Posts tagged The Doors
Soul Station π: Psych '68! 1

1968 saw something of a commercial explosion, of various aspects, of psychedelia, on AM radio especially. This show brings forth the hits, and misses from major groups on mostly major labels. Despite turmoil, murders and riots there is much joy in these sounds.

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Soul Station Feature: Smokestack Lightin'

Look What You've Done

For a time, the band Smokestack Lightnin' was popular at the Whiskey A Go Go in L.A. Taking the group name from a Howlin' Wolf song, they did feature blues, blues rock and some gnarly psyche. Their earlierst 45s were done in 1967 before they got signed to Bell. From the end of 1968 to the start of 1970 the band cut four 45s and an album. Much of their material is very good, in part because of producer Bones Howe and also because singer Ronnie Darling's raspy voice handles the material very well. This track is from their second 45 and once the organ enters, it gives off an early scent of The Doors. The guitar solo is also quite sharp and edgy. Perhaps their most commercial release was their last, a version of the Delaney Bramlett gem, Hello, L.A., Bye-Bye Birmingham, but it came out at the same time as the one by Blue Cheer.

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