In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

I hope the '1001 LPs' folks led you to the same YouTube channel that I just enjoyed while listening to 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.' A bonus visual of multi-colored lights pulsating from within the two large orbs on the cover, recreating the feel of the liquid light shows that were characteristic of psychedelic rock concerts in the mid to late 60s. And this particular group possessed one of my favorite band names, again so reminiscent of the times: Iron Butterfly. Strawberry Alarm Clock is not even close. Moby Grape? Getting there, but not quite. 'In-A-Gada-Da-Vida,' Iron Butterfly’s second studio album, outsold every record in the history of recorded music to that time- 8 million copies. No doubt on the strength and success of that famous title track, all 17 minutes of the entire second side! And if you haven’t heard it in its entirety, do yourself a favor and drop the needle. It’s worth the time; that is, if you like this particular genre of music, which according to Wikipedia is labeled, variously, as hard rock (no), heavy metal (hell no), occult rock (huh?), and finally, acid rock (we have a winner!) But side one has been virtually overshadowed by the title track, and sadly, I fear, forgotten; while, I find it just as enjoyable, maybe more so. Don’t go searching for anything profound here, lyrically speaking. With the exclusion of ‘Mirage (I’m guessing an LSD inspired song),’ and ‘Termination (either the death of material life, or possibly the death of one’s ego experienced during an LSD trip?),’ the two openers and the closer on side one are all about the joy of being in love. And a sweet, innocent joy it is: ‘I met a pretty girl on a date last night… I kissed the pretty girl, and I held her tight. And let me tell you now, she was groovy (‘Are You Happy’).’ And while he’s not exactly T.S. Eliot, Doug Ingle can sing- an interesting voice for a rock singer, deeper than most and with a slight, undiscernible accent, but sung with the unmistakable happiness of just being young and alive. But the real reason why we listen to Iron Butterfly is not for the lyrics, but the music: bright, tenor organ contrasting the thundering walking bass and pounding tribal drum beats. And, the integral part to every good acid rock band: that fuzz tone, distorted, wahwah pedal, bending notes, loud (very important) psychedelic guitar. If you’re not burning some patchouli incense and dancing like a whirling hippie dervish until your love beads get tangled up in the flowers adorning your long hair… then Iron Butterfly just isn’t your bag. But don’t get hung up on it, man. Admittedly, for many (most especially, the many who weren’t there in ’68), this band is an acquired taste. But hey, so’s caviar and cabernet. I believe my favorite part of the whole LP comes at about the two minute mark on ‘Termination.’ The music takes an abrupt stop, and then for the remainder of the song (about another minute) there is the most tender, almost mystical duet between guitarist Erik Brann’s lovely, soft fingerpicking of his electric guitar (sans distortion) and I’m guessing drummer Ron Bushy on tinkling wind chimes. That little minute, for me, always takes me back to the late 60s of my childhood and, if only for a brief moment in American history… allow me to defer to a real poet from the same generation, Paul Simon, on 'Bookends': ‘Time it was and what a time it was. It was a time of innocence…’ There was an awful lot of corruption back then, too, of course. But I was nine years old when 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' was released, and mostly still innocent myself. Well, I certainly lost mine a long, long time ago- that’s for sure (and shame)- but I’m still able to find it, rediscovered, in this remarkable LP. And that makes me very happy, even despite the lack of a groovy, pretty girl with a pair of luscious lips to kiss and some curvy hips to hold tight. Just as Doug Ingle lets us know on this LPs opening song that ‘Most anything that you want, girl, is all right by me,’ I’m letting them (and you) know that most anything that Iron Butterfly wants to play, boy, is all right by me, too.

You don't have to take drugs to listen to this album, but it would help.

lemme tell you, driving into the sun after a long work week after only getting about 20 cumulative hours of sleep for the past week and mildly going insane... quite a trip. I've never done drugs, but I feel like that was an honorary high. I swear I could see and smell the music.

My mom likes to tell the story of the time she saw Iron Butterfly at the Fillmore East in New York City, with Led Zeppelin opening. You read that right, Led Zeppelin opening for Iron Butterfly in 1969. This is a brief story, and while it has more to do with Led Zeppelin than Iron Butterfly, I think it makes for fine review: Led Zeppelin was onstage, belting out their blues-infused heavy rock and roll. Robert Plant, clad in green velvet pants, did a high kick while singing and, in the process, split the seat of his green velvet pants. That’s the lasting impression that my mother has from seeing Iron Butterfly live in 1969. Not that Iron Butterfly played “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” or that she saw Led Zeppelin, as an opening act, before they were the biggest band in the world… She got to see Robert Plant split his velvet pants.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida should easily be on the list of 1001 songs you must listen to before you die, but not on the list of 1001 albums you must listen to before you die. This was completely forgettable. 2.5 stars and the one song probably bumps it up a star.

Landfill Psychedelica. The 1968 equivalent of The Fratellis/Chelsea Dagger, The Zutons/Valerie or The Kooks/Naive. A 2/5 at best song, an album and then... poof... they're gone.

Obviously not.

top drawer psychedelic workouts plus a contender for the baddest riff of all time, and inspiration for my favorite Simpsons gag. This is some good rock and/or roll!

I feel like if the title track wasn't 17 minutes long this album would not be anywhere near as revered, it's not really that interesting at all

Pretty mediocre aside from the title track

In grade 5 Anthony Parry's sister got this album on release. I remember we were locked out of his house one day after school and were climbing in through an unlocked window since we knew we would have the stereo, and her albums, all to ourselves. One of the neighbours saw us and called the cops so we ended up in handcuffs until they connected with his parents to confirm we were not robbers. Back then we were so intrigued by the psychedelic bands. Iron Butterfly had that hippie cool look and everyone's parents hated that look and didn't like the music. Also, the cover was so cool and they had just one song on Side 2. These added to the magic. Parry and I were a couple of wide eyed 10 year olds and probably scratched the hell out of side 2. Rating this one is tricky. Most psychedelic albums haven't aged well. This aged better than average but still . . . . On the other hand it was certainly influential. First the organ playing influenced the sound of many bands (like Deep Purple and Yes) over the next few years and into the 70s. Iron Butterfly helped the momentum of this but arguably was not the trailblazer since Ray Manzarek was already moving the organ to a place of prominence by 1968. Songs like "Are You Happy" were also influential for the heavy rock to come but again Hendrix was already doing this. On the negative side, I think drum solos are pompous and I worry the 2+ min drum solo on Side 2 might have made them common place. The solo does have an African influence -some say influenced by Missa Luba who I quite like. This which reduces the drum solo pain. Anyway, for old time's sake I'll give +1.

🐙😰🔥❤️😬😪🦈💔🧊🐧🐊🐓🦋🐷🐿🦙🐀✊️🏆🎀🏆🏀🥇🥇⚾️🥉🎫🎍🎐

We all know why this album is here. It’s those sweet, sweet multiple drum solos

Pretty cool, understandably impactful, but not all my jam

Beatles crossed with the doors with a spritz of Zappa. Title track easily takes this from a 2 to a 3

I've never liked the title track, possibly because I thought (and still think) the drum solo was uninspired and technically deficient, like he could have played it with his elbows. The keyboard solos aren't top drawer either. Comparing it to the first full-side songs I was introduced to (by Pink Floyd or Yes or Mike Oldfield) this one was more simplistic, like a 3-minute single that got extended. I just read that IGD inspired heavy metal and that's an interesting point - the riff that runs throughout is pre-metal, and they were playing this song a lot in 1967. Side one is ok, the singer has a a rich voice, for a psychedelic band. They were on the same page as The Doors in many ways, but less diverse and without Robbie Krieger's guitar playing and knack for writing hits. Funny story about the song title.

Wait a minute, this sounds like rock and/or roll!

Pleasant surprise! It sounds great, the musicians are very, very good, every track is a hell of a good time, and despite ending with 17 minutes on a single theme, it doesn't overstay the welcome, amazingly. Everyone knows the title track, but I bet few have listened to it all the way. I know I hadn't. I will be returning to this for sure!

Another classic album I've never listened to. In fact, I'm not convinced that I'd ever listened to the entirety of the title track before this afternoon. This was a grooving 60s soundtrack for a sunny day, knitting lace on the patio.

The first half of this album has a great psychedelic feel with organs, ragged guitar, and a unique vocal sound. It's a solid 4. The title track, however, is a nearly perfect 17 minutes of pure bliss. I could listen to it over and over and over, h-always. Just the percussion solo is my favorite, even.

This album really only has one side that everyone listens to, but its a great overall album. Plus, the song in-a-gadda-da-vida has one of my favorite movie placements in Michael Mann's "Manhunter". 5/5

Everyone needs some stoner rock sometimes. A 17 minute title track on a 36 minute album? [chef's kiss] Perfection.

I definitely should have listened to this whole album before now. I knew "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" as a song, but holy cow the entire album is fantastic. Just stunning. Every song is amazing. And the title track is just absolute overindulged, unhinged greatness.

The rock and/or roll.

Didn't get enough time with it, but I liked it, hippy drippings included. The main song is deservedly feted, one I knew without knowing I knew. Am exhausted, would like to listen to it on headphones, but shall sleep instead! x

Middle of the road burnout music, worth a doob in the garage to, but not much beyond

When i saw 60s acid rock band, i though "yes, this will be epic". It ended up being pretty lack luster. Nothing really sounded innovative or interesting, even for the time. Most of the songs followed the same formula, not really any variation between them. Doing some more research into the band, seems like theyre only really known for one song, a 17min track sharing the same title as the album. And whereas that track is good fun, it doesnt excuse the rest of the album being so dull.

26/08/2022 Iron Butterfly – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 2/5 God Bless the Simpsons and their impact on culture. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a great song (or at least its main part, we will talk later about the crazy and unnecessary 17 minutes various solos) and that church scene (in the S07 E04) uses it perfectly. This album, however, except that extract, is not very remarkable in my opinion. Not a big fan of acid rock, and I would firstly choose to listen to The Doors before Iron Butterfly a thousand times. Those minutes of the main part of the eponymous song are the only salvageable thing. The rest of the songs are very similar to each other, and quite generic. Probably someone has done the same thing, but better. Most Anything you Want – 2.5/5 An interesting instrumentation in this kind of generic song. I really like combo the guitar and the organ create. Flowers and Beads – 1.5/5 This song is lacking strength and sentiment. It sounds a bit like the musicians were recorded with a gun on their heads. A lackluster Beach Boys song. My Mirage – 1.5/5 The organ here sounds so weak and on the background that becomes quite annoying. Probably a production’s fault. Termination – 2/5 If Flowers and Beads was close to the Beach Boys, this sounds a bit like a poor The Beatles song, mostly how the voices are composed. Poor on composition and production. Are You Happy – 2/5 Another song that sounds like it needs more energy, mostly the singer. Meh. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida – 2.5/5 As said before, the highlight of the album. Those initial and final minutes, where the song is accompanied by the singer, are great. Maybe is the Simpsons scene influence, but it remains me of a mass hymn with a hellish touch. This is overshadowed, however, with a highly unnecessary chain of solos that could have been totally skippable. A pity.

So the song “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” was played fairly frequently when I was in middle-school & high-school – though most of the time it was the shortened radio edit version, but WMMS did play the full and live versions fairly often… Didn’t mind it, but wasn’t in love with it either, but had never listened to the whole album before… As a prog guy, I have to say that I like what they were trying to do circa 1968, so I have no issue there – but the execution seems a bit lacking… All of the songs were serviceable with the exception of “Flowers & Beads” – which sticks out like a sore thumb, and sorta sounds like it was a commercial attempt to sound like the standard hippie-fare of the day, in order to draw some additional fans… Anyways, it’s clearly the worst song on the album… Additionally, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is the best song on the album, but there is a little asterisk next to it – but we’ll get to that in a moment… My biggest takeaway from listening to this album, was just how poorly it was recorded – as it sounds like it was recorded for AM radio, as it is very tinny, with almost no low-end – or deep bass and drums component… Have to say that really took a lot away from the compositions… Hopefully they corrected that sound live, but it was absolutely dreadful on the album… As for the song itself – clearly the first few minutes is basically the best part, and perhaps a bit at the end, but why you’d add a 6-minute drum solo in the middle is beyond me – and I’m a drummer… Pretty sure that’s why the radio edit took all that out, to make it much more palatable… Anyways, I was really hoping that I’d like this album as I love the direction they were trying to head, however, so many variables just held it back – with the audio quality and weak lyrics being the prime culprits… I’ll give it 2 for ambition, but that’s about it…

His voice is weird. Feels like nickelback cringe + elvis. I'm feeling annoyed. The guitar / rhythm is good though. one star

Amazing

Contains one of the best songs of all time

Listo

EXCELENTE (EL DE LOS SIMPSONS EN EL PIANO DE LA IGLESIA)

the best

Una de las canciones más estúpidas de todos los tiempos. Y por lo mismo, una de las más memorables. En el mismo lugar de por decir, Thong Song, El Gato Volador y cosas por el estilo. El potencial creativo de la estupidez es algo que ya no se ve ni se nota en estos tiempos obsesionados con la perfección digital. Gran canción, favor de escuchar la versión completa. El resto del álbum es basura, francamente pero es mi basura.

Clasdic

Doors-esque psych-rock. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a sleazy, slinky classic.

Fucking epic

that was a really cool album, fun old school rock with some proggy elements 10/10 I also really like the Bongo Rock cover

ok hippies weren’t totally a mistake

The person frct album. The pioneer of most of Rock songs

nice. listen more

100 % one of the best bring backs I've ever heard

I’m a sucker for rock organs of the 60s and this is one of the best. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is one of the most epic rock organ songs ever created. A masterpiece I’m glad to hear again in its entirety for the first time in decades.

baita som psicodelia sessentista, tecladinho frenético

NO SKIP

Fuckin awesome

Brings back lots of memories. Get Out of My Life, Woman being an all time favorite song of mine.

Saw them in Flint Michigan in 1988

Classic!!

FUCK YES

blues rock? acid rock? psychedelic rock? blue, yellow, pink, whatever man, just keep bringing me that!

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida track is very nice!

Prog classics! And, what romantics, surprisingly! Thought I was going to be in for endless organ solos, but the songs were short and complex. Loved it.

cool

Long, self-indulgent psychedelic rock may not be for everyone, but I'm all about it.

Just awesome. I remember having an Uncle play this album for me. This is high quality psychedelic rock. Obviously the title track is the main draw but the rest of the tunes are solid as well.

I love listening to people who were born to play metal but metal didn't exist yet, it feels like seeing someone wearing a jacket that's really cool but it's so tight it restricts their movement

Cool vibes and great sound. Shorter album but really love the 60s rock era.

Love it!! Songs of my youth!

I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. It was the perfect album to just vibe to. The 17 minute long title track was surprisingly bearable and the other tracks weren't bad either. All around this album was a good time.

Way better than I thought it would be

Sounded like a psychedelic Neal diamond. Great final track.

slaps

Curto muito essa sonoridade. Especialmente o som do baixo

4 starts for the 17 minutes of the title track

Should I spin a 17 min song next time we juke?

Acid rock, psychedelic rock.1968.

Even with this high a score, slightly underwhelming given my love of witchy or occult sounds. The real game changer is the epic title track.

Underrated band!!

Me gustó, pero no estoy seguro si lo volvería a escuchar, probablemente la última canción larguísima le dé otra escucha porque me gustó que está vertiginosa. Las 2 que elijo para canciones que más disfruté en son: Termination, es concisa y la guitarra tiene un sonidito cómico a ratos yIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, según el spotify está canción fue de las que hicieron viables las canciones de larga duración en la radio y no sé si eso es de celebrarse o no, porque igual ya ni escucho radio, y no sé si duró mucho esa tendencia o cuanto habrá pegado, pero respect por poner una canción tan larga en el mainstream, veo porque, a pesar de su duración, podría tener engaged a la audiencia 17 minutos.

A three star album made four stars with the epic final track

Quite enjoyed actually, not as heavy as I thought it would be

In a Gadda da Vida has got the title track, which is a 17 min epic. Really hits hard, great riffs and just and awesome bass and organ underlay. Big big fan of this track. The rest of the album is just like the doors which is not a bad thing. But final track is just epic.

album of 1 song, but a classic one

Everyone's talking about the title track, but I think the other tracks are also amazing. Everyone gets their shine. The organ is so surreal and I'm so glad it plays at least some major lead in most of the songs. The bass and drums get their epic moments, but when they all come together like the intro of "My Mirage", it's perfect harmony. "Flowers and Beads" has strong baroque pop tied with The Doors influence. "Termination" is the outlier in music direction and subject material, due to it not being written by Ingle, which I feel is the weakest but does have its strong points, and I like the chimes ending. But holy shit the title track. From the organ intro to the vocals to the bass solo followed by the organ intrusion. Then in a moment's silence around 3:20 you hear the guitar but the other instruments fight back for control (including the energetic bass), but at that point it's too late and you can hear the guitar proud in the background until the bass goes crazy again. Silence again around 6:20 but hold up, now the drum wants to dance around you. Around 9:00 we take an occult turn, and it really feels like a satanic ritual with the drums all over the place and the unsettling organ. Starts to feel schizophrenic around the 10:50 mark before the organ takes you for another ride. But then the bass comes back from vacation to hit you with reality. Some crazy riffs by the bass, and Ingle's guitar finally shines before ending the song with more vocals. And damn does it know how to leave on a high note.

Pretty great. One truly classic song

This is an album. I have it on vinyl and it’s a cool record. Obviously the total track is just a masterpiece. Classic riff - great jamming. Kind of overstays, but the rest makes up for it. I dig the whole guitar centric rock anthem vibe. Just solid 60s rock. Reminds me of the Guess Who.

enjoyed this

I'm usually not a big fan of the early 70s psychadelic rock, but this is a little before that I guess, and I do like that. I really liked "Flowers and Beads". In the title track I keep waiting for rasputin to kick in.

If you don't like 60's Psychedelia, you won't like this. I do like 60's Psych so I love this. Of course the title track is the loss-leader to get you in the door and it's great but my favorite here has always been "My Mirage". It's a banger all around and I'm surprised no hip hop act has ever sampled that riff. It's hot and heavy.

In the garden of eden, baby.

I will always at least enjoy organ, and this brings that instrument and spades. Plus surf licks and just the right amount of cheese. It's far from perfect - saying it's "dated" is probably tired but definitely true - but always fun. The placement in 1001 Albums is absolutely deserved. My rating is a bit generous because it's psych. That final track is a statement, though. And something I can only speculate about the contemporary reaction to: There have been far too many echoes in the ensuing fifty years.

This went better than expected. Very enjoyable, even the 17 minute song.

good band. Could be classificated as phycodelic?

To sie nazywa poleconko, jeden z praszczurow hardego rokowania jak sie slyszy, drugi studyjny album Iron Butterfly, czyli czteroosobowej formacji rodem z hameryki, kalifornia, dawno nie bylo tak kompaktowego albumu do odsluchu, 6 trakow na 36 minut, przy czym pierwsze 5 tworza jednego sajda winylkowego, natomiast tytulowy In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida to 17 minutowy epik, dla ktorego przedwszystkim warto przesluchac ten album, o ile pierwsza strona brzmi jak wiekszosc psychodelicznego roka z tamtego okresu, specyficzny wokal, bakujace wokale na harmoniach, tematycznie milosc dzieci kwiatow i wszytko co przyjemne, brzmienie w ktorym pierwsze skrzypce graja organy pana Douga Ingle, ktory byl takze glownym wokalem, teksciarzem i kompozytorem kawalkow, wiec lider czlowiek liderujacy bandzie, dopiero druga strona jak dla mnie zrobila odsluch, 17 minutowy monster tematycznie nadal opowiadajacy o milosci tym razem z motywami biblijnymi, jak tytul wskazuje mowa o edenie dzikich wezach, jablkach i wygnaniach, chociaz sam tekst zawiera sie w pierwszych i ostatnich dwoch minutach, pozostale 13 to jest doslowne jamowanie, bo orginalny trak mial sie konczyc w okolicach 2 minut, a chlopaki sobie graly ktos kliknal rekorda i tak zjamowali 17 minutowy traczek, ktory stal sie ich najlepiej sprzedanym songiem i ktory znaczaco wplynal na rozwoj hardego rocka, a nawet metalu, bo zarowno na materialach deep purple, jak i czornego sabata slychac ich influencje, glownie jesli chodzi o ostre gitarkowe riffowanie, ale jak dla mnie najlepszym momentem kawalka jest drumowa solowka pana Rona Bushiego miedzy 6:30 do 9:00, ale caly trak jest tak rowny, ze nawet linie melodyczna basisty musialbym pochwalic za takie trzymanie sie gitarki prowadzacej w pierwszej czesci, do tego dochodza organy rodem z zaboru zielonoswiatkowcow i traczek o rajskim ogrodzie jak znalazl, przypadek jak zawsze najlepszym przewodnikiem, jako ze material sie sprzedal, to trzeba bylo stworzyc z tego singla i udalo sie go skrocic do ponizej trzech minut, ale jak dla mnie brakuje mu juz tej szorstkosci, nawet wokale brzmia inaczej, o solowkach nie ma co marzyc, jedynie pozostaja charakterystyczne ostre jak na tamte czasy elektrykowe riffy, na plejke leci b sajd, a z pierwszej strony termnation najbardziej psychodeliczne granie calej plyty, jesli chodzi o liryke, bo co moze byc bardziej psychodelicznego niz zakonczenie zywota

Swingende psychedelische hard-rock. Onbekend voor mij tot hier toe. De titelsong zit goed ineen. Van de drumsolo, het kerkorgelstukje, de gitaarriff.

Psychedelic! Parallel to Jefferson Airplane, but a bit more aggro.

Its getting four stars for that one song alone.

I could listen to the title track all day. Not just because it was sampled on one of my favourite nas albums either. Pop music doesn't have enough church organ solos.

Short and sweet. I knew of the title track but hadn't ever heard the extended instrumental before, but liked it.

Jai aime l’alb7m mais certaines chansons etaient un peu toi much pour moi. ceoendant le son et le style de tout l’album est. Raiment mon style.une deuxîeme ecoute serait bine pour moi. 4.

The rest of this album is pretty tight, but "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" goes so hard to this day. That song is epic!

A monster of an album. Iconic psychedelic rock

Wowa-Whata-Greata-Albuma

Príma psychadelic rokk.

first listen great stuff, but very short album originally missed this album somehow, I've listened to it now just before #415 Van Halen self titled

Some cliches live up to the reputation, don't they, and I suppose IB was one of the reasons the ‘60s were the ‘60s? This could provide the soundtrack to any number of films from that decade. It’s heavy-heavy, with a bit more organ than ideal, and too sprawling, generally. (Infinite Jest might be the In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida of contemporary novels.) But the songs are surprisingly layered and varied. If you’re up for (maybe I mean down for) the heaviness, it’s a solid listen throughout, even intermittently tuneful and sweet. Not terrible for being terribly cliched, in other words. It would be cool to hear some contemporary groups cover these songs, but current acolytes seem thin on the ground. Still, it’s easy to see how they might have become Pink Floyd. “Flowers and beads are one thing" -- truer words have never been spoken. A for effort – meaning 3.6 for 4.

This is one of the milestones I've been waiting for since I started this journey. This is the first album that I get to listen to on vinyl instead of Spotify. My pre-relisten review is that it has a unmemorable A-side but the titular 17 minute B-side is a classic Psychedelic-Rock track that is fun to get super high and just jam out to. I think I will give it a 4/5. Now for the relisten review. "Flowers and Beads" is better than I remembered and feels like it should be on a Peter Quill Awesome Mix. As for the rest of the front side "Most Anything You Want" is also a good track, but as predicted the rest falls flat. I could have done with a little less electric organ or at least slightly lower in the mix at times. The titular track is pretty much exactly how I remember it a groovy psych track with a great drum interlude around the 7 minute mark. The only detracting part is the strange elephant type of noise. I normally am against long songs, but this is how you do a long song right. It holds your attention the entire way through. The album as a whole held up to my expectations and I stand by my 4/5.