200 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 with a further plethora of sixties psyched out bliss. 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: 03/02/2025 11:15
• (Created: 01/15/2024 06:54).
• Chart size: 100 albums.

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7. (=)

Relics 
Compilation

 Pink Floyd

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A compilation so high up in a chart? Yes. And this album never really given the credit it deserved because it was overshadowed by the early and then later studio albums. To me, it is only right that it is here. For a start, Arnold Layne was never included on any studio albums. Secondly, you are provided some classic whimsical psychedelic tracks in 'See Emily Play', 'Paintbox', 'Remember a Day', 'Julia Dream' and 'Cirrus Minor' and thirdly 'Interstellar Overdrive' and 'Careful With That Axe Eugene' are on the same album. Topped off with the interesting Nick Mason penned sleeve art. [First added to this chart: 01/16/2024]

Year of Release:

1971

Appears in:

91 charts

Rank Score:

241

Rank in 1971:

90

Rank in 1970s:

905

Overall Rank:

5,555

Average Rating:

 77 (300 votes)

Comments:

12

11. (=)

666 

 Aphrodite's Child

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From the opening synth washes accentuated with a very prominent bass guitar, you know you are in for an aural treat. Within a few minutes it sounds years ahead of its time when the lead guitar arrives, it could just be Dave Gilmour. Fantastic album! The Four Horesmen is an absolutely epic track, cries for the volume to be turned up! [First added to this chart: 02/15/2025]

Year of Release:

1972

Appears in:

135 charts

Rank Score:

673

Rank in 1972:

42

Rank in 1970s:

445

Overall Rank:

2,374

Average Rating:

 76 (151 votes)

Comments:

13

18. (=)

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:

9 charts

Rank Score:

36

Rank in 1970:

273

Rank in 1970s:

2,957

Overall Rank:

25,324

Average Rating:

 73 (20 votes)

Comments:

1

21. (=)

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:

170 charts

Rank Score:

840

Rank in 1970:

47

Rank in 1970s:

374

Overall Rank:

1,978

Average Rating:

 79 (217 votes)

Comments:

11

23. (=)

Surf's Up 

 The Beach Boys

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An often overlooked album in psychedelic charts. In my opinion, this is the Beach Boys at their best. Not a surfboard or grain of sand in sight on the album cover, which hints that this is something different. ‘Disney Girls’ with it’s beautiful yet simple instrumentation and excellent vocal harmonies is a personal favourite. [First added to this chart: 01/30/2024]

Year of Release:

1971

Appears in:

383 charts

Rank Score:

2,386

Rank in 1971:

26

Rank in 1970s:

166

Overall Rank:

732

Average Rating:

 79 (557 votes)

Comments:

31

34. (=)

Bitches Brew 

 Miles Davis

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Who would know that a trumpet could create such atmosphere? It can when played by Miles Davis and when fed through delays, echos and reverb. This avant garde jazz workout is a true psychedelic masterpiece, even if that was not the original intention of this double album housed within a truly psychedelic cover. This is Miles Davis Electric Ladyland. [First added to this chart: 01/30/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

961 charts

Rank Score:

9,492

Rank in 1970:

6

Rank in 1970s:

39

Overall Rank:

151

Average Rating:

 84 (1,197 votes)

Comments:

72

59. (58) 1

Psychedelic Shack 

 The Temptations

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[First added to this chart: 02/04/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

36 charts

Rank Score:

52

Rank in 1970:

236

Rank in 1970s:

2,506

Overall Rank:

19,996

Average Rating:

 74 (32 votes)

Comments:

1

60. (=)

Maggot Brain 

 Funkadelic

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[First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1971

Appears in:

671 charts

Rank Score:

4,486

Rank in 1971:

18

Rank in 1970s:

95

Overall Rank:

383

Average Rating:

 82 (717 votes)

Comments:

46

73. (=)

The Madcap Laughs 

 Syd Barrett

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[First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

325 charts

Rank Score:

1,720

Rank in 1970:

29

Rank in 1970s:

213

Overall Rank:

1,019

Average Rating:

 76 (438 votes)

Comments:

28

91. (=)

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Abraxas 

 Santana

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[First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1970

Appears in:

609 charts

Rank Score:

3,698

Rank in 1970:

17

Rank in 1970s:

107

Overall Rank:

470

Average Rating:

 81 (669 votes)

Comments:

38

Total albums: 10. Page 1 of 1

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200 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 composition

Decade	Albums	%
1930s	0	0%
1940s	0	0%
1950s	0	0%
1960s	90	90%
1970s	10	10%
1980s	0	0%
1990s	0	0%
2000s	0	0%
2010s	0	0%
2020s	0	0%

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

Country	Albums	%
	57	57%
	37	37%
	5	5%
	1	1%

200 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 chart changes

Biggest climbers
Up 3 from 59th to 56th It's A Beautiful Day by It's A Beautiful Day

Biggest fallers
Down 1 from 56th to 57th Greatest Hits by Paul Revere And The Raiders
Down 1 from 57th to 58th Psychedelic Lollipop by Blues Magoos
Down 1 from 58th to 59th Psychedelic Shack by The Temptations

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