, although the recording process was reportedly extremely difficult.