Dreamy psychedelic rock, 1966 to present
March 20, 2019 7:01 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for a specific kind of psychedelic rock song, or its children or grandchildren from subsequent generations.
I don't know if I'll explain this very well, but the kind of psychedelic song I want is dreamy, maybe minor key, and doesn't get into a driving beat.
No militaristic-stylized drumming
No stanza that intensifies into screaming
Also: No Beatles
Examples:
Yes: Mr. Fantasy by Traffic
No: White Rabbit
I'm also interested to hear songs from decades after the 60 or 70s. In this case it's yes to a kind of dreamy psychedelic-ish shoe gaze and no to hard punk sounds.
I don't know if I'll explain this very well, but the kind of psychedelic song I want is dreamy, maybe minor key, and doesn't get into a driving beat.
No militaristic-stylized drumming
No stanza that intensifies into screaming
Also: No Beatles
Examples:
Yes: Mr. Fantasy by Traffic
No: White Rabbit
I'm also interested to hear songs from decades after the 60 or 70s. In this case it's yes to a kind of dreamy psychedelic-ish shoe gaze and no to hard punk sounds.
Best answer: Smooth dreamy psychedelic synth rock that draws heavily from older material: Black Moth Super Rainbow, Dreamsicle Bomb, 2012.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:20 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:20 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Life in a Northern Town or most other stuff by Dream Academy.
posted by donnagirl at 7:22 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by donnagirl at 7:22 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: for 21st century stuff try Conspiracy of Owls
but I mean there's so much that fits this description ... Pink Floyd?
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 7:22 AM on March 20, 2019
but I mean there's so much that fits this description ... Pink Floyd?
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 7:22 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: What's your idea of psychedelic? Does God Only Knows fit the bill? Perfect Day?
posted by wellred at 7:23 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by wellred at 7:23 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: For more modern, maybe Portishead? Mysteron
posted by Mchelly at 7:26 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Mchelly at 7:26 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Fairport Convention - Autopsy
posted by aspersioncast at 7:27 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by aspersioncast at 7:27 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks so much so far! Just to narrow it:
Pink Floyd isn't quite it -- too heavy handed for this. (Will say I saw them 4 times in concert back in the day, not that I didn't like PF, just not what I'm trying inarticulately to describe for this question.) Neither are the Beach Boys quite right here.
I haven't listened yet to most of this yet, though i'm excited to do so, but the one linked above by Saltysaltsid is PERFECT for this question.
posted by nantucket at 7:34 AM on March 20, 2019
Pink Floyd isn't quite it -- too heavy handed for this. (Will say I saw them 4 times in concert back in the day, not that I didn't like PF, just not what I'm trying inarticulately to describe for this question.) Neither are the Beach Boys quite right here.
I haven't listened yet to most of this yet, though i'm excited to do so, but the one linked above by Saltysaltsid is PERFECT for this question.
posted by nantucket at 7:34 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: There's a whole genre called space rock that might fit the bill.
How about some Gong? Warning, none more psychedelic.
Maybe Hawkwind?
For a much more gentle psychedelic sound you might try Mojave 3.
posted by djinn dandy at 7:39 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
How about some Gong? Warning, none more psychedelic.
Maybe Hawkwind?
For a much more gentle psychedelic sound you might try Mojave 3.
posted by djinn dandy at 7:39 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23
Related, the entire Shuggie Otis album Inspiration Information
posted by aspersioncast at 7:44 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Related, the entire Shuggie Otis album Inspiration Information
posted by aspersioncast at 7:44 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: How about Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills and Nash?
posted by Clustercuss at 8:13 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Clustercuss at 8:13 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Feel Flows by the Beach Boys?
XTC's "Summer's Cauldron/Grass"?
posted by kimota at 8:14 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
XTC's "Summer's Cauldron/Grass"?
posted by kimota at 8:14 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You might like The Essex Green, or maybe Wooden Shjips
posted by pipeski at 8:29 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by pipeski at 8:29 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: the ladybug transistor nailed this stuff in the 90s, six times for example
posted by noloveforned at 8:31 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by noloveforned at 8:31 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Old Brown Dog by John Koerner & Willy Murphy
Alone Again - Love
Psychedelic Sewing Room by Bongwater
Everybody's Talking by Bongwater
Free Love Messes Up My Life by Bongwater
posted by brookeb at 8:39 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Alone Again - Love
Psychedelic Sewing Room by Bongwater
Everybody's Talking by Bongwater
Free Love Messes Up My Life by Bongwater
posted by brookeb at 8:39 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: BrightBlackMorningLight
posted by SystematicAbuse at 8:40 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by SystematicAbuse at 8:40 AM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: H.P. Lovecraft - The White Ship (although the drum might be a bit military, it's not driving).
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:51 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:51 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Vinyl Williams is the answer to your prayers. Here are three tracks from his new album, but he has many other gorgeous masterpieces to explore.
Sanctuary Spells
Florian Veridiction
Eternity
posted by mykescipark at 8:55 AM on March 20, 2019
Sanctuary Spells
Florian Veridiction
Eternity
posted by mykescipark at 8:55 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Aegian Sea - Aphrodite's Child
Planet Caravan - Black Sabbath
Where There's Woman - Captain Beefheart
Me About You - Gandalf
I Talk to the Wind - King Crimson
Candle of Life - Moody Blues
For modern stuff I wonder if No More Runnin by Animal Collective wouldn't scratch that itch...
posted by saladin at 8:55 AM on March 20, 2019
Planet Caravan - Black Sabbath
Where There's Woman - Captain Beefheart
Me About You - Gandalf
I Talk to the Wind - King Crimson
Candle of Life - Moody Blues
For modern stuff I wonder if No More Runnin by Animal Collective wouldn't scratch that itch...
posted by saladin at 8:55 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: "Space to Bakersfield," by Black Mountain might be too far along the Pink Floyd spectrum, but you might give it a shot.
Also: Robert Wyatt?
posted by baseballpajamas at 9:13 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Also: Robert Wyatt?
posted by baseballpajamas at 9:13 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Nick Drake, Hazey Jane II or Pink Moon
Robyn Hitchcock, I Often Dream of Trains
Donovan, Epistle to Dippy (too strong a beat? if so, maybe Oh Gosh)
posted by miles per flower at 9:53 AM on March 20, 2019
Robyn Hitchcock, I Often Dream of Trains
Donovan, Epistle to Dippy (too strong a beat? if so, maybe Oh Gosh)
posted by miles per flower at 9:53 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: What about Sweetwater - In a Rainbow?
(Also totally agree with Ladybug Transistor and The Essex Green recs above!)
posted by somanyamys at 9:55 AM on March 20, 2019
(Also totally agree with Ladybug Transistor and The Essex Green recs above!)
posted by somanyamys at 9:55 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Some contemporary artists:
Cate Le Bon is a master of the dreamy off-kilter
Brian Jonestown Massacre has worked in this mode for decades
The label Trouble in Mind specializes in this. I particularly like the records they put out by Liminanas and Pridjevi.
He's 99% instrumental, but the artist Steven R. Smith works in this mode under a number of identities, with the long suites of Ulaan Passerine being particularly transporting.
posted by bendybendy at 10:04 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Cate Le Bon is a master of the dreamy off-kilter
Brian Jonestown Massacre has worked in this mode for decades
The label Trouble in Mind specializes in this. I particularly like the records they put out by Liminanas and Pridjevi.
He's 99% instrumental, but the artist Steven R. Smith works in this mode under a number of identities, with the long suites of Ulaan Passerine being particularly transporting.
posted by bendybendy at 10:04 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Loudhailer Electric Company from Hull.
They also do some amazing harpsichord - from The Auricula Suite - they are involved in horticultural 'auricula theatres' Primula preservation.
posted by unearthed at 10:12 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
They also do some amazing harpsichord - from The Auricula Suite - they are involved in horticultural 'auricula theatres' Primula preservation.
posted by unearthed at 10:12 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Moody Blues, Tuesday Afternoon
Jefferson Airplane, Today, She Drives Funny Cars, Bear Melt
Joni Mitchell, Woodstock, Ladies of the Canyon
Steve Winwood, Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Rainmaker
Greatful Dead, Ripple, China Cat Sunflower
The Doors, The Crystal Ship, LA Woman
The Mamas and the Papas, California Dreamin'
It's A Beautiful Day, White Bird
The Byrds, The Bells of Rymny, Eight Miles High
Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fresh Air, Who Do You Love, Mona
Jethro Tull, Velvet Green
Buffalo Springfield, Bluebird, On the Way Home
posted by Oyéah at 10:26 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Jefferson Airplane, Today, She Drives Funny Cars, Bear Melt
Joni Mitchell, Woodstock, Ladies of the Canyon
Steve Winwood, Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Rainmaker
Greatful Dead, Ripple, China Cat Sunflower
The Doors, The Crystal Ship, LA Woman
The Mamas and the Papas, California Dreamin'
It's A Beautiful Day, White Bird
The Byrds, The Bells of Rymny, Eight Miles High
Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fresh Air, Who Do You Love, Mona
Jethro Tull, Velvet Green
Buffalo Springfield, Bluebird, On the Way Home
posted by Oyéah at 10:26 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: With the caveat that some of the tracks on these albums may have more of an edge than you're looking for:
Temples - Sun Structures (Move With the Seasons, Fragment's Light)
Sparklehorse - It's a Wonderful Life (Sea of Teeth)
Beck's Morning Phase (the whole album is pretty mellow.) Also, Sea Change, although that one is a bit of a downer. (Written after a significant break-up, and the sadness really comes through)
Masters of Reality: Jody Sings
posted by Funeral march of an old jawbone at 10:38 AM on March 20, 2019
Temples - Sun Structures (Move With the Seasons, Fragment's Light)
Sparklehorse - It's a Wonderful Life (Sea of Teeth)
Beck's Morning Phase (the whole album is pretty mellow.) Also, Sea Change, although that one is a bit of a downer. (Written after a significant break-up, and the sadness really comes through)
Masters of Reality: Jody Sings
posted by Funeral march of an old jawbone at 10:38 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Tame Impala: Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control
My Bloody Valentine is quintessential shoegaze, but might not fit the bill otherwise.
posted by O9scar at 10:55 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
My Bloody Valentine is quintessential shoegaze, but might not fit the bill otherwise.
posted by O9scar at 10:55 AM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The band Spirit was like this, I always liked the song "Natures Way." Someone suggested Moody Blues, and they are what you are looking for.
posted by chocolatetiara at 10:58 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by chocolatetiara at 10:58 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Pink Floyd: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
posted by Thorzdad at 11:13 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by Thorzdad at 11:13 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: I wouldn't call "Mr. Fantasy" Psych Rock so much as Psych Blues, but this also gets you away from your Beatles boundary for the most part. Not sure I'll be able to avoid it, but...
Belles Will Ring - The Green (and their repertoire in general)
Cosmic Jokers have at least a couple songs
Dantalion's Chariot - Sun Came Bursting Through My Cloud
Emmit Rhodes - Saturday Night maybe
Moving Sidewalks - No Good to Cry
Rolling Stones - Citadel
The Tremeloes - Hard Time
posted by rhizome at 11:39 AM on March 20, 2019
Belles Will Ring - The Green (and their repertoire in general)
Cosmic Jokers have at least a couple songs
Dantalion's Chariot - Sun Came Bursting Through My Cloud
Emmit Rhodes - Saturday Night maybe
Moving Sidewalks - No Good to Cry
Rolling Stones - Citadel
The Tremeloes - Hard Time
posted by rhizome at 11:39 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Heartily recommend the Boo Radleys - Everything's Alright Forever
posted by Otis at 11:40 AM on March 20, 2019
posted by Otis at 11:40 AM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Dreamy – definitely
Psychedelic rock – not so sure
Anyway, I'd recommend The Cocteau Twins: Treasure
posted by MinPin at 12:12 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Psychedelic rock – not so sure
Anyway, I'd recommend The Cocteau Twins: Treasure
posted by MinPin at 12:12 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Curtis Roush - Space is Empty (Come with Me)
And probably most of the songs on his Cosmic Campfire Music album.
posted by slagheap at 12:34 PM on March 20, 2019
And probably most of the songs on his Cosmic Campfire Music album.
posted by slagheap at 12:34 PM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: Strawberry Alarmclock: Incense and Peppermints
Tommy James and the Shondells: Crimson and Clover
posted by effluvia at 1:18 PM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Tommy James and the Shondells: Crimson and Clover
posted by effluvia at 1:18 PM on March 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: How about some Brian Jonestown Massacre?—e.g. Pish.
Other possibilities:
Dead Meadow: Stacy’s Song.
Chicos de Nazca, Floating with Boards.
Elephant Stone, A Silent Moment.
Rivulets, Ride on, Molina.
On the gazier side:
The Stargazer Lilies, Del Ray Mar.
The Kundalini Genie, Asteroid Blues.
posted by Sonny Jim at 2:34 PM on March 20, 2019
Other possibilities:
Dead Meadow: Stacy’s Song.
Chicos de Nazca, Floating with Boards.
Elephant Stone, A Silent Moment.
Rivulets, Ride on, Molina.
On the gazier side:
The Stargazer Lilies, Del Ray Mar.
The Kundalini Genie, Asteroid Blues.
posted by Sonny Jim at 2:34 PM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: How about some Kenny Rogers with Coen Brothers visuals
posted by effluvia at 3:22 PM on March 20, 2019
posted by effluvia at 3:22 PM on March 20, 2019
Best answer: I think you might enjoy some late 70s solo work of Steve Hillage, especially the album 'Green'. Cosmic space jammin' with understated vocals.
also:
The Strawbs; Autumn, Tears
Uriah Heep; Tales
Moody Blues; Have You Heard?
Various old psychedelic-ish English folk:
Donovan
Pentangle
Incredible String Band
Fairport Convention
Tyrannosaurus Rex
American artists with similar-ish styles:
Sandy Bull
Tim Buckley
posted by ovvl at 4:04 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
also:
The Strawbs; Autumn, Tears
Uriah Heep; Tales
Moody Blues; Have You Heard?
Various old psychedelic-ish English folk:
Donovan
Pentangle
Incredible String Band
Fairport Convention
Tyrannosaurus Rex
American artists with similar-ish styles:
Sandy Bull
Tim Buckley
posted by ovvl at 4:04 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Boards of Canada, for mellow trippy instrumental jams.
posted by ovvl at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by ovvl at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks everyone, this is so great. I've got my playlist. Each answer here has at least one track I'll use so I've just marked everyone best.
And yes, I was also thinking of Brian Jonestown Massacre when I wrote the question, but there was a lot here I didn't know before.
Much appreciate this ...!
posted by nantucket at 4:41 PM on March 20, 2019
And yes, I was also thinking of Brian Jonestown Massacre when I wrote the question, but there was a lot here I didn't know before.
Much appreciate this ...!
posted by nantucket at 4:41 PM on March 20, 2019
Turning tide by super furry animals!
That whole album (guerrilla) is so trippy!
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:54 PM on March 21, 2019
That whole album (guerrilla) is so trippy!
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:54 PM on March 21, 2019
Amazed that nobody has mentioned Flaming Lips, Kurt Vile, Pavement / Steve Malkmus yet. And Mazzy Star...
posted by sesquipedalia at 5:55 PM on March 21, 2019
posted by sesquipedalia at 5:55 PM on March 21, 2019
Bee Gees -- Every Christian Lionhearted Man Will Show You.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:04 PM on March 22, 2019
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:04 PM on March 22, 2019
Share that playlist!!
posted by saladin at 9:26 AM on April 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by saladin at 9:26 AM on April 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by thatwhichfalls at 7:13 AM on March 20, 2019