Psychedelic Rock

A brief history of Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock is a musical genre that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by its use of mind-altering and hallucination-inducing sounds mixed with experimental and unconventional techniques. The genre was heavily influenced by the widespread use of psychoactive drugs, such as LSD, which were thought by many to expand one’s consciousness and provide a deeper understanding of the world.

The origins of psychedelic rock can be traced back to the mid-1960s when a number of bands began experimenting with new sounds and styles that were influenced by the psychedelic experience. Some of the earliest examples of this genre include The Beatles’ “Revolver” and The 13th Floor Elevators’ debut album “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators.”

The genre quickly gained popularity and became associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s, which embraced rebellion against traditional values, political activism, and experimentation with various forms of art, literature, and music. Psychedelic rock became one of the defining sounds of this period and was embraced by many artists as a way to express themselves and their personal experiences.

One of the most influential bands of this era was Pink Floyd, who were instrumental in the development of the genre, incorporating elements of free jazz, electronica, and classical music into their sound. Other notable bands include The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Cream.

Psychedelic rock is often associated with the “Summer of Love” in 1967, when many young people converged on San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district to participate in a “hippie” counterculture that emphasized peace, love, and freedom. The music of the time was heavily influenced by this cultural movement, with lyrics often containing references to drugs, spirituality, and social change.

As the 1960s came to a close, the popularity of psychedelic rock began to decline, with many artists moving on to new styles and genres. However, the influence of psychedelic rock can still be felt today in the work of many contemporary artists who continue to experiment with new sounds and styles.

Notable Psychedelic Rock artists

Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Hendrix, the undisputed king of psychedelia, was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. He created his distinctive sound by combining blues, rock, and psychedelia, and his electrifying live performances are still revered today.

The Grateful Dead: The Grateful Dead is an American rock band known for their unique blend of psychedelic, folk, and country music. They are considered one of the pioneers of the psychedelic genre and have had a huge following since their formation in 1965. Many of their most famous songs are inspired by the 1960s counterculture movement.

Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd began as a British psychedelic band in 1965 and evolved into one of the most commercially successful and influential rock groups of all time. They were known for their elaborate live shows and the creative use of light and sound to create a truly immersive experience for their audiences.

The Doors: The Doors, formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, were one of the most iconic bands of the 1960s. They embraced psychedelia by incorporating it into their blues rock sound, and their poetic lyrics and charismatic lead singer Jim Morrison made them an instant hit. Unfortunately, Morrison’s early death in 1971 brought an end to the band’s success.

Jefferson Airplane: Jefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1965. They were one of the first bands to combine folk and psychedelic rock, and their hit songs like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” helped popularize the genre.

The 13th Floor Elevators: The 13th Floor Elevators were a Texas-based psychedelic band that were active from 1965 to 1969. They incorporated elements of garage rock, blues, and Indian music to create a unique sound that was ahead of its time.

Janis Joplin: Janis Joplin was an American singer-songwriter known for her powerful blues, rock, and soulful voice. She was a charismatic performer who embraced the counter-culture of the 1960s and was a leading figure in the psychedelic rock movement.

The Byrds: The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1964. They were known for their unique blend of folk and rock music, which drew inspiration from the Beatles and the Beach Boys. They pioneered the use of twelve-string guitars in rock music and helped popularize the psychedelic sound.

Cream: Cream was a British rock band formed in 1966 that combined blues, rock, and psychedelia. They were known for their virtuoso musicianship and jam sessions that could last for hours. Their most famous members were Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker.

Frank Zappa: Frank Zappa was an American musician and composer known for his innovative music and satirical lyrics. He was a pioneer of jazz and rock fusion and his experimentation with electronic music helped define the psychedelic sound of the late 1960s.

25 Psychedelic Rock records you should hear

1. “Purple Haze” – Jimi Hendrix
2. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – The Beatles
3. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane
4. “Astronomy Domine” – Pink Floyd
5. “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” – Iron Butterfly
6. “The End” – The Doors
7. “Eight Miles High” – The Byrds
8. “Tomorrow Never Knows” – The Beatles
9. “Interstellar Overdrive” – Pink Floyd
10. “She’s a Rainbow” – The Rolling Stones
11. “Sunshine of Your Love” – Cream
12. “Time Has Come Today” – The Chambers Brothers
13. “Somebody to Love” – Jefferson Airplane
14. “Nuggets” – The Electric Prunes
15. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” – Status Quo
16. “Touch Me” – The Doors
17. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – The Beatles
18. “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” – The Electric Prunes
19. “Take Me for a Little While” – Vanilla Fudge
20. “My White Bicycle” – Tomorrow
21. “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” – Simon & Garfunkel
22. “The Watcher” – The Chocolate Watchband
23. “Do It Again” – The Beach Boys
24. “Planet Caravan” – Black Sabbath
25. “Pale Blue Eyes” – The Velvet Underground

Psychedelic Rock and the charts

Psychedelic rock gained popularity in the late 1960s, with numerous bands such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors dominating the charts. The genre remained popular throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, and even today, there are contemporary bands that continue to experiment with its sound.

One of the most iconic psychedelic rock songs is “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles, which reached #1 on the UK charts in 1967. The song has since become a classic and a staple of the genre. Another notable psychedelic rock song is “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, which peaked at #3 on the US charts in 1967. The song is renowned for its electrifying guitar riffs and vivid imagery.

In addition to singles, many psychedelic rock bands released albums that became instant classics. Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” released in 1973, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide. The album features songs that incorporate unusual instruments such as a cash register, a heartbeat, and a choir of voices. The band’s follow-up album, “Wish You Were Here,” released in 1975, is also considered a masterpiece and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

Another influential psychedelic rock band is The Doors, whose self-titled debut album, released in 1967, went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide. The band’s frontman, Jim Morrison, was known for his poetic lyrics and charismatic stage presence. The Doors’ music continues to be celebrated today, with the band being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Other notable psychedelic rock albums include “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles, “Are You Experienced?” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Electric Ladyland” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Despite the popularity of psychedelic rock in the 1960s and 1970s, the genre saw a decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Punk rock and new wave became more popular, and many psychedelic rock bands struggled to adapt to the changing musical landscape.

However, there have been a few contemporary bands that have kept the psychedelic rock sound alive. One such band is Tame Impala, whose album “Currents” earned critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release in 2015. The album features songs that mix psychedelic rock with elements of funk and pop, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

What people have said about Psychedelic Rock

Several books have been written about psychedelic rock over the years, including “Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” by Tom Wolfe, “The Doors of Perception” by Aldous Huxley, and “The Psychedelic Experience” by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Richard Alpert. These books offer unique perspectives on the genre, its cultural significance, and the influence it had on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

In “Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test,” Tom Wolfe chronicles the journey of Ken Kesey, the author of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and his band of followers, the Merry Pranksters, as they embark on a cross-country trip to promote LSD use. The book explores the relationship between psychedelics, music, and the counterculture movement of the time.

Aldous Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception” is a personal reflection on the author’s experience with mescaline, a psychoactive drug. The book describes Huxley’s altered perception of the world and reality, which inspired him to write a piece of music called “Winter Music.”

“The Psychedelic Experience,” written by Leary, Metzner, and Alpert, is a guidebook for those interested in exploring the psychedelic experience. The book draws inspiration from the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” and provides practical advice on how to navigate the psychedelic experience.

Some notable quotes about psychedelic rock include Jimi Hendrix’s “You have to forget about what other people say, when you’re supposed to die, or when you’re supposed to be loving. You have to forget about all these things. You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven.” This quote highlights the freedom and unconventional nature of the genre.

Another quote from Roger Waters of Pink Floyd reads, “It’s like being in a dream state, but while you’re awake. It’s like being half-awake and half-asleep at the same time and trying to remember your dreams.” This quote captures the surreal, otherworldly quality of psychedelic rock.

Psychedelic Rock in context

The social context of Psychedelic Rock was defined by a generation of young people who were disillusioned with the cultural and political status quo of the 1960s. They felt alienated from a society that had become increasingly materialistic and socially conservative. This sense of disconnection paved the way for the emergence of a new type of music that celebrated individuality and questioned the established order.

At the same time, the cultural context of the time was equally important. The Counter-Culture movement was also a rebellion against the conformist suburban culture that marked the post-World War II era. Psychedelic Rock challenged the values of this culture by questioning the established wisdom of authority. It represented a break from the past, and a celebration of the new. In addition, psychedelia produced a new fashion sense, fueled by influential figures in music and art such as The Beatles and Wes Wilson. The fashion included bell bottoms, headbands and tie-dye shirts.

The technological context of Psychedelic Rock was also significant. The emergence of new instruments and recording techniques enabled musicians to push the boundaries of the genre. Innovations in sound engineering facilitated the creation of complex, multi-layered compositions that were previously impossible to achieve. Combined with the use of drugs - such as LSD - these technological advances gave rise to a genre that was characterized by its ethereal soundscapes and otherworldly atmosphere.

Notable record labels like Elektra Records and Capitol Records played an important role in defining the Psychedelic Rock genre. These labels released albums by the likes of The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and The Grateful Dead, pioneering figures in the genre as their musical prowess and overall image fully embodied the spirit of the genre. Their music explored the themes of love, peace, and spirituality, and they often used cryptic lyrics to express their disillusionment with the establishment.

Journalists such as Jon Landau, Richard Goldstein, and Ralph Gleason were also instrumental in defining and popularizing Psychedelic Rock. They wrote about the genre with enthusiasm and passion, helping to introduce it to a wider audience. Their articles explored the meaning and significance of Psychedelic Rock, and helped to establish it as an important cultural force.

Music venues like The Fillmore and The Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco provided a platform for Psychedelic Rock musicians to perform their music to a receptive audience. These venues created a sense of community for the counterculture, allowing individuals to meet and share their experiences and beliefs, representing the aspect of peace and love expressed in the genre.

If you like Psychedelic Rock you may like..

Acid Rock: A subgenre of psychedelic rock, acid rock is characterized by heavy guitar riffs and extended soloing, as well as lyrical themes of drug use and counterculture.

Progressive Rock: A genre that emerged in the late 1960s, progressive rock incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and psychedelic rock to create complex, experimental compositions.

Freak Folk: A contemporary subgenre of psychedelic folk, freak folk blends traditional folk music with experimental soundscapes and lo-fi production techniques to create atmospheric and introspective music.

Space Rock: A subgenre of psychedelic rock, space rock features expansive soundscapes, trippy effects, and a focus on space-related themes.

Krautrock: A genre that emerged in Germany in the late 1960s, krautrock blends elements of psychedelic rock, avant-garde jazz, and electronic music to create experimental, improvisational compositions.