Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock is a style of Rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s and often attempts to emulate or enhance the way music sounds while under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Songs typically include heavily distorted and reverbed electric guitars, extended instrumental segments (especially guitar solos), augmented vocals, and drug-influenced lyrics. Other common characteristics include use of keyboards and elaborate studio effects like backwards recording. It is also not uncommon for psychedelic rock groups to incorporate prominent elements of other genres, including Folk, Blues, Jazz, and South Asian Music. The beginning of psychedelic rock is generally considered to be 1966, which saw the release of The Byrds' Fifth Dimension, notably their single "Eight Miles High," The Beatles' B-side "Rain," and The Psychedelic Sounds of The 13th Floor Elevators. In many respects, psychedelic rock emerged alongside Psychedelic Pop. Many of the early psychedelic records incorporated elements of both genres, especially in the UK with The Beatles' Revolver. In 1967, the popularity of psychedelic rock exploded and, especially in the U.S., psychedelic rock was more clearly distinguished from psychedelic pop as artists moved away from Pop-oriented song structures and began incorporating elements of Garage Rock and Blues Rock. This period also saw the emergence of the "wah"-heavy Acid Rock substyle. The most notable artists who showcased these fusions were Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Cream, and Jefferson Airplane.