Don’t look now, but the 60s scene is in rude health. A clutch of clubs at Central London nightspot have provided an IRL meeting point for a new generation of kids infatuated with vintage clothing and 60s dancefloor cuts, ranging from Motown to jazz via garage punk and psychedelia.
Hailing from the Midlands ever-buoyant psychedelic community, are one of the best 60s-aligned groups on the scene right now. The band’s zesty debut album was accompanied by a flurry of 45s, while a recent spell on the road with Love legend Johnny Echols took them to a whole new level.
New album ‘Love You More’ is perfectly timed. The songwriting is punchier and more defined than their debut, matching crisp Byrds chords to swirling Doors keyboard and the odd sitar twist.
Singer is a ball of energy onstage, and she’s also an impeccable DJ with a huge collection of sought-after discs. Here for your lysergic delectation – 10 of her must-have psychedelic cuts…
The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows
Undoubtedly one of the best examples of early psychedelia recorded before the Beatles’ final US tour. A combination of tape loops, hypnotic drums, and references to the Tibetan book of the dead. An avant garde instruction to turn off your mind relax and float downstream – which inspired a generation.
Caleb – ‘Baby Your Phrasing Is Bad’
Some of the heaviest phasing you’ll ever encounter on a dancefloor! Love the production of this psychedelic sensation. Can almost taste the feel of swinging London in all its technicolour glory.
Tintern Abbey – ‘Vacuum Cleaner’
Dreamlike soundscape which conjures up a long and eventful trip where day turns into night and night turns into day. Love the incessant drums and the detached airy vocal which could float away in a puff of smoke.
The Creation – ‘Through My Eyes’
Band steeped in Mod and freakbeat sensibilities find their psychedelic mojo with this hazy introspective track that evokes the sights and sounds of Carnaby Street at its height.
Dantalian’s Chariot – ‘Madman Running Through The Fields’
Four minutes of tripped out psychedelic bliss featuring backwards cymbal, a catchy melody and a time signature change conveying a sense of childlike surreality.
The Rolling Stones – ‘Citadel’
Otherworldly and slightly sinister-eerie guitar sound, unsettling drumbeat, Brian Jones’ writhing saxophone part and lyrics which evoke a mysterious interstellar kingdom which you’re not sure you’d want to visit!
Kaleidoscope – ‘Dream For Julie’
One of the great and under-rated U.K. psych bands. Always thought lyrically they paint such amazing pictures and musically there’s so much going on. Could have picked any tune from this album but this is a big fave.
Mick Softly with The Summer Suns – ‘Am I The Red One’
One of the most way out lyrical and musical trips in UK psychedelia. Features an unfathomable narrative with disorientating backing that leaves the listener guessing.
Tomorrow – ‘Real Life Permanent Dream’
A real cornerstone of original UK psych – wild sitar excursions and technicolour guitar flourishes – The lyrics document the psychedelic experience beautifully and coupled with the music, take you out there and back home again… in under three and a half minutes.
Human Beinz – ‘Flower Grave’
The Human Beinz are known mostly for their 1960s garage nugget ‘Nobody But Me’ that has great crossover appeal. However not many people check out their debut album. They should, because it’s ace with loads of great psychedelic tinged tracks.