Psychedelic Rock This Week: New Releases You Need to Hear

It’s been a big week for new music releases, and if you’re a fan of psychedelic rock, there’s plenty to check out. Here are some of the highlights from the past seven days.

The Beatles – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is the eighth studio album by English rock band the Beatles, released on 26 May 1967 on the Parlophone label and produced by George Martin. It was later reissued on compact disc in 1987, designed and supervised by Paul McCartney.

The double album was the first pop album to include a gatefold sleeve, and it is regarded as one of the most influential records ever made, credited with initiating the rock concept album genre. It won four Grammy Awards in 1968, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive that honour. In August 1966, during a tour stop in Manila, Philippines, after a show where Brian Epstein had presented them flowers on stage, John Lennon told him: “We’re sick to death of being Beatles … I’m fed up with it … We want to be artists.” Weeks later, while on holiday at his Sardinian villa with his girlfriend May Pang—and while Ringo Starr was away filming Candy—Lennedy again broached the topic of quitting during an emotional midnight conversation; by Kennedy’s account McCartney then stated: “If you feel like that then you should do it before we carry you out feet first”.

The Beach Boys – “Pet Sounds”

The Beach Boys’ tenth studio album, Pet Sounds, was released on May 16, 1966. The album is considered to be one of the most influential records ever made, and its influence can still be heard in music today. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, and it is ranked number two on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.

The Doors – “The Doors”

The debut album from The Doors is, without a doubt, one of the most influential and important psychedelic rock albums of all time. Jim Morrison’s hypnotic vocals, Ray Manzarek’s jazzy keyboard work, Robby Krieger’s bluesy guitar licks, and John Densmore’s powerful drumming all come together to create a truly unique and unforgettable sound. Whether you’re a fan of The Doors or not, this is an album that every rock fan should have in their collection.

Jimi Hendrix – “Are You Experienced”

Are You Experienced is the debut studio album by American rock band the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Released in 1967, it was the first LP for Track Records and was a commercial and critical success. The album featured two hit singles, “Purple Haze” and “Hey Joe”, which peaked at numbers six and forty-six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart respectively. Although it did not achieve the same level of success in the United Kingdom, it did reach number two on the UK Albums Chart.

Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin IV”

Originally released in 1971, Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album is often referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV” or “Zoso” (the symbols on the album cover). The album features some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Black Dog.”

Pink Floyd – “The Dark Side of the Moon”

One of the best-selling albums of all time, “The Dark Side of the Moon” is a classic of the psychedelic rock genre. Released in 1973, the album features some of Pink Floyd’s most iconic tracks, including “Money”, “Us and Them”, and “Brain Damage”. “The Dark Side of the Moon” was an instant success upon its release, and has since been certified 15x platinum in the US.

The Rolling Stones – “Beggars Banquet”

The Rolling Stones – “Beggars Banquet”: Few bands have been as iconic and influential as the Rolling Stones, and “Beggars Banquet” is one of their best albums. Released in 1968, it cemented the Stones’ reputation as the premier rock band of their generation. Featuring classics like “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man,” “Beggars Banquet” is a must-have for any fan of rock music.

The Who – “Who’s Next”

The Who’s classic album “Who’s Next” is frequently cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, and for good reason. The album is a perfect example of psychedelic rock at its best, with complex songwriting, outstanding musicianship, and Pete Townshend’s signature windmill strumming style on full display. If you haven’t heard “Who’s Next”, you need to remedy that ASAP.

David Bowie – “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”

David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is one of the most important and influential albums in the history of popular music. Released in 1972, Ziggy Stardust is a concept album about an alien rock star who comes to Earth to save humanity from itself. Bowie’s lyrics and theatrical stage persona, along with the game-changing music of his band, the Spiders from Mars, made Ziggy Stardust an instant classic and one of the most influential albums of all time.

Velvet Underground – “The Velvet Underground & Nico”

The Velvet Underground’s debut album is one of the most influential in rock history. Although it was not a commercial success when it was released in 1967, it has since been cited as one of the most important and influential albums of all time by artists as varied as David Bowie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Brian Eno, and Radiohead. The Velvet Underground & Nico is an expression of Lou Reed’s vision of rock music as an art form that should provoke and challenge its listeners. The album’s themes of drugs, sex, and transgression were considered shocking at the time, but its experimentalism and Reed’s brave songwriting have made it a timeless classic.