One of the classic psychedelic garage rock bands, the 13th Floor Elevators and lead singer / future acid-casualty Roky Ericskon are perhaps a bit better in myth than reality. Their two classic albums are poorly produced, and their psychedelic sound effects were somewhat limited in range—there’s a quavering, pulsating background sound effect present in many of their songs that is fascinating for the first couple songs but wears thin after a whole album.
Nevertheless, their music forms an essential part of any ‘60s collection. The best songs from their two classic albums—The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators and Easter Everywhere—are truly unique, not to be missed. (Their third and final album was effectively a solo album by guitarist Stacy Sutherland, as key members Erickson and electric jug player Tommy Hall were barely involved in the sessions. It’s actually a solid listen, and much better produced, but lacks the psychedelic feel of their most memorable work.)
This playlist gives you an LP-length taste of those two key albums. Enjoy! (The remastered version on Spotify sound much better than my ‘90s-released CDs.)
Definitely my favourite use of an electrified jug in modern music.