Marking the Beginnings and Endings of the Psychedelic Rock Era

Psychedelic rock, a genre that emerged in the mid-1960s and declined by the late 1960s, has left a profound impact on the music scene. While it's debatable if this genre had a distinct 'era,' several key albums and moments helped define its beginning and end. This article explores the pivotal albums that set the stage for and marked the decline of psychedelic rock.

Starter of the Psychedelic Rock Era

Rather than a distinct era, the genre of psychedelic rock can be traced back to a few influential albums and artists that paved the way. Richard Thompson, a renowned musician, once mentioned that the Kinks' album 'See My Friends' was the first psychedelic rock song. However, the most influential recording to truly kick off this genre was the Paul Butterfield Blues Band's instrumental track titled 'East West.'

Peak of the Psychedelic Rock Era

The mid-1960s saw the peak of the psychedelic rock era, particularly in San Francisco, where groups such as Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead played pivotal roles. Their work contributed significantly to the genre's identity. However, the decline began around the release of 'Workingman’s Dead' by the Grateful Dead and the disbandment of Jefferson Airplane, signaling a shift in musical direction.

Acoustic Bluegrass Revival

Currently, the genre of psychedelic rock can be seen in acoustic bluegrass-influenced bands. Artists like Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass are leading this revival. Their works incorporate many of the psychedelic elements, such as bluesy sounds and acoustic arrangements, while still maintaining the roots of bluegrass music.

Singles and Albums Defining the Start

As for the singles that initiated the genre, the Beatles' experimentation with feedback and fuzz techniques played a significant role. Their album 'Rubber Soul' (1965) was the precursor, while 'Revolver' (1966) is often cited as the first full album that truly defined psychedelic rock. The use of new instruments, such as the 12-string guitar, by the Byrds, inspired by the Beatles, also contributed to this pivotal moment in rock history.

Early Pioneers and First Albums

Going back even further, Alan Watts' 1962 album 'This Is IT' can be considered a spiritual forerunner to the psychedelic rock movement. However, some might argue that the first album that truly fit the description of a psychedelic rock album was 'The Village Fugs Sing Ballads of Contemporary Protest Point of Views and General Dissatisfaction' released by Broadside Records in 1965. This album featured the track 'I Couldn’t Get High,' which included the first reference to LSD in the lyrics.

The End of the Psychedelic Rock Era

The decline of the PSD (psychotic sound driven) era is often attributed to Bob Dylan's 1967 album 'John Wesley Harding.' Despite being associated with folk music, Dylan's work on this album marked a significant shift back towards more traditional folk rock and country influences. His album 'Blonde on Blonde' (1966) was seen as a precursor to 'John Wesley Harding,' which led many rock bands and musicians to adopt a 'back to basics' approach, moving away from the psychedelic era.

After 'John Wesley Harding,' the Beatles' 'White Album' and the Rolling Stones' 'Beggars Banquet' (1968) further solidified this transition. The Velvet Underground's self-titled album also saw a departure from the psychedelic themes to more introspective and spiritual lyrics. While many psychedelic rock albums continued to be released after 'John Wesley Harding,' the release of this album signified the peak of the genre's first iteration and signaled a shift towards more traditional rock music.

Overall, while the emergence and decline of the psychedelic rock era may not be clearly demarcated, several key albums and artists played crucial roles in defining its boundaries. From 'See My Friends' and 'East West' to 'John Wesley Harding' and the 'White Album,' these works left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.