OK, here it is, my own version of the height of psychedelia. Everyone has their own favorite bands, for sure, but hard to deny that most, if not all, of these songs, would fit on just about anyone’s late ’60s collection.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Commotion
Canned Heat – On The Road Again
Deep Purple – Hush (featuring one of the best power bass lines you’ll ever hear)
The Doors – The End
Vanilla Fudge – You Keep Me Hangin’ On
The Chambers Brothers – Time Has Come Today (long version, psychedelia par excellence)
Donovan – Atlantis
The Beatles – It’s All Too Much
Lemon Pipers – Green Tambourine
The Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow
Janis Ian – Society’s Child
Status Quo – Pictures Of Matchstick Men
The Rolling Stones – Sympathy For The Devil
Eric Burdon & The Animals – San Franciscan Nights
The Bee Gees – Words
The Monkees – Words
The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter
Can I make an editorial comment here? You’ll probably think I’m nuts, but a great pop album at the height of psychedelia was The Monkees’ “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones, Ltd.” Lots of diverse and great sounds throughout – especially one of the first Moog synthesizers ever used in rock music. I could have included several songs from that album on this CD but I had to make room for even more better stuff to come.
This is a great series and I especially like some of the choices here, GWS. Gimme Shelter is the Stones best song and a personal fave. I listen to Hush more for Blackmore’s guitar than Simper’s bass, though. Time Has Come Today is one of the best songs of the 60s.
Comment by Rob — March 11, 2008 @ 4:09 am
Thanks Rob, when I heard “Hush” all over again I was amazed at the driving bass lane, whereas what I remember most about it when it came out was the cool organ. I guess there’s some pretty damned fine musicianship all around on that cut.
Comment by The Great White Shank — March 13, 2008 @ 9:55 am