What Could Go Wrong with Psychedelic Rock?
Contents
Psychedelic rock is a unique and interesting genre of music, but it can also be pretty weird and trippy. What could go wrong with it?
The Sound
Psychedelic rock, also known as acid rock, is a type of music that became popular in the 1960s. The sound is characterized by its use of feedback, extended guitar solos, and heavy use of amplification. This can sometimes create a “wall of sound” effect. Psychedelic rock bands often used drugs, such as LSD, to enhance their music.
It’s all been done before
It’s all been done before. Every chord progression, every melody, every time change, every drum beat. All of it has been done before. That’s not to say that there isn’t good music being made today, but the vast majority of it is derivative. And that’s OK. We’re not looking for originality, we’re looking for good music.
Some of the best music being made today is in the genre of psychedelic rock. But what is psychedelic rock? It’s a genre that emerged in the 1960s and was defined by its use of mind-altering drugs like LSD and mushrooms. The goal was to create a sonic experience that would mimic the effects of these drugs.
Psychedelic rock is characterized by its use of distortion, extended solos, and reverb-drenched soundscapes. It often features an eclectic mix of instrumentation, including guitars, keyboards, drums, and even sitars.
The genre reached its peak in the late 1960s with bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience and The Grateful Dead leading the way. But by the early 1970s, psychedelic rock had all but disappeared from the mainstream.
In recent years, there has been a revival of sorts with bands like Tame Impala and The Black Keys incorporating elements of psychedelic rock into their sound. But it remains to be seen if this revival will have any lasting power or if it will simply be a fad that fades away as quickly as it arrived.
It’s too derivative
Psychedelic rock is often seen as a relic of the 60s and 70s, but it’s actually a pretty diverse genre with a lot of different sub-genres. Unfortunately, much of what is considered psychedelic rock these days is little more than derivative copies of the originals.
While it’s true that some modern bands are able to put their own spin on the genre and create something fresh and new, too often it seems like they’re just rehashing the same old ideas. This lack of creativity can be frustrating for fans of the genre, and it’s one of the biggest problems facing psychedelic rock today.
The Lyrics
Psychedelic lyrics can often be nonsensical and difficult to decipher. This can be attributed to the fact that many psychedelic songs are written while the songwriter is under the influence of drugs. This can lead to lyrics that don’t make a lot of sense and are difficult to understand.
They’re often nonsensical
Psychedelic rock is a type of rock music that is inspired, or influenced by, psychedelia, which is a subculture that started in the1960s. Psychedelic rock often has trippy, mind-altering lyrics that can be interpreted in many ways. Some people love this about the genre, while others find it nonsensical and hard to follow.
They’re often dark and depressing
Psychedelic songs often deal with dark and depressing topics, such as drug addiction, mental illness, and death. This can be off-putting to some listeners, who may find the music too dark or depressing.
The Image
Psychedelic rock artists were often associated with the hippie counterculture, psychedelic art, and drug use. This caused many people to believe that the music was simply a way to promote drug use. While there is no denying that some psychedelic rock artists did promote drug use, it is important to remember that not all of them did.
It’s often dark and depressing
Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that emerged in the 1960s and was popular throughout the decade. The genre is marked by its use of psychedelic and mind-altering drugs, such as LSD, as well as by its exploration of topics such as Eastern spirituality, the occult, and philosophy.
Psychedelic rock is often seen as having a dark and depressing side, due to its focus on mind-altering drugs and its often-neglected themes such as mental illness and death. The genre can be difficult to listen to at times, particularly if one is not in the right state of mind. Additionally, psychedelic rock can be very loud and jarring, making it inaccessible to some listeners.
It’s often too derivative
Critics often argue that psychedelic rock is too derivative of the music that came before it. They argue that the psychedelic sound is just a copy of earlier psychedelic sounds and that the chord progressions, melodies, and production techniques are all too similar to what came before. While it’s true that some psychedelic bands do sound very similar to their predecessors, it’s also true that many of them manage to create their own unique sound.
The Fans
Psychedelic rock, also called acid rock, reached its pinnacle of popularity in the mid-1960s. This mind-bending genre of music was created by musicians who used hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD, to achieve what they called “ego death” or “transcendence.” The effects of these drugs can be unpredictable, and some people who take them can have bad trips.
They’re often too dedicated
Psychedelic rock is often associated with a certain level of die-hard dedication from its fans. This can be seen as a good thing, as it leads to a passionate and vibrant fan community. However, it can also be a negative force, as it can lead to spiraling levels of obsession andfanaticism.
This was most famously exemplified in the case of Brian Wilson, the legendary Beach Boys frontman who retreated from the world after developing crippling stage fright. Wilson’s battle with mental illness was well-documented, and it’s widely believed that his exacerbated state was at least partially due to the intense pressure he felt to live up to the expectations of his fans.
While not all fans of psychedelic rock are quite so intense, it’s important to remember that the music is often about exploring altered states of consciousness. This means that there is a potential for fans to get lost in their own heads, and to forget about the real world around them.
They’re often too critical
While there are many things that can go wrong with psychedelic rock, one of the most common complaints is that the fans are too critical. This can be a problem for new bands who are trying to break into the genre, as they may feel like they can’t please everyone. There also tends to be a lot of snobbery among fans, with some people only liking certain bands or periods of music. This can make it difficult to find new music to enjoy, as you may feel like you’re missing out on something if you’re not a fan of a particular band or style.
