Description
Country Joe & The Fish – Electric Music For The Mind And Body – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Electric Music for the Mind and Bod’ is the debut album by the American psychedelic rock band Country Joe & The Fish, released in May 1967. This album is a seminal piece in the psychedelic music movement, encapsulating the counterculture spirit of the 1960s with its blend of folk, rock, and electric experimentation.
The album is a quintessential example of psychedelic rock, featuring extended instrumental sections, innovative sound effects, and a general sense of musical exploration. The music incorporates elements of folk, blues, jazz, and Eastern musical styles, creating a diverse and textured soundscape. The band’s background in folk music is evident, but they push beyond traditional boundaries into more experimental territory.
Track Highlights:
‘Flying High’: The opening track sets the stage with its upbeat, infectious rhythm and celebratory lyrics.
‘Section 43’: An instrumental piece that showcases the band’s ability to create an expansive, atmospheric sound. Its intricate guitar work and shifting dynamics make it a standout track.
‘Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine’: A song that combines whimsical lyrics with a driving beat, reflecting the playful yet critical edge of the band’s music.
‘Grace’: A slower, more introspective track that highlights the band’s lyrical depth and ability to convey emotion through music.
The lyrics often reflect the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. Songs like ‘Superbird’ criticize political figures, while others explore themes of love, peace, and personal freedom. Many of the lyrics are infused with imagery and themes related to the psychedelic experience, aiming to capture the mind-expanding effects of the era’s countercultural experimentation with consciousness.
Produced by Samuel Charters, the album employs various studio effects and techniques that were innovative at the time, such as reverb, echo, and multitracking, to create a rich, layered sound. The use of electric organ, innovative guitar effects, and dynamic rhythm sections contribute to the album’s distinctive sound. Barry Melton’s guitar work and David Cohen’s keyboard playing are particularly noteworthy.
The album received positive reviews upon its release and has since been recognized as a landmark in psychedelic rock. It was praised for its originality, musicality, and the way it captured the zeitgeist of the late 1960s. Electric Music for the Mind and Body influenced numerous contemporary bands and musicians. It remains a significant work in the history of psychedelic music and is often cited as an essential album of the genre.
Electric Music for the Mind and Body by Country Joe & The Fish is a pivotal album in the psychedelic rock movement. It captures the essence of the 1960s counterculture, blending musical innovation with social and political commentary. The album’s adventurous spirit, eclectic influences, and experimental sound continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike, making it a timeless piece of music history.
Newly Remastered Audio
Original Stereo Recording
180 Gram Vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Flying High
Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine
Death Sound Blues
Happiness Is A Porpoise Mouth
Section 43
Superbird
Sad And Lonely Times
Love
Bass Strings
The Masked Marauder
Grace
