Liner Notes Commercials and Psychedelics" - Side B Psychedelics

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"Psychedelics"

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds – The Beatles: The initials said it all.

Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) – John Fred and His Playboy Band: A parody of the above Beatles hit and, in fact, a more popular song. But what exactly was JDG?

A Whiter Shade Of Pale – Procol Harum: references to Chaucer, Spanish dancing, all those vestal virgins and the organ playing processional music… very heady.

Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf: Flying high. If there’s ever a rock n’ roll theme park, this is the coaster with the longest line.

Good Morning Starshine – Oliver: “Gliddy gloop gloopy/nibby nabby nooby/la la la lo lo/saba sibby saba/nooby abba nabba/lee lee lo lo.”

The Rain, The Park And Other Things – The Cowsills: It’s not “Bus Stop” (raindrops falling on her/she didn’t seem to care/she sat there and smiled at me”). She’s the flower girl and when she’s there (or, when she’s not) the singer is ‘happy, happy, happy!’

Crimson And Clover – Tommy James And The Shondells: The end of this song makes you feel like you’re having an acid trip, if you play it loudly enough.

Mother’s Little Helper – The Rolling Stones: Ultimately an anti-drug song by Mick and the Boys. It decries Mom’s taking of her uppers and downers. The clear message: “That generation doesn’t know about using! Our drugs are the best drugs!” (“What a drag it is getting old.”)

Along Comes Mary – The Association: This very catchy tune, which seems innocuous at first listen, is filled with narcotics references, religious criticism, tales of unwanted love and the requisite mind trips, if you can follow it.

You Showed Me – The Turtles: According to rock legend, this song was supposed to be played in a faster time, but the organ’s stops were slow to react, so the whole piece was slowed to match. And, what a hypnotic effect resulted.

Marrakesh Express – Crosby, Stills & Nash: Yeah. So, why go to Marrakesh? And why on an express? Could “blowing smoke rings” be a reason?

Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock: “Turn your eyes around/look at yourself.”

Somebody To Love – Jefferson Airplane: Grace Slick. The Space Queen. The Haight. Tubular.

Strawberry Fields Forever – The Beatles: Reversed music. “Nothing is real/and nothing to get hung about.” Totally twisted and wild.