Jake Garcia of The Black Angels explores the sounds and history of the golden era of 1960s psych and rock & roll in 13 FROM THE 13TH FLOOR!
The Birds - Leaving Here
Opening up with this hard R&B group from mid-60s London featuring Ron Wood who would later join The Creation, The Faces, and finally The Rolling Stones. They had a mammoth sound for 1965!
The 13th Floor Elevators - Slip Inside This House
From their epic album “Easter Everywhere” by our Austin, Texas home town heroes circa 1967. In it, Tommy Hall, the lyricist attempted to embody many of the elements of his psychedelic philosophy, which drew on elements of Eastern religions and Christian mysticism, among other disparate influences. Singer Roky Erickson delivers in spades. I wish I was around back then to catch them perform and experience it all.
Calico Wall - Flight Reaction
An acid-tinged track from Minneapolis, Minnesota circa 1967. The lyrics seem to deal with the nightmare scenario of being on a plane as it is about to crash though not quite sure what the singer’s girlfriend is doing standing on the wing? Anyways, I’m amazed at the incredible tones they’ve managed to capture here!
Arzachel - Garden of Earthly Delights
Incredible track! From one of my all time favorite British psychedelic LP’s circa 1969 on the Evolution label. The band was said to be named after a crater on the moon.
The Factory - Try A Little Sunshine
A 60s freakbeat psyche gem from the group that brought us “path through the forest.” This one has rolling drums , tasty fuzz and some really great moments.
The Smoke - Cowboys and Indians
Excellent stoned psyche pop! The Smoke were a studio project led by Michael Lloyd (west coast pop art experimental band member) from Los Angeles circa 1968. This track has a Beach Boys “Smile-esque” element to it.
Wool - Love, Love, Love
Fantastic and wild acid-rock created by a brother and sister group from New York circa 1969. They’ve got such a big exciting sound, almost frantic. The album art is so amazing too; it depicts a sheep plugged into an electrical outlet.
Pussy - Come Back June
From the UK album
“Pussy Plays” circa 1969. Sounds like a real live cat at the beginning! This obscure psyche gem somehow ended up in the bargain bins because of poor exposure but now demands high dollar for collectors.
The Chessmen - Love Didn’t Die
1966 Garage Gold
from a Vancouver group featuring singer Terry Jacks who would later become famous for his hit “Seasons in the Sun.” The band used to play chess together and so they ended up calling their group “The Chessmen.”
The Golden Dawn - This Way Please
A lesser known 60’s psychedelic group from Austin, Texas that have been overshadowed by The 13th Floor Elevators but are equally as good. They were also on the International Artists label but rarely played out live because of some strange contract stipulation with the label which eventually killed the group. They are still making music today, and have played Levitation several times. Go out and get “Power Plant” if you don’t have it.
Public Nuisance - Magical Music Box
Incredible band from the 60s that were undiscovered until 2002 because of Charles Manson. Long story but.... none of the recordings saw release because producer Terry Melcher, who had sub-letted a house to director Roman Polanski became emotionally distraught after Polanski's wife Sharon Tate was murdered by The Manson Family and so Melcher closed down the label and the album was shelved. Luckily Frantic Records somehow got the tapes and released this masterpiece for us to enjoy.
The Stooges - Dirt
My favorite track from the greatest rock and roll record of all time.
Bubble Puppy - Hot Smoke and Sasafrass
Another Austin, Texas group that was on the International Artists label circa 1969. They would become the most successful band for the label. They later moved to LA and became a heavier psychedelic group called Demian.
Thanks for listening and enjoy.
Until next time , stay safe and much love.
- Jake
