Exploring the Mystical Sounds: A Deep Dive into Psychedelic Rock and Its Impact on Music History

Unveiling the Enigmatic Origins

In the mid-1960s, a revolutionary music genre emerged, intertwining with the counterculture movement and fueled by the exploration of perception-altering hallucinogenic drugs. This was the birth of psychedelic rock, a genre that not only shaped the musical landscape but also left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the time. 

Riding the Waves of LSD: Core Effects and Musical Manifestations

The sound of psychedelic rock is a sonic representation of three core effects induced by LSD: depersonalisation, dechronicisation, and dynamisation. These effects, aimed at detaching the listener from everyday reality, found expression through novel studio tricks, electronic experimentation, and extended instrumental solos. 

A Kaleidoscope of Styles: Diverse Influences and Expressions

Psychedelic rock was a melting pot of styles, with artists drawing inspiration from folk, jazz, blues, and even Indian classical music, giving rise to the distinct sub-genre known as “raga rock.” In the 1960s, two prominent variants of the genre emerged: the whimsical, surrealist British psychedelia and the raw, intense American West Coast “acid rock.” 

Acid Rock vs. Psychedelic Rock: Unravelling the Nuances

While the terms “acid rock” and “psychedelic rock” are often used interchangeably, “acid rock” delves into a heavier, harder, and rawer dimension within the psychedelic rock genre. This subgenre pushed boundaries, contributing to the evolution of not only psychedelic rock but also influencing subsequent genres like progressive rock and hard rock. 

The Golden Era: Psychedelic Rock’s Peak Years

The zenith of psychedelic rock unfolded between 1967 and 1969, marked by iconic events like the 1967 Summer of Love and the 1969 Woodstock Rock Festival. This period saw the genre burgeon into an international musical movement, intricately woven into the fabric of a widespread counterculture. 

The Decline and Resurgence

As the 1970s dawned, psychedelic rock faced a decline, influenced by changing societal attitudes, the loss of key figures, and a back-to-basics movement among surviving artists. However, its spirit endured, finding resurgence in various forms of neo-psychedelia from the late 1970s onward. 

Psychedelic Rock’s Legacy: Bridging and Inspiring

Psychedelic rock’s impact extended beyond its peak years, bridging the transition from early blues and folk-based rock to the realms of progressive rock and hard rock. Its influence reverberated in the birth of sub-genres, most notably contributing to the development of heavy metal. 

Pioneering the Psychedelic Soundscape: The Precursors and Influences (1960–65)

Pinpointing the birth of psychedelic rock is akin to tracing the origin of rock & roll, a challenge acknowledged by music critic Richie Unterberger. The quest for the first psychedelic record reveals intriguing contenders, including the instrumental “Telstar” by the Tornados (1962) and the Dave Clark Five’s “Any Way You Want It” (1964) with its massively reverb-laden allure. However, the first explicit mention of LSD on a rock record can be traced back to the Gamblers’ 1960 surf instrumental “LSD 25.” 

The Fuzztone Revolution: Exploring Distorted Realms

In 1962, the Ventures’ single “The 2000 Pound Bee” unleashed the buzz of a distorted, “fuzztone” guitar, igniting a quest into the possibilities of heavy, transistorised distortion. The London rock ‘n’ roll scene became a fertile ground for experimentation, with artists like P.J. Proby incorporating fuzztone into their singles. The Beatles, in their 1964 hit “I Feel Fine,” showcased the use of feedback, marking a significant leap in pushing sonic boundaries. 

The British Invasion and Folk Rock’s Sonic Evolution

AllMusic credits the mid-1960s emergence of psychedelic rock to British groups leading the British Invasion and folk rock bands eager to expand the sonic possibilities of their music. According to Arnold Shaw’s 1969 book “The Rock Revolution,” the American manifestation of the genre represented generational escapism, serving as a protest against societal taboos and the perceived hypocrisies of adult life. 

Dylan’s Influence and the Rise of Folk Rock

Bob Dylan, the American folk singer, played a central role in the creation of the folk rock movement in 1965. His influence transcended genres, becoming a touchstone for psychedelic songwriters in the late 1960s. Meanwhile, virtuoso sitarist Ravi Shankar, on a mission since 1956 to bring Indian classical music to the West, inspired a generation of rock musicians, making raga rock an integral part of the psychedelic rock aesthetic. 

Cultural Blends: Jazz, Blues, and Eastern Influences

In the early 1960s, the British folk scene witnessed a fusion of blues, drugs, jazz, and Eastern influences in the work of Davy Graham. His adoption of modal guitar tunings to transpose Indian ragas and Celtic reels left a profound impact on guitarists like Bert Jansch and others across various styles. Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane’s exotic sounds on albums like “My Favourite Things” and “A Love Supreme,” influenced by Ravi Shankar’s ragas, became a wellspring for improvisation in the psychedelic realm. 

The Birth of Psychedelic Folk: The Holy Modal Rounders and John Fahey

The term “psychedelic” made its early appearance in the folk scene with New York-based group The Holy Modal Rounders in 1964. Folk/avant-garde guitarist John Fahey, experimenting with unusual recording techniques and novel instruments, created groundbreaking works like “The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party,” anticipating elements of psychedelia with nervy improvisations and unconventional guitar tunings. 

Sandy Bull’s Multifaceted Exploration

Folk guitarist Sandy Bull, in his 1963 album “Fantasias for Guitar and Banjo,” undertook a multifaceted exploration incorporating elements of folk, jazz, and Indian and Arabic-influenced dronish modes. Regarded as one of the earliest psychedelic records, Bull’s work showcased the diverse influences converging to shape the psychedelic soundscape. 

Echoes of the Psychedelic Prelude: A Sonic Legacy

As we delve into the precursors and influences of psychedelic rock from 1960 to 1965, it becomes evident that this sonic journey was a result of experimentation, cultural fusion, and a quest for sonic innovation. These early explorations laid the foundation for the kaleidoscopic sounds that would define the psychedelic rock movement in the years to come. 

1965: The Birth of Psychedelic Soundscapes and Cultural Shifts

In the words of Barry Miles, a prominent figure in the 1960s UK underground, the emergence of the psychedelic movement was not an overnight phenomenon. 1965 marked a pivotal year when a discernible youth movement began to unfold in the US, giving birth to many key ‘psychedelic’ rock bands. This transformative period saw the convergence of music, culture, and consciousness, laying the groundwork for the psychedelic era.

The US West Coast: Acid Tests and Dance Halls

On the US West Coast, underground chemist Augustus Owsley Stanley III and Ken Kesey, along with the Merry Pranksters, played instrumental roles in shaping the psychedelic landscape. Kesey’s Acid Tests and the rise of psychedelic dance halls provided platforms for uncontrolled trips and immersive experiences. Simultaneously, in Britain, Michael Hollingshead’s World Psychedelic Centre and the presence of Beat Generation poets like Allen Ginsberg at the Royal Albert Hall marked a cultural awakening. 

The Beatles: Acid Apostles and Sonic Innovators

In Jim DeRogatis’s perspective, the Beatles stood as the “Acid Apostles of the New Age.” Producer George Martin, initially known for comedy and novelty records, responded to the Beatles’ requests, introducing studio tricks that positioned them at the forefront of psychedelic effects. Songs like “Ticket to Ride” (April 1965) hinted at drug-inspired drones, foreshadowing the band’s overtly psychedelic work. The Beatles’ rhythmic originality, tonal ambiguity, incorporation of Indian music elements, and avant-garde embrace set the stage for psychedelic music’s evolution. 

Byrds, Yardbirds, and the Psychedelic Siren

Richie Unterberger suggests that the Byrds, emerging from the Los Angeles folk rock scene, and the Yardbirds, hailing from England’s blues scene, played significant roles in sounding the “psychedelic siren.” After the Byrds’ adoption of electric instruments in 1965, inspired by the Beatles’ film “A Hard Day’s Night,” they produced a chart-topping version of Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” marking a shift toward psychedelic sounds. 

The Kinks’ Indian-Style Drone and Beatles’ Sitar Exploration

The Kinks, with “See My Friends” (July 1965), showcased sustained Indian-style drone, using open-tuned guitars to mimic the tambura. Meanwhile, the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” (December 1965) marked the first Western rock recording featuring a sitar, sparking a trend for Indian instrumentation. George Case identifies Rubber Soul as the album that authentically marked the beginning of the psychedelic era. 

San Francisco: Psychedelic Capital Emerges

As psychedelic influences moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the city became the movement’s capital on the West Coast. Inspired by British acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the San Francisco Sound took shape. Chet Helms of the Family Dog organized basement shows, and The Matrix nightclub, opened by Jefferson Airplane founder Marty Balin, became a hub for local bands, including the Grateful Dead and the Steve Miller Band. 

The Grateful Dead’s Acid Rock Inception

According to Kevin McEneaney, the Grateful Dead played a pivotal role in the inception of acid rock during an event on December 4, 1965, known as the second Acid Test. This performance, featuring strobe lights to replicate LSD’s effects, is considered a defining moment that launched the entire psychedelic subculture. 

A Cultural Tipping Point

As we delve into the formative psychedelic scenes and sounds of 1965, it becomes evident that this year laid the foundation for a cultural and musical revolution. From the Beatles’ experimentation to the emergence of iconic bands and the birth of acid rock, 1965 marked a tipping point that set the stage for the psychedelic journey that would unfold in the years to come. 

1966: Psychedelic Rock Takes Centre Stage

In the mid-1960s, the term “Psychedelia” began to permeate in-clubs discussions, heralding a cultural shift that would redefine music. According to Echard, 1966 marked the explicit advancement of psychedelic implications in rock experiments, with key elements of psychedelic topicality broached. DeRogatis designates 1966 as the starting point for psychedelic rock, while Prown and Newquist pinpoint the peak years of psychedelic rock between 1966 and 1969. 

Psychedelic Hits Emerge: Yardbirds and Byrds Lead the Way

February and March of 1966 saw the release of two singles that would later be recognised as the first psychedelic hits: the Yardbirds‘ “Shapes of Things” and the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High.” The Yardbirds’ exploration of guitar effects, Eastern-sounding scales, and shifting rhythms in “Shapes of Things” marked a pioneering effort, while “Eight Miles High” by the Byrds incorporated a psychedelic interpretation of free jazz and Indian raga. Both songs, with their groundbreaking sounds and ambiguous lyrics, played crucial roles in defining the emerging psychedelic landscape. 

Beach Boys and Beatles: Shaping Psychedelic Sounds

Contributing to the mainstream acceptance of psychedelia were the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” (May 1966) and the Beatles’ “Revolver” (August 1966). “Pet Sounds,” considered one of the earliest psychedelic rock albums, introduced artful experiments, psychedelic lyrics, and elaborate sound effects. The album track “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” even featured the first use of Theremin sounds on a rock record. “Revolver,” viewed by DeRogatis as a psychedelic masterpiece, showcased innovative studio tricks, reversed sounds in “Rain,” and a droning melody in “Tomorrow Never Knows,” reflecting the band’s growing interest in non-Western musical forms. 

13th Floor Elevators and the Emergence of Psychedelic Garage Rock

Early releases by the 13th Floor Elevators, Love, and other key psychedelic bands in 1966 contributed significantly to the genre’s growth. Originating from Austin, Texas, the 13th Floor Elevators released their debut album, “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators,” in October. They were pioneers in adopting the term “psychedelic rock,” as seen on their business cards. Rolling Stone recognises them as crucial early progenitors of psychedelic garage rock.

Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman” and Mainstream Acceptance

Donovan’s single “Sunshine Superman,” released in July 1966, became one of the first psychedelic pop/rock singles to top the Billboard charts in the US. Infused with references to LSD and influenced by Aldous Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception,” the song played a pivotal role in bringing psychedelia to the mainstream. 

Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”: A Psychedelic Pop Milestone

In October 1966, the Beach Boys released the single “Good Vibrations,” another early pop song incorporating psychedelic lyrics and sounds. The success of this single triggered a revival in theremins and increased awareness of analogue synthesisers. The harmonies introduced by the Beach Boys became ingrained in the evolving landscape of psychedelic pop. 

Psychedelia’s Cultural Impact

As we delve into the growth and early popularity of psychedelic rock in 1966, it’s evident that this year acted as a turning point, propelling the genre into mainstream consciousness. With groundbreaking hits, experimental albums, and the cultural embrace of psychedelia, 1966 laid the foundation for a musical revolution that would define the late 1960s and beyond. 

1967–69: Psychedelic Rock’s Golden Era

In 1967, psychedelic rock catapulted into the limelight, capturing a wider audience and garnering significant media attention beyond local communities. This period, spanning from 1967 to 1968, marked the zenith of psychedelic rock’s influence, dominating the music scene with its whimsical British charm and the raw power of American West Coast acid rock. 

Diverse American Psychedelic Landscape

The American psychedelic music scene exhibited diverse traits. While British psychedelic music tended to be more experimental and arty, sticking within pop song structures, the American counterpart embraced three main categories. These included the “acid jams” of San Francisco bands, pop psychedelia exemplified by groups like the Beach Boys, and the “wigged-out” music of bands following the examples of the Beatles and the Yardbirds, such as the Electric Prunes, the Nazz, the Chocolate Watchband, and the Seeds. 

Beatles’ Influence and English Psychedelia

The Beatles continued to be trailblazers in the genre. In February 1967, their double A-side single “Strawberry Fields Forever” / “Penny Lane” launched the “English pop-pastoral mood.” This marked the beginning of English psychedelia’s fascination with LSD-inspired nostalgia for innocence. The Mellotron parts on “Strawberry Fields Forever” remain iconic, symbolising the pinnacle of the instrument’s use in pop and rock. 

San Francisco’s Rise: Jefferson Airplane and Surrealistic Pillow

San Francisco emerged as a cultural hub, with Jefferson Airplane’s “Surrealistic Pillow” (February 1967) gaining national attention. Tracks like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” became top 10 hits in the US, contributing to the city’s growing prominence in the music scene. 

Pink Floyd’s Influence on UK Pop-Psychedelia

In the UK, Pink Floyd played a pivotal role in shaping pop-psychedelia with songs like “Arnold Layne” (March 1967) and “See Emily Play” (June 1967). Underground venues like the UFO Club and the Roundhouse drew audiences with groundbreaking liquid light shows. American promoter Joe Boyd played a crucial role in British psychedelia, co-founding venues and managing influential acts like Pink Floyd. 

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Monterey Pop Festival

The release of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (May 1967) and the Monterey Pop Festival in June accelerated psychedelic rock’s popularity. “Sgt. Pepper” was a commercial success, influencing US psychedelic rock bands and elevating the importance of the LP format. The Summer of Love in 1967 witnessed a surge in young people travelling to Haight-Ashbury, reaching its peak at the Monterey Pop Festival. 

British Invasion Acts Embrace Psychedelia

Established British acts embraced psychedelia in 1967, with Eric Burdon, the Who, the Hollies, and the Rolling Stones incorporating psychedelic elements into their music. The Incredible String Band’s “The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion” (July 1967) blended folk music with psychedelic aesthetics. 

Diverse Influences and Psychedelic Innovations

The psychedelic wave reached established recording artists, with figures like Del Shannon, Bobby Vee, The Four Seasons, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers exploring psychedelic-inspired tracks. Author Edward Macan identified three distinct branches of British psychedelic music, ranging from blues adaptations to complex jazz-influenced forms and Beatles-inspired classical influences. The Pretty Things, with “S.F. Sorrow” (December 1968), presented the first psychedelic rock opera, showcasing the genre’s continuous evolution. 

Conclusion

The years 1967–69 stand as the golden era of psychedelic rock, witnessing its peak, widespread influence, and diverse expressions on both sides of the Atlantic. From iconic albums and influential festivals to the convergence of diverse musical influences, this period laid the foundation for psychedelic rock’s enduring legacy. As the genre continued to evolve, artists pushed boundaries, embraced experimentation, and created a cultural phenomenon that transcended the boundaries of conventional music.

- Peter Sampson - outonthefloor.co.uk