160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 by Junomoogmello

This psychedelic chart may surprise some people. It is in two parts, mainly because of the size of it. The first part generally tends to include music from the sixties, the second part includes some more 'up to date' psychedelic offerings. Firstly, I have only included albums which I own on vinyl, part of this decision is that the amazing cover art on many of the albums forms a significant part of the overall experience for me. There is nothing like the tactility of vinyl and truth is, the sound can't be matched! Secondly, it includes some albums by bands which definitely do deliver that 'psychedelic sound', however the albums may not have intentionally been intended to fit within that mould or to hit that market. I include Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Yes, David Bowie, Tangerine Dream and the Velvet Underground in this group. Thirdly, there are some compilations included and I think this is ok. A good example being Pink Floyd Relics, where some of their finest psychedelic era tracks can only be found on this album, an album which has never really got the credit it is due. It was not a deliberate decision to mostly include albums which were issued during the Summer of Love or within a few years either side of 1967, it just happens that my favourite psychedelic albums are from this period. Without doubt, many of the bands rose from the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood and San Francisco Bay region. The UK also played its part with many bands delivering albums which clearly sat within the psychedelic mould. The Beatles, The Moody Blues and The Kinks all delivered a number of albums which sit well within the psychedelic boundary, some may argue they are closer to pop and in the case of The Moody Blues, closer to Prog. So when I refer to the 'psychedelic mould', what exactly is it and where are the boundaries? I can't answer that question without reference to the readily available mind expanding drugs available during the birth of Psychedelia. The psychedelics without doubt influenced the creativity and music scene during the mid to late sixties. It wasn't until October 68 that LSD became an illegal drug in the USA. Sadly, a large number of amazing musicians in the sixties and early seventies lost their lives to harder drugs, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Tim Buckley, to name but a few. Many may argue that Syd Barrett died the day he laid down his guitar for the last time...The psychedelic sound was built around diverse rhythms constructed with loose hi-hat and tight snare and bass drum patterns, often coloured with tambourine, congas, bongos. Kettle drums could be used to add effect and drama. Lead guitar was overdriven creating that typical fuzz guitar sound, Hendrix was a master, in fact Tangerine Dream's debut was a nod to Hendrix. Many bands opted to introduce eastern instruments like the Sitar and Tabla, the Beatles were early pioneers, introducing Sitar on a number of tracks. Textures created on organ, most notably Farfisa and Hammond were often provided by bands to add to the psychedelic sound. Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead used the Organ to great effect on many tracks. Very early sound sampling found its way onto numerous albums, this may have been achieved by reversing or slowing down tapes (Beatles, Sgt Pepper and Revolver) and if bands could afford it, adding early Mellotron textures which the Moody Blues pioneered. Vocals were put through basic effects processors to add mystique and volume! Other conventional instruments like flute, oboe, French Horn, harpsichord, harmonium, piano and wind chimes all found their way onto a number of psychedelic tracks. Some more unusual instruments like the Vox Continental keyboard and Theremin were used by a few bands, the Doors most famously used the Vox on all their albums, it carved out that very typical Doors sound. Iron Butterfly, The Beatles and The Animals also used the Vox on many tracks. The Beach Boys used the Theremin which provided a very unique sound at the time. Many bands included early basic electric piano, sometimes just to provide unusual effects, not necessarily to bash out a tune. In summary, Psychedelic music is quite rich and diverse offering the listener an escape from reality into another realm, without the use of mind altering drugs. It includes jazz, garage, pop and rock genres and in the case of Blue Cheer (named after a variety of LSD), early metal. I hope this chart may help introduce fellow music lovers to some classic Psychedelic albums which they may not have listened to before. Enjoy the trip!

• Chart updated: 03/19/2024 19:45
• (Created: 01/15/2024 06:54).
• Chart size: 100 albums.

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3. (=)

Are You Experienced 

 The Jimi Hendrix Experience

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There are two versions of this amazing album. I am fortunate to have both on vinyl. I originally had the version lower in my chart than Electric Ladyland, however having recently purchased the mono version of the US version, I have had to switch this up where it truly belongs. 'Purple Haze' and 'Hey Joe' make the album a true masterpiece to behold. Other Hendrix masterpieces include 'Foxy Lady', 'The Wind Cries Mary' and ' [First added to this chart: 01/27/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

2,164 charts

Rank Score:

24,152

Rank in 1967:

4

Rank in 1960s:

12

Overall Rank:

39

Average Rating:

 87 (2,420 votes)

Comments:

169

4. (=)

Sailor 

 Steve Miller Band

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The fog horn on the opening track melts into a drone crescendo accentuated with cymbal rolls and carefully picked guitar chords. Tom toms and congas join with organ while psychedelic guitar motifs add to the drama. One can almost see the outline of Alcatraz appearing through the eerie Bay Area fog. Without doubt, 'Song For Our Ancestors' has to be one of the best, if not the best openers on any psychedelic album. The follow up track, the beautiful whimsical 'Dear Mary' completely changes the dynamic on an album with such a variety of styles, the listener is ever waiting in excited anticipation of the unexpected. Tracks move up and down from mellow and whimsical to upbeat with blistering guitar lead work. Funk and Jazz nods are clearly evident on 'Livin In The USA'. A clever and very listenable album. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

78 charts

Rank Score:

278

Rank in 1968:

73

Rank in 1960s:

402

Overall Rank:

4,898

Average Rating:

 74 (75 votes)

Comments:

3

6. (=)

Electric Ladyland 

 The Jimi Hendrix Experience

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Not in a sexist way, the original sleeve art much better fitted the album. That said, this is a psychedelic masterpiece. Hendrix wasn't the strongest vocalist but he certainly made up for it with his blistering guitar work. There are some really high quality tracks on this album, which just come one after another like diamonds pouring from a velvet bag. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

1,629 charts

Rank Score:

18,786

Rank in 1968:

2

Rank in 1960s:

14

Overall Rank:

62

Average Rating:

 86 (1,920 votes)

Comments:

108

9. (=)

The Family That Plays Together 

 Spirit

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Many psychedelic charts I have seen don’t include this but always include ‘Twelve Dreams…’. Without question, for me anyway, this is the better work. The production for the year is excellent, with tracks blending seamlessly from one to another. The musicianship is consistently first class with strong vocals throughout the album. Moments of beauty are created with lush string arrangements and flute embellishments which move in and out to create atmosphere at different points in the album. The variety of styles makes this such a listenable experience. [First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

80 charts

Rank Score:

297

Rank in 1968:

69

Rank in 1960s:

386

Overall Rank:

4,658

Average Rating:

 77 (84 votes)

Comments:

4

10. (=)

Goodbye And Hello 

 Tim Buckley

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In my opinion, his best work and this should form a part of a psychedelic record collection. Such a diverse album with audio effects in plentiful supply. ‘Carnival Song’ immediately transports you to the Carnival, you can almost see it before your eyes. ‘Pleasant Street’, a personal favourite provides searing lead guitar over the well founded acoustic guitar, bass and drums rhythm section, the congas accentuating the whole affair. Hallucinations is an epic psychedelic track, the instrumentation trimmed back to give an eastern, almost eerie feel. Kalimba, vibes, harmonium and the way the lead guitar is played (as an effect) all add to the experience. Side two (vinyl) opens with the harmonium led ‘Once I Was’ and leads into another of my personal favourites, the upbeat ‘Phantasmagoria in Two’. The title track twists and winds like a snake, strings, French Horn and brass provide the canvas for Buckley’s vocal acrobatics. The whole album is steeped in beautiful vocals and unexpected yet fitting musicianship. The sleeve cover with Buckley holding a bottle top in place with his face muscles over a yellow backdrop hints at the happy, carefree experience the album delivers. [First added to this chart: 01/16/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

349 charts

Rank Score:

2,042

Rank in 1967:

19

Rank in 1960s:

94

Overall Rank:

878

Average Rating:

 78 (377 votes)

Comments:

17

13. (=)

Spirit 

 Spirit

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Although the title of the version of the album which I own is‘The Best Of’’, it is actually the debut album in a different guise. It has a different cover, I’ve tried to add the correct cover but BEA’s keeps changing it. The album was originally released as Spirit in 1968 and was considered one of the finest albums to come out of Los Angeles in the 60’s. Tracks like ‘Fresh Garbage’, ‘Topanga Windows’ and ‘Mr Skin’ make the album a classic. The copy which I have has a stamp on the rear of the sleeve which states ‘Property of CBS. Demonstration Only. Not For Sale’. Does this make it more collectible? Who knows… [First added to this chart: 03/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

105 charts

Rank Score:

403

Rank in 1968:

53

Rank in 1960s:

314

Overall Rank:

3,616

Average Rating:

 78 (106 votes)

Comments:

8

14. (=)

Volunteers 

 Jefferson Airplane

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Personally, it is a tough call between this one and ‘Baxters’. Musically and for consistency, I think this one has the edge. ‘Volunteers’ has to be one of my all time favourite tracks from the psychedelic era. Other album highlights include ‘We Can Be Together’ and ‘Wooden Ships’. [First added to this chart: 01/21/2024]

Year of Release:

1969

Appears in:

174 charts

Rank Score:

862

Rank in 1969:

52

Rank in 1960s:

188

Overall Rank:

1,938

Average Rating:

 78 (227 votes)

Comments:

13

15. (=)

Paint A Lady 

 Susan Christie

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'A mythical and misplaced masterpiece of soft rock and acidic funk by a one hit wonder, lost in the wilderness for four decades'. This quote taken from the album sleeve notes and I cannot disagree. Susan Christie was a Philadelphia based sophomore folk singer who had one novelty hit for a major label and never really recovered. The record company big wigs couldn't see the gift under their noses! Beautiful vocals backed with excellent musicianship. The recording quality of this album is superb, accepting mine is a much later than 69 re-issue. The opener is sheer psychedelic folk class, this leads into the superb title track. Side two opens with a spoken introduction to a trip, a pill bought from a special kind of vendor, blue boy! 'He sells trips, dreams and colour cartoons'. 'Yesterday, Where's My Mind' is a very apt title for this brilliant nine minute long psychedelic masterpiece. The album closes with the beautiful 'No One Can Hear You Cry' where Susan demonstrates her amazing vocal range. [First added to this chart: 01/30/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

8 charts

Rank Score:

34

Rank in 1970:

290

Rank in 1970s:

3,060

Overall Rank:

26,180

Average Rating:

 73 (18 votes)

Comments:

1

17. (=)

Electric Music For The Mind And Body 

 Country Joe And The Fish

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This is such a good psychedelic album. It has an eerie feel to it in places, created using the Farfisa organ textures and lead guitar accents. Harmonica also plays an important role in substituting lead guitar. The harmonica was widely used on psychedelic albums, Dylan, Donovan and Country Joe Mac Donald all used harmonica to a lesser or greater extent to provide interest and diversity. The first two tracks on side two (vinyl) bring in a more upbeat song structure to the album. ‘Flying High’ and ‘Section 43’ are personal favourites. [First added to this chart: 01/21/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

147 charts

Rank Score:

557

Rank in 1967:

39

Rank in 1960s:

252

Overall Rank:

2,774

Average Rating:

 76 (156 votes)

Comments:

11

18. (=)

Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus 

 Spirit

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A album which was years ahead of its time when released in 1970. The sleeve notes (CD version) refer to the Moog Sythesizer 'unlike today's compact modules, this one looked like an old fashioned telephone operator's station with cables going in and out every direction', this would have been an early Moog modular. A fantastic collection of tracks from the moody quite heavy 'When I Touch You' which builds up to a fantastic acid sounding guitar crescendo. 'Street Worm' showcases some amazing guitar work which is almost metal in its delivery. The upbeat 'Morning Will Come' introduces brass stabs adding to the overall interest of the album. The slower 'Soldier' plays on vocal harmonies which work beautifully. Personal favourites are ‘Natures Way’ and ‘Mr Skin’. Overall a real treat of a listening experience. [First added to this chart: 01/16/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

166 charts

Rank Score:

892

Rank in 1970:

44

Rank in 1970s:

358

Overall Rank:

1,876

Average Rating:

 79 (209 votes)

Comments:

11

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Total albums: 58. Page 1 of 6

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160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 composition

Decade	Albums	%
1930s	0	0%
1940s	0	0%
1950s	0	0%
1960s	90	90%
1970s	9	9%
1980s	0	0%
1990s	1	1%
2000s	0	0%
2010s	0	0%
2020s	0	0%

Artist	Albums	%
Jefferson Airplane	4	4%
Spirit	3	3%
The Kinks	3	3%
The Beatles	3	3%
Pink Floyd	3	3%
The Byrds	3	3%
The Jimi Hendrix Experience	3	3%
Show all

Country	Albums	%
	58	58%
	38	38%
	4	4%

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 chart changes

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