Originally released Nov. 30, 1966 on International Artists
Produced by Lelan Rogers (fun fact: he’s Kenny Rogers’ brother)
There’s no arguing the importance of the 13th Floor Elevators in regard to the history of psychedelia. The earliest known usage of “psychedelic rock” first appeared on a business card for these Austin oddballs and the first ever documented media reference to psych-rock came in the form of a review from an Elevators’ show in February 1966. Not surprisingly, the band had formed only months earlier with the intent on creating LSD-inspired music.
Despite their Texas roots, the band found a second home among San Francisco’s blossoming rock scene and quickly endeared themselves to the locals. They scored a minor national hit with “You’re Gonna Miss Me” – which was actually written for frontman Roky Erickson’s previous band, the Spades. Following the release of The Psychedelic Sounds Of…, things seemed to be looking up for the Elevators. Unfortunately, Erickson was institutionalized for mental health issues and never properly recovered from his ordeal. The band, as well, suffered a permanent setback.
The debut album is as much a garage rocker as it is a hazy musical experience. At the heart of it is, of course, the vision of Erickson’s songwriting, but their secret weapon lay in the hands of Tommy Hall, whose amplified jug both provided one of the most unusual percussions in rock history and also came to define the band’s sound. Add in Stacy Sutherland’s melodic guitar leads, and the 13th Floor Elevators left behind a shining record of groundbreaking proportion.
1. You’re Gonna Miss Me
2. Roller Coaster
3. Splash 1
4. Reverberation (Doubt)
5. Don’t Fall Down
6. Fire Engine
7. Thru the Rhythm
8. You Don’t Know
9. Kingdom of Heaven
10. Monkey Island
11. Tried to Hide
Notes by Peter
