The Best Psychedelic Rock Instrumentals of 1969
Contents
- Introduction
- The Beatles – “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
- The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
- Cream – “Crossroads”
- The Doors – “The End”
- Led Zeppelin – “Moby Dick”
- Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
- Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
- Pink Floyd – “Careful with That Axe, Eugene”
- King Crimson – “21st Century Schizoid Man”
- Conclusion
Looking for some mind-bending psychedelic rock instrumentals from 1969? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the best tracks of the genre that were released that year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip!
Introduction
Instrumentals have always been an important part of psychedelic rock, helping to create the atmospheric soundscapes that are such a vital part of the genre. 1969 was a particularly fertile year for instrumentals, with many great songs being released by bands such as The Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, and The Grateful Dead. Here are 10 of the best psychedelic rock instrumentals of 1969.
The Beatles – “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
The Beatles – “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
Released in 1969 on the album Abbey Road, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a psychedelic tour de force from the Fab Four. The song is predominately an instrumental track, with only a few moments of John Lennon’s vocals mixed in. The rest of the song features Beatles’ signature harmonies and psychedelic soundscapes.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is a song recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968 that appears on the Electric Ladyland album released the following year. It was the last song Hendrix recorded with the Experience and one of his best-known songs. The song features his distinctive wah-wah guitar playing and is one of his most popular songs.
Cream – “Crossroads”
“Crossroads” is a song by the British rock band Cream. It first appeared on the 1968 album Wheels of Fire, and was released as a single in the US, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 1968. The song was written by Cream’s guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, and philosopher George Harrison of the Beatles.
Cream recorded “Crossroads” at A&R Studios in New York City in May 1968. The track features Clapton’s slide guitar playing, as well as a double-tracked lead vocal from Jack Bruce. Drummer Ginger Baker contributed an extended drum solo to the middle section of the song. The lyrics refer to Robert Johnson’sCross Road Blues, which Clapton had recorded for his 1966 debut solo album, Slowhand.
“Crossroads” has been included in several of Cream’s live albums and has been performed by Clapton with other musicians, including Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. A live version recorded at Madison Square Garden in 2005 with Bruce and Baker was included on Cream’s farewell album Live at Carnegie Hall 2005.
The Doors – “The End”
“The End” is a song by the American rock band the Doors. It was recorded in August 1966 and released in January 1967 on their self-titled debut album. Written by lead singer Jim Morrison, the nine-minute song was among the longest songs ever released as a single. “The End” features a spoken word performance by Morrison, whose vague, poetic lyrics detail his feelings of loneliness and despair.
Musically, “The End” is a driving rock song that features minor key tonality and complex time signatures. The song’s instrumentation includes organs, electric guitars, and drums. Following its release, “The End” became one of the Doors’ most popular songs and has been widely acclaimed by critics. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Barbra Streisand, who scored a hit with her rendition in 1970.
Led Zeppelin – “Moby Dick”
One of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin, were known for their hard-hitting and often bluesy sound. But on their 1969 album, “Led Zeppelin II”, they included this song, “Moby Dick”, which is a showcase for drummer John Bonham’s skills. The song is an instrumental, and features some of the most intricate and complex drumming ever put to tape. While it may not be the most psychedelic song on this list, it is certainly one of the most influential, and remains one of the best rock instrumentals ever recorded.
Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
This is one of the most famous instrumentals of all time, and for good reason. It’s an absolute tour de force, with some of the most virtuosic playing you’ll ever hear. Every member of the band is on top form, and the whole thing comes together to create a truly mind-blowing piece of music.
Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” is one of the best psychedelic rock instrumentals of 1969. The song’s heavy riff and driving rhythms create a dark and menacing atmosphere, which is perfect for a psychedelic trip. The song also features some excellent soloing from guitarist Tony Iommi, who would go on to become one of the most influential metal guitarists of all time.
Pink Floyd – “Careful with That Axe, Eugene”
Recorded in 1968, but not released until 1969, “Careful with That Axe, Eugene” is one of Pink Floyd’s earliest and most chilling tracks. It features an eerie, wailing saxophone solo from Dick Parry and some of the band’s most atmospheric and unsettling sound effects.
King Crimson – “21st Century Schizoid Man”
While many have argued that King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” is not an instrumental, the fact is that the song does not feature any lyrics. The song is, however, a tour de force of psychedelic rock, and its influence can be heard in many subsequent instrumental songs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best psychedelic rock instrumentals of 1969 include “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly, “Careful with That Axe, Eugene” by Pink Floyd, and “Bolero” by The Nice. While there are many other great tracks from this era, these three stand out as particularly innovative and influential examples of the genre.
