Acid Tunes of America: The Voices of American Psychedelic Rock
Acid riffs, soul-stirring vocals, and LSD. How 5 psychedelic rock icons transformed the '60s counterculture scene in America.
In part 1, we covered some of the big influences in British psychedelic rock and their role in the '60s counterculture movement.
Today, we’re diving into some of the artists who provided the soundtrack to American hippie counterculture and their attitudes toward psychedelics.
American psychedelic rock, although heavily influenced by the big British names of the time, differentiates itself from European sounds with the influence of folk, blues, jazz, and soul already infused in American culture.
Like our previous article, this is by no means a comprehensive list but simply a glimpse into a few of the big names that revolutionized American psychedelic music in the 60s.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is one of the most celebrated and influential electric guitarists in history. His career, although tragically short, paved the road for new ways of making music.
Hendrix’s music and life were informed by his experience as a young African-American man in the 60s, and his musical vocabulary integrated his roots, creating a style that was largely influenced by blues, R&B, and soul. His mix of these raw genres with the influence of British psychedelic rock and his use of new experimental guitar effects revolutionized the American music scene.
Hendrix openly admitted to drug use, experimenting with cocaine, LSD, and marijuana, but has stated that the media exaggerated his use of drugs. He was well known to struggle with alcohol, however — a habit that’s gotten him into a lot of trouble over the years.
Hendrix died at 27 due to asphyxiation while intoxicated with barbiturates.
His music is undoubtedly influenced by the psychedelic movement, and some of his lyrics could be interpreted as having a drug-related connotation with lines like "scuse me while I kiss the sky" and "don't know if I'm coming up or down" in his psychedelic anthem Purple Haze. However, Hendrix claims that the song's inspiration came from a dream and that it has little to do with drugs, despite the unarguably trippy lyrics.
It seems like the psychedelic influence permeated Hendrix's style and sound more than it did his lyrics. His use of reverse recorded guitars, experimental distortions, equalization effects, and dreamy, atmospheric vocal effects gave his music a characteristic trippy feeling that turned him into the legend of psychedelic rock he was.
The extreme theatricality of his live performances also portrayed the passion of the psychedelic movement and the uninhibited chaos of American counterculture with iconic moments like him burning his guitar and playing with his teeth. His progressive and experimental sound influenced and continues to inspire countless artists around the world.
Jimi Hendrix Recommend Listens:
Purple Haze — With its strong, distorted guitars, this song has the kind of high energy only Hendrix could achieve. A great listen for those who appreciate rock with some strong blues and soul influences.
Are You Experienced? — This song has a peculiar mix of reversed sound effects and a folk-sounding guitar. It’s definitely more experimental, with many details in the mix that create a sort of 3D sound experience.
Third Stone from the Sun — A more upbeat bebop beat and bass line are adorned with distorted vocal samples that give some contrast. The song showcases Hendrix's free experimental style and takes the listener on quite the rollercoaster of sound exploration.
Castles Made of Sand — Hendrix’s full voice really stars in this song, and his virtuoso guitar playing takes a bit of a back seat, but the reversed guitar effects give the song some enjoyable weirdness in the background.
Jungle — This guitar piece has a slightly muffled sound that makes it feel slightly distant, just the right amount of dream-like qualities, with a mellow funkiness that makes his strumming very enjoyable.
The Byrds
What began as a folk-rock band, The Byrds shifted under the embrace of psychedelia to something a lot more experimental.
Leader Roger McGuinn was heavily influenced by The Beatles and his music quickly became associated with the use of psychedelics — although the members of the band often say that this association has more to do with the cultural background and psychedelic craze of the time than their own drive to promote psychedelics in their music.
Their song Eight Miles High was banned from American radio stations two months after its release due to complaints about drug use connotations. However, it still reached its spot in the top 20 Billboards and was quite popular in both North America and the UK — the two places that dominated the spread of musical psychedelia worldwide.
McGuinn and his band members Gene Clark and David Crosby often explained the meaning of the song and denied that it had any association with drugs. They explain that the song was about a trip they had to London and that the inspiration for the title came from a conversation they had on the plane when one asked how high the plane was flying. Although commercial planes fly at about 6-7 miles, they chose eight to resemble Eight Days a Week by The Beatles.
Crosby later accepted that the song was in some way influenced by drugs:
"We were stoned when we wrote it. We can also justifiably say that it wasn't a drug song because it was written about the trip to London. It was a drug song, and it wasn't a drug song at the same time." - David Crosby.
Due to the timing of songs like Eight Miles High and 5D in the context of the psychedelic revolution of the 60s, it was easy to presume that their songs were about drugs, and the band got labeled as a psychedelic band. McGuinn, however, recently stated in an interview for The Grammy Awards that 5D was "more of a spiritual thing than a drug thing." Regardless, the songs became counterculture classics and influenced the beginnings of psychedelic rock in America.
The Byrds Recommend Listens
Tribal Gathering — Although the sound itself is not hugely psychedelic, it’s a mellow listen with a jazzy hi-hat and swingy percussion. The lyrics, however, portray the tribal feeling of peace and love-driven connection characteristic of the 60s.
Dolphin's Smile — This song is far more experimental, with distorted sounds resembling whale noises, decorative bells, and a quick incomprehensible riff in the introduction. The song, however, keeps a mellow and almost dreamy feel throughout and is quite a pleasant listen.
Space Odyssey — This is what we would call trippy, without a doubt. Alien-like sounds panned decorative synths, and outer space themes come together with a simple melody to keep you grounded among the eclectic sounds.
Eight Miles High — Despite the band's insistence that the song is not about psychedelics and the audience's insistence that the lyrics insinuate otherwise, what is truly trippy about this song, beyond the lyrics even, is the chaotic (in a good way) guitar solos with quick picking and synth-like effect.
5D (Fifth Dimension) — This song offers trippy, thought-provoking lyrics with lines like "All my two-dimensional boundaries were gone, I had lost to them badly," "I opened my heart to the whole universe," and "I will remember the place that is now, that has ended before the beginning." Do these lines allude to some ego-death experience or some serious psychedelic bliss? There's no way to know for sure, but it can certainly be interpreted so.
Janis Joplin
Known as a revolutionary image for women in rock and characterized by her strong vocals, Janis Joplin is another cornerstone of the American psychedelic rock scene. Joplin had a strong interest in Beat Generation writers and the counterculture movement in general. She began to rebel against norms — eventually changing the way she dressed and behaved. Even her sound went against the norms of what other white female singers sounded like at the time.
Joplin’s early musical inspiration came from the contemporary blues and Jazz scene, and her musical style borrows aspects from these genres. She attempted a start in her musical career in San Fransisco, which didn't work out. She later moved to New York where she first started dabbling with drugs (mostly amphetamines) and abusing alcohol. Later, she joined the band Big Brother, which was the stepping stone to her eventual success as a solo artist.
Joplin was the epitome of "live fast, die young." She did not hold back, not in her pursuit of a musical life, not in her vocal intensity, not in her way of dressing, and certainly not in her use of drugs.
"I'd rather have ten years of superhypermost than live to be seventy sitting in some goddamn chair watching TV." — Janis Joplin.
Although declared by many as the queen of psychedelic blues, her lifestyle and philosophy differ from that of other LSD-driven enlightenment seekers in the musical scene of the 60s. She’s more intimate with the hardcore rock-and-roll lifestyle, which tends to have a stronger emphasis on numbing substances and a pessimistic outlook on life — much like the Beat culture she was influenced by. Her only self-care regime was to avoid cold beer before drinking.
Joplin herself differentiates her outlook from the hippie movement of the 60s, saying:
"Hippies believe the world could be a better place. Beatniks believe things aren't going to get better and say the hell with it, stay stoned, and have a good time."
Her Beatnik philosophy and heavy Rock'nRoll lifestyle led her down a slightly different path than that of other '60s musical psychonauts. While some sought the hippie promise of enlightenment or expanded mind-states of psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms, Joplin disliked LSD and chose to stick with heroin and alcohol. These downer drugs were more in line with her brand. Let's say she was more about numbing than mind expansion.
Joplin, like Hendrix, had a tragically short career that ended with her premature death. She died at 27 from a heroin overdose at the height of her career and wouldn't live to see the release of her final album.
Her influence lives on as an icon of the 60s counterculture and her work revolutionized the field and opened the path for more powerful female rock musicians to emerge and thrive.
Janis Joplin Recommend Listens
Piece of My Heart (Big Brother) — This song is a mood booster for sure. Joplin’s strength and intention in her voice and the familiar 60s sound make this a great listen, even if not psychedelic in and of itself.
Cry Baby — The moment the beat hits, this song has a 60s rock nostalgia factor, and paired with the softer jazz moments in the verses, it takes the listener on a ride full of ups and downs.
Down on Me (Big Brother) — The guitar and drum arrangements for this song have a very Beatlesque sound to them, but Joplin’s strong voice just gives it some grunge that showcases her power beautifully.
Move Over — With a bit of a harder rock energy, big amp guitar solos, and busy drums, yet still covered in bluesy piano touches, this song shows Joplin’s individual style that shifted from the more conventional for the time energy of the Big Brother band.
Half Moon — This song is one of the funkiest in Joplin's repertoire. It is adorned with tropical drums and full-bodied piano. A super high-energy track with plenty of details to listen for.
The Grateful Dead
If any band is directly and unequivocally connected to the psychedelic movement in America, it’s The Grateful Dead. Not only was their music inspired by psychedelics and the counterculture movement around them, but their band was literally sponsored by LSD.
Owsley Stanley III, (AKA “Bear”) was affectionately known as the acid king in California. He was the first to produce and distribute mass amounts of LSD, making him a strong figure in the 60s counterculture. Bear also happened to be the Grateful Dead's sound engineer. Not only did he help produce some of their music, but his LSD profits helped finance the band in their early days.
The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast (a podcast dedicated to exploring the stories and music of the band, has an episode dedicated to Owsley Stanley III and his legacy in the psychedelic space and with the band’s production.
The band formed in 1965 and went on to have a 30-year-long career creating music that was colored by counterculture and influenced by genres like rock n roll, jazz, and folk, as well as contemporary literature that was moving away from the previously established norms.
Like most successful bands, The Grateful Dead had some significant turnover during its life with Jerry Garcia (lead vocalist and guitarist), Bob Weir (guitar and vocals), Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan (keyboards), Phil Lesh (bass), and Bill Kreutzmann (drums) as the band’s original members, but a total of 12 musicians at some point joining the band.
The band experimented with LSD in the midst of the psychedelic craze and began using it as a sort of communion for self-discovery. The members dropped acid together and eventually started playing shows while tripping, which led to more improvisation and experimentation when performing live.
Their strong exploration of playing music while high began in the Acid Tests — the events held by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters. Although Weir states that the band moved past their psychedelic era by the time they began recording their albums, their experimentation phase influenced their music regardless and their association with Owsley and the Acid Tests made them a huge part of the California counterculture.
The Grateful Dead Recommended Listens
Ripple — Not necessarily trippy, but this tune is now ingrained in the collective unconscious as a familiar and soothing melody. A good listen if you're in need of something soothing, familiar, and grounding.
Scarlet Begonias — A more conventional listen than some of the hyper-experimental psychedelic artists of the time, but an enjoyable gentle rock and roll feel with some organlike synths in the background for a bit of a different sound.
Estimated Prophet — The Wah-Wah effect in the guitars really makes this song, giving it a bit of a strange and almost drunken effect. A mellow but funky sound to groove to.
That’s It for the Other One (parts I-IV) — This 7-and-a-half-minute song takes the listener on quite the journey; with a very mellow start, the song fades into what sounds like different compositions altogether, moving from mellow bluesy portions to heavy distorted guitars and drums, to random sound samples in organized chaos. It constantly switches to something completely different once the ear manages to adapt. Definitely high on the spectrum of experimental music.
St. Stephen — This is definitely an easier listen than the above while still having some experimental dynamics and effects with moments of heightened energy and other more introspective ones.
Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane, initially formed by Marty Balin, Jorma Kaukonen, Paul Kantner, Signy Toly Anderson, and Skip Spence in 1965, went through an era of experimentation with electronic sounds that led to the trippy feeling of some of their most psychedelic albums.
Kaukonen (lead guitarist) joined the band as an acoustic guitar player but later moved towards the electric guitar. He allegedly learned his way around it by experimenting on the job. He was quickly smitten by the sound of delay, overdrives, and wah-wah pedals, and Jefferson Airplane became one of the first bands on the West Coast to record with these new, psychedelic sound effects at the time.
The band's music was certainly influenced by psychedelics, and all members had their fair share of experience. While some other LSD-loving artists were a bit more conservative with their public acceptance of drugs, Jefferson Airplane members were more outspoken advocates for their use, to the point of borderline recklessness.
The band became known for throwing bags of LSD to their audiences like candy.
To take things a step further, Grace Slick (who joined the band in 1966) attempted to smuggle 600 micrograms of LSD into the White House during an invitation to a tea party for alumni of her college. Her intention was to dose President Nixon and "send him to the moon."
Their music, although originally closer to folk styles, quickly fell under the influence of 60s psychedelia. Albums like After Bathing At Baxters was described by band members as "pure LSD among 13 other things.”
The song White Rabbit, was inspired by Alice in Wonderland and greatly influenced from the growing counterculture. This song opens with the lines:
“One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all."
A clear allusion to drugs and curious experimentation and a song that became a psychedelic anthem of the era.
Jefferson Airplane Recommend Listens
White Rabbit — This song starts with intriguing Eastern sounds on top of a march-like drum beat. It then shifts into more mainstream rock sounds with moments of what may even sound like a Spanish march. The sound is eclectic for sure, but the lyrics are the trippiest part of the song, no doubt.
Somebody to Love — This song has more of a rock n roll take with vocals that resemble contemporary alt-rock sounds. An easy listen with strong guitar arrangements and easy-to-follow lyrics.
Watch Her Ride — This song takes a page straight out of the Beatles and the Stones' experimental mixing with its intense panning of instrument tracks, an experimental play common of the era. This means that what you hear on each side is completely different, with drums completely panned to the left and bass and rhythmic guitar to the right.
Won’t You Try/Saturday Afternoon — A more mellow listen with a satisfying walking bass line, lots of instrument layers, harmonized vocals, and changing dynamics, the 5-minute song evolves constantly and never feels long.
The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil — This song has all of the good stuff, from sweet guitar solos to high-energy vocals and a pan effect in the last couple of seconds that is worth listening to with solid headphones for a trippy, dizzying effect.
Other Notable Names From ‘60s American Psychedelia
While The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane stand as monumental pillars in the American psychedelic music movement, they represent only a portion of the diverse talent that defined this era.
Here are some other influential artists that exerted a heavy influence on the American psychedelic music scene:
The Doors — Merging rock, blues, and jazz with poetic lyrics, The Doors crafted a dark and distinctive sound that captured the psychedelic era's spirit. Led by Jim Morrison's charismatic presence and Ray Manzarek's innovative keyboard work, they created timeless classics like "Light My Fire" and "Riders on the Storm."
Country Joe and the Fish — Known for their mix of political satire and psychedelic rock, Country Joe and the Fish were key figures in the San Francisco music scene, contributing anthems to the anti-Vietnam War movement.
Quicksilver Messenger Service — Offering extended, improvisational versions of their songs, Quicksilver Messenger Service captured the free-spirited essence of the psychedelic era with their live performances and jam-oriented approach.
Iron Butterfly — With their hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," Iron Butterfly delivered one of the most memorable tracks of the era, featuring extended solos that encapsulated the psychedelic sound.
Big Brother and the Holding Company — Propelled by Janis Joplin's powerful vocals, Big Brother and the Holding Company fused acid rock with blues influences, creating a raw, emotive sound that defined a generation.
The Electric Prunes — The Electric Prunes are remembered for their innovative use of effects and studio techniques, producing psychedelic sounds that were both complex and accessible.
Love — Integrating diverse musical influences with poetic lyrics, Love's album "Forever Changes" remains a landmark in psychedelic music, reflecting the complexity and beauty of the era's social changes.
Buffalo Springfield — Offering a folk rock blend with psychedelic overtones, Buffalo Springfield's politically charged lyrics and innovative sound made them influential figures in the genre's development.
Strawberry Alarm Clock — Best known for their hit "Incense and Peppermints," Strawberry Alarm Clock embodied the whimsical, colorful aspects of psychedelia with their catchy melodies and psychedelic pop sound.
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