Psych Folk

Psych folk, a subgenre of folk music, emerged in the mid-1960s and gained widespread popularity throughout the 1970s. With its distinctive blend of acoustic folk melodies, unconventional song structures, and surrealistic lyrics, psych folk captured the imagination of audiences seeking new and innovative musical experiences. The roots of psych folk can be traced to a group of young musicians in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who were heavily influenced by the folk tradition and the emerging psychedelic rock movement. Among this group were Tom Rapp and Michael Hurley, who would become key figures in the development of psych folk. Their music was characterized by its dreamlike quality, combining traditional folk instruments such as acoustic guitar and banjo with experimental sounds and textures. In the mid-1960s, the folk music scene was dominated by protest songs and social commentary. Psych folk offered a new direction for the genre, placing an emphasis on introspection and personal expression rather than overt political messages. Artists such as Tim Buckley, Nick Drake, and Bert Jansch embraced this approach, creating music that was deeply personal and emotionally stirring. One of the most influential psych folk artists of the era was Donovan. His 1966 album Sunshine Superman was a breakthrough hit, featuring intricate melodies and lyrics that spoke to the counterculture's ideals of love, peace, and individuality. Donovan's distinctive style, which blended elements of folk, pop, and psychedelia, paved the way for a new generation of artists. The late 1960s saw the emergence of a vibrant psych folk scene in San Francisco, where bands such as Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead were experimenting with new sounds and pushing the boundaries of traditional rock. These bands incorporated elements of psych folk into their music, blending acoustic instruments with electric guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. By the early 1970s, psych folk had become a distinct subgenre within the broader folk tradition. Artists such as Linda Perhacs, Vashti Bunyan, and Sibylle Baier gained critical acclaim for their deeply personal and introspective music, which often featured sparse instrumentation and haunting vocals. Despite its popularity, psych folk remained a niche genre, appealing primarily to a small but devoted group of fans. However, its influence can be seen in a wide range of musical styles, from indie rock to alt-country to experimental electronic music.

Donovan: Regarded as one of the original psych folk artists, Donovan’s unique style combined folk roots with intricate, psychedelic instrumentation. His prolific career has spanned five decades, with hits like “Mellow Yellow” and “Sunshine Superman.” Incredible String Band: Formed in Scotland in the 1960s, the Incredible String Band’s music blended traditional folk melodies with Eastern influences and experimental techniques. Their album “The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter” is a celebrated work in the psych folk canon. Tim Buckley: With a hauntingly beautiful voice and poetic lyricism, Tim Buckley’s music often ventured into darker, more introspective territory than other psych folk artists. Albums like “Goodbye and Hello” and “Happy Sad” are considered classics of the genre. Vashti Bunyan: Hailed as a pioneer of psych folk, Vashti Bunyan’s music was characterized by her ethereal voice and stripped-down acoustic instrumentation. Her album “Just Another Diamond Day” is a cult classic and has influenced many artists. Roy Harper: Known for his intricate guitar work and poetic lyrics, Roy Harper was an influential figure in the British folk scene of the 1960s and 70s. His album “Stormcock” is widely considered a masterpiece of the genre. Linda Perhacs: With only one album to her name, Linda Perhacs is a relatively obscure artist in the psych folk world, but her 1970 release “Parallelograms” has gained a cult following for its dreamy, experimental soundscapes. Nick Drake: Although his music is often categorized as folk, Nick Drake’s introspective, often melancholy songs have earned him a place in the psych folk pantheon. Albums like “Pink Moon” and “Five Leaves Left” showcase his masterful guitar work and haunted vocals. Bridget St John: Despite being overshadowed by some of her more famous contemporaries, Bridget St John remains a beloved figure in the psych folk world for her poetic lyricism and delicate guitar playing. Her album “Ask Me No Questions” is a fan favorite. Neil Young: Best known as a rocker, Neil Young’s early work reveals a deep-seated love for folk music. With albums like “After the Gold Rush” and “Harvest,” he blended acoustic guitars and harmonicas with lush instrumentals to create a unique, psych-influenced sound. Joanna Newsom: A more recent addition to the psych folk canon, Joanna Newsom has gained acclaim for her quirky, often fantastical songwriting and distinctive harp-playing style. Albums like “Ys” and “Have One on Me” are epic works that meld folk, baroque, and pop sensibilities.

1. "Pink Moon" by Nick Drake 2. "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel 3. "Forever Changes" by Love 4. "The Magical World of the Strands" by Michael Head & The Strands 5. "Forest of Equilibrium" by Cathedral 6. "Bee Gees 1st" by Bee Gees 7. "The Tallest Man on Earth" by The Wild Hunt 8. "The Sophtware Slump" by Grandaddy 9. "Music for Egon Schiele" by Rachel's 10. "Vashti Bunyan: Just Another Diamond Day" by Vashti Bunyan 11. "The Way Out" by The Books 12. "The Inner Mystique" by The Chocolate Watchband 13. "Skip Spence: Oar" by Skip Spence 14. "Selections from Walking Songs" by Meg Baird 15. "The Wicker Man" by Paul Giovanni 16. "Furthest From the Sun" by Ultralight Beam 17. "The Aquarius Sessions" by The Free Design 18. "The Carpenters: Close to You" by The Carpenters 19. "A Ghost Is Born" by Wilco 20. "Spirit" by Spirit 21. "Goddess Eyes" by Grouper 22. "Alasdair Roberts: The Crook of My Arm" by Alasdair Roberts 23. "June Tabor: An Echo of Hooves" by June Tabor 24. "The Enchanted Garden" by Patty Waters 25. "The Incredible String Band: Wee Tam and the Big Huge" by The Incredible String Band

One book that explores the history and significance of Psych Folk is "Seasons They Change: The Story of Acid and Psychedelic Folk" by Jeanette Leech. The book offers insights into the genre, exploring the cultural and social context that gave rise to it. Leech describes Psych Folk as "a term employed to describe the flowering of folk music informed by psychedelic and progressive rock" and emphasizes the importance of looking at the genre holistically, rather than reducing it to a few key figures or albums. Likewise, David Toop's book "The Forest of Feeling: A Phenomenology of Sound" explores the themes and experiences that characterize Psych Folk. Toop argues that the genre is "a synthesis of different musical worlds, including rock, folk, and classical, incorporated into a single form that speaks to personal and emotional transformation." The book also scrutinizes the relationship between sound and the natural world, which Psych Folk is often associated with. Many notable musicians have commented on Psych Folk's impact and significance. One of the most famous, Bob Dylan, once said, "A lot of mystique has been built around these [folk] records, but they just came about because we weren’t afraid to try anything. When we went electric, it was initially to turn ourselves on rather than to turn the audience on. We’d already been playing all those songs for a couple of years in coffeehouses, and we were very bored with it." Another notable musician, Devendra Banhart, is frequently associated with the Psych Folk genre. Banhart has described his music as "freak-folk," a term that has been used to describe similar artists. He sums it up as "an invitation to dip your feet into the open heart of whatever exists." Similarly, Joanna Newsom, a harpist and singer-songwriter, has been labeled a Psych Folk artist. Newsom's music is characterized by its surreal lyrics and unique vocal style.

The 1960s were a time of great social upheaval in the United States and around the world. The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of the counterculture all contributed to a sense of disillusionment, dislocation, and existential angst among young people. In response, many artists and musicians began to explore alternative lifestyles, spirituality, and artistic expression. The rise of Psych Folk can therefore be seen as a manifestation of this broader cultural zeitgeist. Many of the genre's pioneers were young, idealistic musicians who rejected the commercialism and conformity of mainstream culture. They drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including traditional folk music, experimental rock, and psychedelic drugs. One of the key figures in the early development of Psych Folk was the singer/songwriter Tim Buckley. His self-titled debut album, released in 1966, featured a mix of folk, jazz, and rock influences, as well as a sense of emotional intensity and transcendence that would become a hallmark of the genre. Another important figure was the British duo Tyrannosaurus Rex, later to become T. Rex, who combined acoustic guitars, exotic percussion, and mystical lyrics to create a distinctive sound that blended elements of folk, prog rock, and glam. Record labels also played an important role in shaping the sound and image of Psych Folk. Many of the genre's most influential artists were signed to independent labels such as Elektra, ESP-Disk, and Vanguard, which were known for their willingness to take risks on experimental music. These labels were often run by music enthusiasts who were passionate about supporting unconventional artists and nurturing underground scenes. Journalists and critics also played a role in shaping the discourse around Psych Folk. Writers such as Richard Goldstein, Robert Christgau, and Greil Marcus helped to promote and popularize the genre through their reviews, interviews, and essays. They highlighted the innovative and boundary-breaking aspects of Psych Folk, as well as its connections to broader cultural and political movements. Technological innovations also played a role in the development of Psych Folk. The invention of the electric guitar, the Fender Rhodes piano, and the Moog synthesizer all had a profound impact on the sound of Psych Folk, allowing artists to experiment with new sounds and textures. The rise of home recording studios also gave musicians greater control over the production process, allowing them to experiment with unconventional arrangements and sonic effects.