11 Underrated Psychedelic Songs: Psychedelic Wonders

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts and DJ pals! It’s TBone here, your trusty guide from Level Tunes, diving into the mesmerizing world of psychedelic tunes.

Today, I’m stoked to share something really special with you – a carefully curated list of 11 underrated psychedelic songs. Why am I doing this? Well, in our journey through sound, we often stumble upon tracks that resonate deeply, yet somehow, they don’t get the spotlight they deserve.

These hidden gems, rich in kaleidoscopic melodies and mind-bending harmonies, have been my personal favorites for setting a vibe that’s both ethereal and groovy.

So, whether you’re a fellow DJ looking to add some unique flavors to your set or a music lover on a quest for auditory bliss, this list is for you. Let’s embark on this psychedelic journey together and discover the tracks that have been waiting to be heard

Here are the underrated Psychedelic songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Psychedelic Songs

Underrated Psychedelic songs in a list format:

1. “Magical World” by The Rotary Connection – Aladdin (1968, Cadet Records)

“Magical World” by The Rotary Connection is a stunning blend of psychedelic soul and baroque pop. Released on their 1968 album “Aladdin” under Cadet Records, this track is an auditory feast. The band, known for their innovative sound, featured the legendary Minnie Riperton. Her ethereal vocals, combined with lush orchestral arrangements, create a dreamlike atmosphere. I chose this track for its fusion of soulful melodies and psychedelic elements, making it a timeless classic that still feels fresh and otherworldly.

2. “Strawberry Wine” by The Electric Prunes – Mass in F Minor (1968, Reprise Records)

The Electric Prunes’ “Strawberry Wine,” from their ambitious 1968 album “Mass in F Minor,” is a testament to psychedelic rock’s diverse range. Released by Reprise Records, this song stands out for its haunting organ riffs and gritty guitar work. The album, a psychedelic mass composed by David Axelrod, showcases the band’s willingness to experiment. “Strawberry Wine” embodies the spirit of the ’60s psychedelic scene, with its swirling sounds and introspective lyrics. I included it for its bold experimentation and representation of a unique moment in rock history.

3. “Gong with the Luminous Nose” by Dantalian’s Chariot – Chariot Rising (1996, Wooden Hill)

Dantalian’s Chariot, though short-lived, left a significant mark with “Gong with the Luminous Nose.” This track, from their 1996 release “Chariot Rising” on Wooden Hill, is a rediscovered gem. The band, featuring future Animals member Zoot Money, blends whimsical lyrics with avant-garde arrangements. The song’s playful nature, combined with psychedelic pop sensibilities, makes it a fascinating listen. I chose it for its ability to transport listeners to a whimsical, otherworldly realm, showcasing the playful side of psychedelia.

4. “Deserted Cities of the Heart” by Cream – Wheels of Fire (1968, Polydor Records)

Cream’s “Deserted Cities of the Heart,” from their 1968 album “Wheels of Fire,” released by Polydor Records, is a powerhouse of psychedelic blues-rock. This song showcases the virtuosic talents of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Its driving bass line, fiery guitar solos, and poetic lyrics capture the essence of psychedelic exploration. I’m drawn to this track for its seamless blend of blues and psychedelia, offering a heavy yet introspective listening experience.

5. “Rainbow Chaser” by Nirvana – All of Us (1968, Island Records)

Not to be confused with the grunge band, the UK-based Nirvana’s “Rainbow Chaser,” from their album “All of Us” (1968, Island Records), is a pioneering track in psychedelic pop. Known for being one of the first to use phasing, the song creates a swirling, dreamy effect. Its catchy melody and optimistic lyrics contrast with the more somber tones typical of the genre. I included “Rainbow Chaser” for its innovative production techniques and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and joy.

6. “I Can Take You to the Sun” by The Misunderstood – Before the Dream Faded (1969, Cherry Red)

The Misunderstood’s “I Can Take You to the Sun,” featured on their 1969 compilation album “Before the Dream Faded” (Cherry Red), is a hidden treasure of psychedelic rock. The band, formed in California but finding fame in the UK, created a sound that was both intense and ethereal. This song, with its blistering guitar work and haunting vocals, embodies the spirit of psychedelic exploration. It’s on my list for its sheer emotional intensity and its ability to capture the essence of the psychedelic experience.

7. “Matilda Mother” by Pink Floyd – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967, Columbia)

From Pink Floyd’s debut album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” (1967, Columbia), “Matilda Mother” is a quintessential psychedelic track. The song showcases Syd Barrett’s whimsical lyricism and the band’s early experimental sound. The blend of organ melodies, echoing guitars, and surreal lyrics creates a captivating soundscape. This track is a personal favorite for its storytelling and the way it encapsulates the innovative spirit of early Pink Floyd.

8. “Vacuum Cleaner” by Tintern Abbey – Single Release (1967, Deram)

Tintern Abbey’s “Vacuum Cleaner,” a single released in 1967 on Deram, is a lesser-known gem of British psychedelia. The song’s hypnotic rhythms and haunting vocals create a sense of disorienting beauty. Despite being their only single, it showcases the band’s potential in crafting intricate psychedelic soundscapes. I’m fascinated by this track for its haunting atmosphere and its status as a cult classic in the psychedelic genre.

9. “Eight Miles High” by The Byrds – Fifth Dimension (1966, Columbia)

While “Eight Miles High” by The Byrds, from their 1966 album “Fifth Dimension” (Columbia), is more well-known, it’s often overlooked for its psychedelic depth. This track, with its jangly 12-string guitar and abstract lyrics, was a major influence on the psychedelic rock genre. Its fusion of folk-rock with psychedelic elements makes it a groundbreaking piece. I chose it for its historical significance and its mesmerizing sound, which still feels innovative today.

10. “Paper Sun” by Traffic – Mr. Fantasy (1967, Island Records)

“Paper Sun” by Traffic, from their 1967 album “Mr. Fantasy” (Island Records), is a vibrant example of psychedelic rock. The song’s use of sitar, flute, and unconventional time signatures showcases the band’s musical versatility. Steve Winwood’s distinct vocals add to its dreamlike quality. This track is a standout for its fusion of Eastern and Western musical elements, creating a unique and captivating sound.

11. “A Salty Dog” by Procol Harum – A Salty Dog (1969, Regal Zonophone)

Procol Harum’s “A Salty Dog,” from their 1969 album of the same name (Regal Zonophone), is a majestic blend of orchestral rock and psychedelia. The song’s narrative lyrics, combined with grandiose orchestration, create a cinematic experience. Gary Brooker’s emotive vocals and the song’s epic structure make it a powerful piece. I included this track for its theatrical approach to psychedelia, showcasing the genre’s ability to tell stories in grand, sweeping strokes.

Fun Facts: Underrated Psychedelic Songs

“Magical World” by The Rotary Connection

• Innovative Recording Techniques: The Rotary Connection was known for their experimental approach to recording. “Magical World” features intricate orchestral arrangements and studio effects that were quite advanced for the time, helping to create its dreamlike quality.
• Minnie Riperton’s Early Career: This song is one of the earliest showcases of Minnie Riperton’s extraordinary five-octave vocal range, which later became her signature in her solo career.

“Strawberry Wine” by The Electric Prunes

• A Rock Mass: “Strawberry Wine” is part of “Mass in F Minor,” which is essentially a rock interpretation of a religious mass. This bold concept was quite unusual and risky at the time, blending sacred traditional compositions with psychedelic rock.
• A Challenging Recording Process: The album was notoriously difficult to record due to its complexity and the band’s limited familiarity with the traditional mass structure.

“Gong with the Luminous Nose” by Dantalian’s Chariot

• Zoot Money’s Shift: Before forming Dantalian’s Chariot, Zoot Money was more known for R&B. This song marked a significant shift in his musical style, moving towards psychedelic and experimental sounds.
• Short-lived but Impactful: Despite their brief existence, Dantalian’s Chariot had a significant impact on the psychedelic scene in the UK, influencing other musicians with their flamboyant style and unique sound.

“Deserted Cities of the Heart” by Cream

• Supergroup Status: Cream, comprising Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, is often considered one of the first “supergroups.” Each member was already a respected musician before forming the band.
• Diverse Influences: The song reflects the band’s diverse influences, from blues and jazz to psychedelic rock, showcasing their ability to blend different genres seamlessly.

“Rainbow Chaser” by Nirvana

• Pioneering Phasing Effects: “Rainbow Chaser” is notable for being one of the first songs to use the phasing effect, an innovative studio technique at the time. This effect became widely popular in psychedelic music afterwards.
• A Different Nirvana: This UK band’s name often causes confusion with the famous American grunge band of the 90s, despite their vastly different musical styles.

“I Can Take You to the Sun” by The Misunderstood

• American Band, British Success: The Misunderstood started in California but only found success after moving to the UK. Their sound resonated more with the British psychedelic scene of the 1960s.
• Influential yet Underrecognized: Despite their influence on the psychedelic genre, The Misunderstood never achieved widespread commercial success, making them a true cult band.

“Matilda Mother” by Pink Floyd

• Syd Barrett’s Whimsy: This song is a classic example of Syd Barrett’s whimsical and surreal songwriting, which was a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s early sound.
• Literary Inspiration: The lyrics of “Matilda Mother” were inspired by the children’s book “Cautionary Tales for Children,” reflecting Barrett’s love for whimsical and fantastical storytelling.

“Vacuum Cleaner” by Tintern Abbey

• One Single Wonder: Tintern Abbey only released one single, “Vacuum Cleaner,” making them a true one-hit wonder in the world of psychedelic rock.
• Cult Status: Despite their brief appearance on the music scene, this song has gained a cult following among psychedelic enthusiasts, cherished for its unique sound.

“Eight Miles High” by The Byrds

• Fusion of Influences: “Eight Miles High” is noted for its fusion of jazz, raga, and folk, showcasing The Byrds’ innovative approach to music.
• Controversy and Banning: The song was controversial upon release, with some radio stations banning it due to perceived drug references, although the band claimed it was about their experiences with international travel.

“Paper Sun” by Traffic

• Debut Success: “Paper Sun” was Traffic’s debut single and became an instant hit, establishing the band as a major player in the psychedelic rock scene.
• Steve Winwood’s Youth: At the time of recording “Paper Sun,” Steve Winwood was only 19 years old, already showing remarkable talent and musical maturity.

“A Salty Dog” by Procol Harum

• Orchestral Experimentation: This song is known for its use of a full orchestra, which was quite innovative for rock music at the time and contributed to its epic sound.
• Maritime Theme: “A Salty Dog” features maritime-themed lyrics, a unique subject matter that sets it apart from other psychedelic tracks of the era.

And there you have it, folks – a psychedelic journey through time and sound. These tracks are more than just songs; they’re portals to a vibrant era of musical experimentation. Keep exploring, and who knows what other hidden treasures you’ll discover in the vast universe of music. Stay groovy!

Thanks for reading.

TBone