Top Czechoslovakian Psychedelic Rock Bands
A list of the top Czechoslovakian psychedelic rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s.
The Plastic People of the Universe
Formed in 1968, The Plastic People of the Universe were unofficial ambassadors of Czechoslovakian culture during the country’s period of Communist rule. The band’s experimental, avant-garde sound was heavily influenced by Western psychedelic rock, and their lyrics often contained hidden political messages. The Plastic People were constantly harassed by the government, and their members were frequently arrested, but they persevered and became an underground sensation.
Blue Effect
One of the earliest and most influential Czech rock bands, Blue Effect was formed in 1968 by bassist and vocalist Jan Radtke, guitarist Vladimír Mišík, and drummer Petr Ulrych. They quickly became one of the most popular groups in Czechoslovakia, tour regularly throughout the country, and release a series of successful albums including Medúza (1970), Modrý efekt/Mofo (1971), Futurum (1972), Start (1974), Efekt modré země (1975), Koncert k 30. výročí (1977), Koncert live (1979), and Známky podzimu: Live 1977-1981 (2006). Though they never achieve the same level of international success as some of their more famous counterparts, Blue Effect are considered one of the most important Czech rock bands of their generation.
Flamengo
Flamengo is a Czechoslovakian psychedelic rock band that was formed in 1968. The band’s original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Miroslav Staněk, bassist Jiří Schelinger, drummer Oldřich Veselý, and keyboardist Luboš Andršt. Their debut album, Flamengo (1969), is considered to be one of the best Czechoslovakian rock albums ever made.
Flamengo’s music is heavily influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and The Beatles. However, the band also has a unique sound that sets them apart from their influences. Flamengo’s second album,LABYRINT (1970), is a concept album about a man who goes on a journey through time and space.
Flamengo are one of the most important Czechoslovakian rock bands of all time and their influence can still be heard in modern day Czech Republic.
Garáž
Garáž is a Czechoslovakian psychedelic rock band formed in 1966 in Prague. The band is considered to be one of the first Czechoslovakian rock bands and their music is influential to this day. Garáž’s sound is a mix of garage rock, blues and psychedelia with elements of Eastern European folk music. The band released four albums between 1967 and 1971, all of which are highly regarded in the Czech Republic.
Karel Kryl
Karel Kryl was a Czech singer-songwriter and political dissident who was exiled from his native country for his outspoken views. He is best known for his song “Majestic Horse,” which became an anthem for the Velvet Revolution. Kryl’s music is a mix of folk, rock, and classical influences, with lyrics that are often highly critical of the Czech government.
