Reviews (page 7 of 8)
well that was a throwback
I probably don't need to listen to this again. But Christian may have biased my opinion with his outright hatred for this album.
Iron Butterfly faff about, puffed with air, gawping at pretty colours. On the last song, they figure out a decent riff, and sing and prance around it with all the vim of a waffle.
Enjoyed the occasional bass embellishments here and that. Overall a bit dry. Also the song titles are weird - I can’t tell if it’s giving hippie concept album vibes or just dumb.
I was broken from my writing stupor by some extremely tasty guitar licks. Unfortunately, that signalled the end of the album, the rest having entirely failed to permeate through the filter erected by my trancelike state. Despite being 6 minutes into the final song, it still had plenty of time left to introduce some funky percussion and choral organ moments returning to its main theme in almost the roundaboutest way possible. This final song, accounting for a whopping 47.4% of the total playtime of the album is a self indulgent one-hit wonder of psychedelic rock, blues, demonic licks and angelic organ passages that surprisingly did not bore me despite the length. Excellent if you ignore the terrible lyrics and cringey singing. Album rating: 2/5 Song rating: 4/5 OK update I just listened to the song again and I don't know what I was on yesterday but it is not what I cooked it up to be. Still a listenable song but too drawn out, aimless, and random. The song drops to a 3.
Wait a minute, this sounds like rock and/or roll!
Couldn't find the album off the bat only the titular single. The single sounded one way but the album gives a very different impression, particularly Flowers and Beads.
Forgot that there was more than one song on this album. Now I remember why
Pretty wacky album
Psychedelia. Good. Delightful. Not great while hungover 😂😂. My mirage is funnn.
I feel like this will be disrespectful to a very important album, honestly this is like a doors cover band on acid. There are som3 moments on side A that are good but it’s all overshadow by the title track which very good but in a word unnecessary. 17 mins for what? A bad drum solo? Its the first time on the album the anything but the organ drive it. I’m giving 3 stars cause it’s fine. But if you like this, just listen to the doors instead 5.7/10
Yeah, this was alright. Slow, melodic, meandering. I prefer music that goes somewhere or tells a story to some degree.
Ok moody
very awesome and epic sounding very short though except for the 17 minute song (which is still good for being so long, but is also just very long)
Iron Butterfly hits some good riffs but they don't seem to understand that less is more. The vocals and lyrics are distracting. The majority of the LP sounds like a joint venture between Herman's Hermits and King Crimson.
From simpler times.
I only ever knew these guys from a Simpsons episode. I quite enjoyed some of the songs, very 1968 in their way. The extended final cut was a little too much rock organ and killer riffs.
Nice basswork and some good grooves. This could’ve been left for the 1001 songs book though, if anything
Det var nice! Bäst var kärlekslåtarna
The title track made me vibe. I liked it, mostly for the title track.
So of it's time. Weird rock mix of Bowie and The Beatles. 6 songs and only 36 minutes - thank God!
Alright
Tunes that sort of straddle the line between jam and song, and as such it often sounds like noodling. At least it was all well performed, regardless of its uncertain direction, and the title track is still a classic.
I thought this was aggressively mediocre. But hey, I can say I've heard this album now!
A record with a surprising degree of pop touches and only moments (or, to be precise, 17:04) of total heavyosity. Otherwise, there's a fair amount of lightness and here and there a flowery tunefulness. More organ than really necessary, only some of it Manzarek-y, but the heavy application suits, one supposes, the reaching for the mystical, which seems to eludes IB's grasp, alas. It seems equally possible that they could have morphed into Pink Floyd or devolved to be a lounge act, for 21st-century ears can hear significant doses of both in this landmark-y, borderline-cliched effort. Rounding up for effort and earnestness and being considerably more tolerable than the reputation suggested.
Classic 60s sound. Not my thing.
David Bowie vibes a bit
Never heard of this band or album before. I don't think I will. Not a fan.
Some good rock and/or roll
This was pretty cool. I liked it. Short album, long song at the end. I definitely have never minded long songs at all. I love them, so of course I liked this. Groovy psychedelic rock. Sounds good.
Not much more to be said about the iconic title track which, it could be argued, was the kick off of a whole new genre. It's rediculously self-indulgent, way too long and is one of the great stoner anthems of the 60s. The rest of the album keeps the fuzzy guitar psychedelic vibe going strong. Of course nothing else measures up to In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida and it's not like I'm going to ever listen to it again, so.....3.5 stars
Wasn’t keen to start with but after the first couple of songs it got better. Title track was a meandering delight.
Those elephant noises lol
Listened Before? N Everyone has heard the title track, I believe... Or at least some of it. I really don't mind the song but I don't know why it's 17 minutes long. That being said it's definitely the best thing on this album. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Wasn’t super feeling the first 2 songs but absolutely loved the rest of the album!!
Bart Simpson and the First Church of Springfield rates it well.
Album 132 of 1001 Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Rating : 3/ 5 Favorite Track : In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida I can see why the title track might be on a "songs you must hear" list, but not so sure about the album. It was enjoyable, but only the 2nd side is something to write home about. Nevertheless, it wasn't a bad album.
8th August 2023 Listened a day late still catching up. Same as yesterday, thought I would be another prog rock struggle but it was groovy and emotional. Plus it helps that the 17 minute epic on side 2 was the garden of Eden song from the simpsons. 3.5 if I could.
Grab a blunt and enjoy
basic rock here, nothing really special or memorable
I've had quite a few Psychedelic Pop and Rock records pop up on here, but this is the first acid rock album I've gotten. Nevertheless, this is a good album. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a classic record that is only known for its titular song which is about half the length of a modern Swans song. But before that song, I'll mention the other tracks. They are pretty good. I will say that none of them are as good as the titular track but I don't think they're bad. The first 5 tracks are nice psychedelic and acid rock tracks. I think the best of these 5 are Most Anything You Want and Are You Happy, the former being a nice blend of softer psychedelic rock and harder acid rock and the latter because it is a true acid rock banger. Then you have the titular track, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, a true acid rock classic. This 17-minute long song is iconic, even though that's because of the way shorter radio edit. That version has the first two verses and choruses, the first part of the solo, and the last verse and chorus. The lyrics, though simple, are iconic. The heavier, acid rock riffs are outstanding. No wonder this song is a classic when the riff sounds so good. However, it's the full solo that I think steals the show. It starts off with an acid rock-induced guitar solo before slowing down into a long drum break. This drum break is sort of ominous as it takes up a long time and it keeps getting faster. Eventually, the organ (I don't have anywhere else to talk about this so I'll just discuss it here: the organ parts are great; it's not something I was expecting and doesn't always shine but I'm not complaining about it, or at least not in the titular track; so yeah, pretty good use of the organ) shows up adding a greater sense of something ominous to this drum break before devolving into another guitar solo. This solo is pretty short, going into another drum break, filled with a groovy bassline and shrieking guitar and organ noises. After this, the song moves back into the verses and chorus from the intro, and the solo is finished. This solo is great. It's so dynamic and interesting, keeping you on your toes at all times wondering what happens next. This is what makes this album iconic. I do feel as though this song was too much for the album. What I mean is, it kind of doesn't fit with the rest of the album. Now, this song is iconic. But when listened to in whole, it's way too grand compared to the rest of this album in my opinion and it kind of doesn't fit. Either way, it's amazing and even if it doesn't fit, it's still great. This whole album really is great. With the first 5 tracks and the amazing titular track, it really is fantastic. I am thinking that an 8/10 would fit this album the best.
Des psychédéliqueries sans grand intérêt si tu veux que je te donne un avis objectif mon bon Robert. J'ai d'ailleurs prévu de passer prendre un café chez toi en début d'après-midi.
A part ramener sa fraise pour dire que le titre eponyme de cet album a été samplé pour l'énorme tube Hip Hop is Dead de Nas, cet album ne servait pas à grand chose pour ne pas dire à rien.
Sounds ahead of its time, I liked it. Only knew about it from the Simpsons scene before. BT - In a Gadda Da Vida - Most Anything You Want - Flowers and Beads - Are You Happy
The organ was really cool. They kinda reminded me of The Doors but a little heavier.
Bit boring
Good solid funky rock and roll album! Bloody enjoyable! Listened to it a few times as I wasn’t sure but there’s hints of Zeppelin, Doors and many more!
If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this was a fake band in some square’s interpretation of what acid rock sounds like, like the band playing in the background of a hippie freak out episode of Dragnet or something. Actually, I know there is an episode of Dragnet like that and I’m going to check it out in case that music is better than this. Giving this an extra star for the drum solo.
The only reason In-A-Gadda-Da-Vidda got any airplay was because DJ's wanted a long song to play while they needed to use the restroom or nail groupies. That being said, I'd find this passable if I was stoned.
In a gadda is a classic. The rest of the album is better than I remembered. But still not great.
ok, my instant reaction was this is the kind of whacky stuff that many of us first heard on all those soundtracks of vietnam war era Hollywood films that came flooding out in the 1980s - way out psychadelic road rock. I got into those for a while, but I dont recall ever hearing of this. We are in woodstock territory here. Not sure when I will next be in the mood for that... Or how this is different or better than the ones that were successful- sound very similar. If "in-a-gadda-da-vida" is meant to sound like siganture anthem - the noodling is fun and familiar vbluesy, but then its a bit overdone and verges on rock opera.... oh my.
During the first long COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, there was nothing I enjoyed more on those autumn late afternoons than to head into the prison backyard & play In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida so loud it might annoy the nearby inmates. I’m sure this was a throwback to my teens, because once I owned this album, I would torture my parents with it. I know Ron Bushy was no John Bonham (this came out a good 18 months before I would hear Moby Dick), but I knew his drumming on the title track off by heart. And now, because of The Simpsons’ episode Bart Sells His Soul(1995), I get to share that track with my kids. From the album’s opening track, Most Anything You Want, it’s obvious that organist Doug Ingle has been listening to fellow Californians The Doors. That track particularly references Ray Manzarek’s playing on Light My Fire(1967). I particularly like the closer on Side 1, Are You Happy, but I have to be honest, for over 50 years now, I usually only play Side 2, the 17-minute title track. It’s still silly & I still love it.
Stephen Erlewine at allmusic.com (https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-a-gadda-da-vida-mw0000177147) wrote this very astute review: "With its endless, droning minor-key riff and mumbled vocals, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is arguably the most notorious song of the acid rock era. According to legend, the group was so stoned when they recorded the track that they could neither pronounce the title "In the Garden of Eden" or end the track, so it rambles on for a full 17 minutes, which to some listeners sounds like eternity. But that's the essence of its appeal — it's the epitome of heavy psychedelic excess, encapsulating the most indulgent tendencies of the era. Iron Butterfly never matched the warped excesses of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," either on their debut album of the same name or the rest of their catalog, yet they occasionally made some enjoyable fuzz guitar-driven psychedelia that works as a period piece. The five tracks that share space with their magnum opus on In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida qualify as good artifacts, and the entire record still stands as the group's definitive album, especially since this is the only place the full-length title track is available." I lived in a share house on Shepherd St in the early 90s where side 2 (the 17 minute title track) was played a lot. We never spun side 1, and listening to it today, I remember why. It is boring and unremarkable guff. But the song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is really great. I mean, it is a rambling repetitive drone of a song with a 2.5 minute drum solo in the middle, but, if you can stomach the self-indulgent psychedelic noodling of it all, it really is best in class. it is more listenable than, say, Pink Floyd's Interstellar Overdrive and certainly better than anything ever by the Grateful Dead. So, the songs on side 1 are struggling to even make two stars for me, but I really love the title track. Three stars, on balance. The title track does turn up as cultural reference occasionally, most notably in the Simpsons episode where Bart switches out the church sheet music with "In the Garden of Eden" by I. Ron Butterfly. The organist struggles through the whole 17 minutes before collapsing with exhaustion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulDC1w1ydLI). The strangest cover, though, must be its appearance in the Resident's deeply disturbing medley of deconstructed 60s hits (https://youtu.be/lPCoM1Kcf_o?t=787). Try it, I dare ya.
I'd definitely heard In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida before, many times, and over the years I've come to understand and appreciate its influence on so many bands (and, really, whole genres) contemporary to its release and subsequent to it. It's a ponderous and heavy song and it to me feels so very much like a product of its time, place, and culture (not at all meant as a criticism). I'm listening to that track again right now as I write this. It's really interesting to pick up sounds that I know so well but not from listening to this specific track; instead, they're sounds, techniques, and ideas that I've heard in many contexts since. The rest of the album is fine, a bit more anachronistic to my ears than the title track, but these songs still display what this band was about at the time and what they liked to do. Overall, pretty good stuff here, and, of course, the title track is understandably on a pedestal.
60s drug-fueled noodling
Somehow sounding like a Doors, Hendrix, Kinks and Beatles cover band all at the same time.
would you adam and eve it
3/5 I only liked the title song, and that's because of the emotional ties I have to it. It was just kinda more of the same of that era.
I actually misread the artist name for this one, was kind of excited and then really kind of confused as to why Bruce Dickinson's voice had changed so much. From that point it was all downhill. A 17 minute track is probably never going to be part of an album I love and this one reinforced that. Psychedelic rock without the charm for me. Won't revisit.
Sounds fine.
I'll give it a 4 because it is a classic but it is a bit repetitive.
Boring
I know it's old but this one seemed a bit dated to me.
Short not so sweet
Fine at the start. Got worse.
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
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!
Groovy
3 stars for being a decent rock album, plus 1 having the best song for DJs to play when they needed to have a shit.
One classic rock anthem….the rest is ok, I guess. 3/5
One great song. 3/5
Solid if mostly unexceptional acid rock. I like the title track a lot and don't mind the length on principle, but it does drag some in the middle. Best song: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
I don't get it. Supposed to be one of the greatest rock ballads of all time?
Its ok
baita som psicodelia sessentista, tecladinho frenético
This was disappointing. It's like a watered down version of the Doors (and I don't even really like the Doors all that much). An-a-gadda has that cool lick, but otherwise, it ain't much of a song. I remember thinking it was cool growing up because someone said that it was really supposed to be "In the Garden of Eden" but he was so drunk when they recorded it that he couldn't say it correctly. BUT - he annunciates every other word it the song with no problem, so I assume that was BS.
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.
I remember back in my church-going days there was a congregant who would often sing solos during services. It wasn’t that they sang off-key or anything, but there was something in the tone/timbre of there voice that was a bit off-putting (so much so that another congregant would have to excuse himself because he felt embarrassed for the soloist). I kind of got that same feeling while listening to the vocalist here, except for track four that was someone else, apparently. Just something sounded odd to me…and not in a good way. For that reason, I really couldn’t get into this one.
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.
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.
Along with the Doors, this has been a very groovy week so far! The first side was okay, but obviously side 2 was the highlight.
i laughed when i saw today's album, but then "in-a-gadda-da-vida" instantly got stuck in my head. the seventeen minute long track is joked about in my family, but the fact is that the song actually slaps. iron butterfly created a masterpiece of progressive and psychedelic rock in this song, and damn if it's not delightful every second of the way. the rest of the album is certainly passable. the other songs are similar in style to the title track, but like other albums with one major hit and nothing else, the rest of the album doesn't live up to expectations. the other songs allow for a flowing listening experience, but they're not noteworthy. i did think a band called iron butterfly creating a song called "flowers and beads" was cute, for what it's worth.
Ah yes, Iron Butterfly...the softer side of Iron Maiden. Just kidding. While I knew of Iron Butterfly, I don't think I'd heard their music before this album. The album itself kind of straddles a space between psychedelic (think Beatles) and acid (think Jimi Hendrix), never fully going in one direction or the other. This album was okay -- I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. It doesn't really do much to hit the 'psychedelic' nor the 'acid' angle for me. For what it's worth, the title track is amazing, but it just doesn't carry the entire album. Fun fact: This album was released on my birthday in 1968 (June 14) and I am listening to it on June 13.
The last song let this down, too long
get this shite off now
Not really may thing. The title track is interesting but I do find it shocking how well this album sold back in the day. 2/5
It’s fine. The title track riff is great, the drum solo is fucking terrible and the organ noodling is annoying. The other songs are fine.
100 % one of the best bring backs I've ever heard
Sounds mostly like generic late 60s music but gets a bump up because the most famous song on here, a 17 minute monstrosity, is shockingly fun
Archetypal late sixties rock, with a prominent organ sound. Don't like it. Like a much inferior Doors - but without the great gunes, poetry or Jim Morrison.
Let's not kid ourselves: the only reason this record is remembered is because of the title track. And boy do I love it when a full side of a record is just one song. 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' is a monster, the riff is instantly recognizable, and the stretched out organ parts create an eerie psychedelic atmosphere. Side A is fine, I guess.
Come for the title track. Stay for the title track.
Gets boring after a few songs
The production on this is wacky, the singer is mid, but that bassist goes off. Giving it a 2. Probably won't ever think about this album again.
Their general schtick's mostly done better by The Doors or The Stranglers, but that title track's an all-timer.
Rock musiikin juuristoa
Aside from the titular track, the album was pretty weak.
This is the kind of thing I usually really like, but I found this a little mids. That last song is sick though.
Märklig mix av blue eyed soul,rock och psykedelia. Har väl inte åldrats så väl men jag är ju en boomer så jag tycker att det är lite trevligt. In-A-Gadda är faktiskt bättre än jag kommer ihåg den från tonåren.
i love “mostly anything you want” so far, thats my favorite
This one was a huge disappointment. Knowing and liking the single edit version of the title track, I was eager to dive into this one. The first five tracks are just too far on the jarring, dissonant side of psychedelic rock for me and lack interesting songwriting. Really bad production absolutely doesn't help either. Then comes the title track and indeed, the familiar beginning is pretty good, despite the much worse than expected production. But then, two thirds of the track are nothing more than filler. Certainly not the worst album on here, but rounded down from 2.5 stars for the disappointment value.
An album just over 30 minutes in length it’s still about 15 too long
The title track is brilliant, but it was the other tracks on the album which I really enjoyed. The bass line in particular cut through the texture and provided a funky accompaniment to the vocal melodies.
B-side was a cool song
Cool
Pretty cool stuff, solid 3.5 (rounded down as per protocol).
Dope.
I listened to it. Don’t remember any of it. Not sure if that’s good or bad.
The incredible bongo band version was far better than what I'm assuming is the original of the title track. Overall pretty bland psychedelic rock, doesn't deserve a 2 but at the same time I don't want to give it a 3. Also, this album just *starts* like I thought spotify started the album in the middle or on shuffle or something. On a second listen I guess it gets a 3
Not bad old school psychy proggy rocko
Ugh exhausting. It is a short album but one song is almost half the album. The songs before the Title song are just meh. The Title song is entirely way too long and everything about it is completely unnecessary. The only reason this album is not getting a 1 is because the Simpsons have a great bit involving the Title song.
Meh, psychedelia mixed with church organs and a guy who can’t sing. Better than Clapton though!
1 star for a boring 17 minute song
Pretty typical sound for that era. Nothing stands out above anything else from then.
Can really appreciate this album and it' s place in the Rock canon. Not heard before, but I immediately like it. Something Arthur Lee like in it's vocal quality. Intricate guitar work. going to hit this with a straight 4. The title song is far too long however. Who needs a drum solo on a non-live album...
Surprisingly not bad. I went in with low expectations but sometimes that’s okay!
Genre: Rock Review: The eponymous track is the standout, but the other songs are pretty good too. A real gem from the early Progressive era. Rating: 8/10
Really solid from start to finish. The last one is a standout but even otherwise, the consistent quality of bass/drums, despite the real lack of variety in the songs, was right up my alley. The influence it had on metal bands is quite clear as well. Lowish 4/5.
Hey it's the one from that simpsons episode! Kind of a boring album though
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Not really Favourite song: didn’t have one
Overall, not very good. I really like the title track on its own but in the context of the album it isn't even worth it to wait for it. This seems like Meddle by Pink Floyd but worse.
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a classic song, but I don’t think this album aged well. The tinny synth sound is wayyyy too present in many songs, and I didn’t think this was a great listen.
It´s very easy listening, but not very exiting.
A well-known 60s album but I did not know it apart from the title song, which must have been a giveaway for the Incredible Bongo Band. The title song is based on a great riff and I can see that this album works in certain settings. But this album represents all the bad elements of 60s popular music. It is an exercise in ugliness.
Glad this was a short one. The music sounded okay-ish, but also extremely outdated. However, what really ruined it for me were the incredibly stupid lyrics.
One golden riff does not compensate for the overly long title song and unremarkable remainder.
It's a very disappointing Side A leading into the hippy/stoner/jam anthem Side B
Decent psychadelic rock. Not much more to say, nothing I haven't heard before. Good jams, gets a bit long and lyrics are lacking at times but just OK all around. Last song is by far the best, and despite its much larger length compared to the rest of the project, is most memorable and most packed with interesting ideas and overall fantastic melodies. Brings the whole project up, but I can't go higher than 2 to 2.5 for the whole.
Как-то музыкально ничего не могу отметить, послушал и послушал. Ремастер абсолютно не впечатлил, всё ещё жуткое стерео, которое иногда неплохо так смещается по панораме местами прикольные текстуры ритмические, но не более
Удивительно, но если слушать радио версию заглавного трека, то он очень крутой. А если слушать альбом, то сходишь с ума))))
У-жас-но. Я очень хочу, чтобы альбомы 60х-70х поскорее кончились, потому что я скоро получу глухоту на одно ухо, сто процентов. Трек на 17 минут не понят. Иногда звучит прилично, как минимум вокалист в ноты попадает. Но нет, стерео меня убивает.
Я перед последним треком: ну не оч вкусно, но пролетело быстро, значит не надоело, в целом можно и на 3 замахнуться. Последний трек не оставил выбора. Но все таки не 1, потому что ну это не отвратительно
Hmph. wiry. not into it.
Trendy 60s psychedelic snooze fest
Not my kind of sound.
ok i mean in-a-gadda-da-vida is an all time track in its own right but it does ALLLLL of the heavy lifting on this album, everything else feels like filler building up to it. that being said the title song is good enough on its own to warrant a solid rating, but everything else is very mid in comparison.
Interesting sound! Sounds like a sloppy Elvis singing in an Animals track list, with an early metal twang in one ear from the guitar
Surprisingly entertaining psychodelic album that has elements of both directions such as Beatles but also Hard Rock/Metal. Biggest shine was the 15 minute closing epic
Genres: Acid rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock Formed: San Diego, California, in 1966 Run time: 6 songs, 36 min 10 sec There are similarities between Iron Butterfly and The Doors, including the use of an organ. Both groups started about the same time and followed a similar musical path (and drugs?). Considering how many people came and went in the bands first two years, it’s amazing that (barring a couple of breaks) they still around today. Their members have remained fluid throughout their history. The tracks: "Most Anything You Want" “"Flowers and Beads"” aren’t at all acid/psychedelic. In fact, they are quite bland, easy listening, if anything it’s pop. Tracks "My Mirage" and "Termination" could have been influenced by some mushrooms (nothing stronger). Then final track on side A, “Are You Happy” is a bit more Rock than the other songs. Side B consists of one epic track “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”. This track undoubtedly is where the label acid rock originates. The track is very cool and reminiscent of the psychedelic scene at that time. I’ve never heard of the group, but I recognised the title track “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” (which is over 15 minutes long). The single version was edited down to just under 3 minutes and proved to be a commercial success. My Rating: ***
really boring. did not age well.
J'ai pas trop écouté mais c'était un bruit pénible en fond
les doors et les beach boys crossover undercover je pense
When I think of Iron Butterfly, I think of Iron Maiden and this is definitely not that. This album has 6 songs and sounds like The Doors. Flowers & Beads was a good groove. Otherwise, I didn't make a strong connection to any of the songs, including the final 17 minute self-titled track. It sounds like The Doors, and I don't like The Doors.
When you have an album where one song takes up a whole side, you better make sure the other songs on the other side are as good. Rush did that pretty well with Hemispheres & 2112. Yes did it well with Close To The Edge & Relayer. This band? Not so much. Most people come to listen that sidelong track, but the other stuff is 60s psychedelic pap. It just doesn't hold together well. And when half of your album doesn't work that does not bode well.
The title track/side two is epic (drum solo and organ solo). So epic, in fact, that this album sold over 30 million copies. I say that because no one could have been buying it for side one, unless they were looking for a little Doors knock off (Most Anything You Want) or imitation of the overall psychedelic sound. Side one is alright, but not as good as the one song on side two, which admittedly is probably longer than it needs to be.
One good (and bad) thing about the 60s is that there weren’t a lot of rules in place yet when it came to rock music. This band definitely took advantage of that with the title track taking up the whole of side two. I enjoyed this album more than I though I would but I did come in with low expectations. The 5 songs on side one weren’t bad but weren’t very memorable either. The playing was good. Side two had some rocking moments but the noodling would have been more impressive if the musicians were just a little better at their instruments. A 3 star album but I can understand why I had to hear this.
A good pyschedelic rock album with a classic song on it - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, the 17-minute long acid rock classic.
Enjoyable
Not my thing at all but I get it. It’s fine. One thing I have never realised is that it’s not ‘in the garden of Eden baby’ that they’re signing and that has blown my mind.
Iron Butterfly found one very good riff and groove. I'm not sure if there's anything else here worth sticking around for, though.
I saw a version of Iron Butterfly at a Dutch rock festival in 2004. It had 50% of the 'classic' lineup on the boards - by which is meant the dudes that recorded this album. They were good! Anyway, I own a copy of this because anyone who has ever picked up an electric guitar or tried to murder a blind woman loves the riff from the title track. The rest is pretty turgid, bog-standard heavy psych. I really don't listen to it much, and revisiting for this app kinda confirmed why.
Solid classic.
3-4
Perfect representation of 60s psychedelic rock. Distorted guitars, heavy bass, booming drums, and of course the organ. The highlight of the album is the epic14 minute long title track. Overall a good album
It feels like they haven't quite figured out what genre they want to play so they try to be a bit punk and a bit Rock and Roll but they are not quite ready to let go of their love of pop. The main vocals sound a bit like a mix between Cher and David Bowie and the backup vocals sound like they are going for a the Byrds vibe.
It is a rather strange album, but I must admit, that I did like the vibe. 6/10
I like it. High 3.
I like this era of music. The album is good, but nothing special about it. I take it back. It's a really good album. (full stop). Nice drum solo on the side B. 3.5
A nice half an hour of psychedelic noodling. Sounds like they took the tab at the start and after 15 mins it kicked in. They mostly nip out for a cup of tea at about 25 mins before coming back in and finishing the job in the last 5.
Obviously heard the single before but hadn’t listened to anything else by this band. They are good but not necessarily my cup of tea
I get it. Kinda fun at times. Glad I know it. Not really my cup of tea, but appreciated. 3 stars
The title track is a classic. Way, way, way too long but it gets stuck in your head. The rest sucked. It gets a 2 rather than a 1 just because of the title track.
Iron butterfly- So 60’s! Reminds me of the “listen to the flower people” scene in spinal tap. The mix is kinda harsh at points. Love the yarly, grungy, meets Tom jonesyness of the dudes voice. I had this cd as a kid and was very impressed at a 17 min song lol. Still pretty cool tune but could probably have been like 11 minutes.
Very organ heavy. The drums are cool on terminator. This was maybe really awesome in 1968. Ina gadda is a good riff. Idk. 3?
Not for me.
Well, the album is dominated by its title track, so I guess I'll stick to mostly reviewing that (especially since the other tracks have similar sounds). Wow, great track. I mean, like the rest of the world, I've of course always known it, but sitting down to evaluate it, wow, great track. I love the way the song unfolds into a solid jam sesh. I ended up reading about the history of the song, and that's damn cool, too!
Only the title track is worth knowing.
It was ok.
Okay
Interesting for it's time, outdated now
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.
Rock guitarrero, psicodélico, muy de los años 60-70, un tanto experimental. Algún tema ya muy conocido. Me ha faltado conectar un poco más con el estilo
nice. listen more
I actually liked this one! Sounds like a mix of the Doors and the Moody Blues. Late 60s heavy psychedelia with cool proggy keyboards
A slight surprise in that I'd never heard of it, yet it had sold so many copies - though in the USA. When it came to it I knew the signature song, of course, which is fun and prog. Sort of enjoyed it but wouldn't really go back to it.
Way past its expiration date, and often bettered. However, the title track? It’s awesome!
Has some good stuff, is short and half is one song
Why would butterfly be made of iron
Du bon rock progressif, mais évidemment le highlight de l'album est la chanson éponyme
This album its been saved by the last song.
PREFS : Most Anything You Like, Flowers and Beads, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida MOINS PREF : My Mirage
Surprisingly good!
Had to turn off my track 3. Crap version of the Doors/Kinks.
meh
IN A GADDA DA VIDA, HONEY
Kinda fun
Zo'n 60s band waarbij de bassist eigenlijk liever een solo gitarist wilde worden, maar als zo gemakkelijker aan de bak kon. Zo zonde dat die prutser met zijn eindeloze gepriegel al die best aardige nummers helemaal verknald.
De titeltrack kende ik wel. Erg cool! Verder vond ik het niet zo boeiend.
Weet niet zo goed wat ik hier nou mee moet. 2x geluisterd, maar 2x is er eigenlijk niet zoveel van blijven hangen. Maar het klonk ook weer niet vervelend ofzo. Voor de vorm geef ik ze het voordeel van de twijfel.
Dit was weer zoiets dat ik heel hard draaide, maar toch niet hoorde. Alleen de drumsolo ergens aan het einde viel me op.
Begyndelsen af psykedelisk rock, lidt outdated, laaaangt titelnummer
This album was a cool first listen and it had some interesting moments, but I don’t find myself coming back to any of the tracks at all really. Each song has something to offer but most of them lost me at some point. I think this comes down to my personal taste because I can see that there really isn’t anything wrong with any of the songs, this just isn’t what I typically listen to.
3.7 - Some righteous organ work throughout, and an all-around solid example of psychedelia steeped in 1968 California. I imagine these guys rubbed shoulders with rock royalty like the Doors and Janis Joplin, frequenting the same bookstores, scoring LSD from the same dealers...The title track is a little sleepier and stonier than I remember.
Fluff, the garden of Eden song goes on way too long, prolly enjoyable if on a shit load of acid
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida as well as other songs
I came here for a good time and I had a good time so I guess I can't dip lower than a 3, but I'd be lying if I said I really "get" why this album made the list. Yes I've heard the title track sampled a million times, and heard it pop up in a million movies. Not sure if that alone qualifies it or not. I guess it deserves some credit for inventing the "20 minute long rock and roll song" that became so huge in the 70s with bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Also: I wish I had gotten a more METAL album for album #666, but that was the role of the dice.
Side one sounds like generic Grass Roots-style 60s rock, though Are You Happy does have more notable psychedelic flourishes. Then there's side 2, which is good if you like drum solos. The most shocking thing about this album is that this band still tours, though the oldest current member joined in 1995.
this is kind of a vibe while i'm a little stoned doing work from home i am halfway through the title track and this is lowkey sick loved it
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a great song with a fun drum solo part hut the other songs aren’t very strong on the album.
The person frct album. The pioneer of most of Rock songs
Can see why it’s on the list, just nothing special for me
Close to being a solid listen but still a misfire. Attempts to be radio-friendly Beatles on the first half while aping Cream and the like in the second, resulting in a weird mishmash of tones and tracks. As for the title track, it doesn't offer enough melodic meat to justify its length – I absolutely love long, anthemic tracks, but this one is just too much gristle to be an enjoyable listen.
The title track is a loopy acid rock classic, stretching out for 17 delirious minutes. Sadly, nothing else on the album even remotely measures up-Iron Butterfly weren’t bringing much to the table that other musicians weren’t already doing.
It's generous really as the organist and bassplayer are not bad to listen to. The vocalist! It's like he listened to Jim Morrison and took all the wrong things. Also incredibly influential which is a bad thing.
This is fairly terrible, but I have a very soft spot for it.
Whatever... it's fine.
Exotic, weird, and confusing. In short, it's psychedelic. But it isn't the sophisticated trippiness of the likes of The Beatles and Beach Boys, nor is it the solemn and dark compositions of the likes of The Doors, despite the slight similarity of the sound. It's the wild and feral psychedelia of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd and Dr. John. It's like getting lost in the middle of an unfamiliar jungle, with all those unfamiliar creatures and tribes around. Of course, this type of psychedelic rock isn't necessarily better than the respected classics of the genre, nor is it worse. In fact, it's a completely different domain. Apples and oranges. I agree that this is the most difficult to get into, but I can't deny that this is the psychedelia in its purest form. It's messy, chaotic, and exotic. I mean, what could be purer a psychedelic track than a song performed when they were so high it goes on for 17 minutes?
super epic vibes bro
Fuck it, flowers and beads is fire. Solid digestible album. jk everything else was kinda boring
I actually liked this quite a bit. Good psych-rock to jam out to.
I guess I now know why "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is the only Iron Butterfly song I know. The rest of the album is fine, but unremarkable. It's certainly far less remarkable than the 17-minute (!!) "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" (all praise the radio edit!). This gets two stars for being serviceable Doors-style psychedelic rock, and another for (the shorter version of) the classic "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida."
The beginnings of metal
Yeah, I tapped out about half way through that way too long title track. But I listened to the rest of it.
Easy to bop your head to. Upon first listening, I found some of the lyrics a bit tiresome, but as I've re-listened some of the songs, I don't mind them as much anymore. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is obviously the track that stands out the most, as it is about the length of the rest of the album. I was tempted to give this album a four, but I don't think it left me with a strong enough impression. Perhaps it will grow on me later on. Favourite songs: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, My Mirage
one of the best rock suite ever
Wow. Killer.
Well its the SIMPSONS SONG isn't it!! Very excited to hear that and assume that's the reason this is in the list. Great song. OTher than that enjoyed this psych rock stuff!
Ah this was great fun. Obvs the simpsons one was a highlight, great fun. I like the idea of them saying In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida and then, hey let's make a 17 minute song out of this.
First impression I got was they're very similar to the Doors, opening track sounds like something off "The Doors" album. I love the doors so I'm liking this. The final track is an epic, maybe a bit too long but loved it's use in the Simpsons so I'm giving this FOUR STARS
Side A is pretty good, but let's be real - we're here for the title track, and it is killer.
Not my jam but I respect it.
Pretty mediocre aside from the title track
Täs on omat hetkensä. Aikansa progejytää! On tylsempiäkin ralleja toki. 3/5
Ihan siisti meininki mutta ei tarjonnut sen kummempaa.
Muistan jotenkin todella elävästi kun toi nimikkobiisi oli kerran läppänä Simpsoneissa. En ymmärtäny muksuna siitä mitään :D ihan jees kyllä nimenomaan se biisi, kunnon tiluttelua. Puolet levystä siis hyvää, joten annetaan 3
Kinda hated this. It went from cliche lyrics and thin production to indulgent superjam. The way he sings really bugs me, it's like the original Creed voice or something.
Interesting combo of psychedelic ear candy on one side, and one enormous proto-metal sludge fest on the other. Though I am usually fairly partial to psychedelia, the side long ripper is the clear winner here.
Kind of unexpected in a good way. Psych-rock with some interesting instrumental touches. Nothing jumped out to me as a whole but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Last two songs got me moving to the beat. InAGaddaDaVida will always be a classic.
You know why this album is on here--one half is forgettable and the other you have heard on the radio so much that it is also forgettable (overrated)
Interesting album, would listen again
It's nice. Not my vibe right now, and nothing made me really go wow or something like that. Probably just too influential, so a lot of what makes it great has been replicated so many times already.
Doors alike
First time listening to this. Interesting but not something I'll play often.
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.
Hypnotic and hip. I love how the track and the album name is an interpretation of In the Garden of Eden slurred by the inebriated vocalist after a gallon of wine.
It’s like a cross between pop and rock from back in the day. Classic stuff
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
They may have been one of the more commercially successful acts of the 1960s, but their contemporaries did it better. Most of these songs are bland psych-rock. It doesn't feel revolutionary in any way. Finally, the title track sounds like a jam band mixed with a shitty Elvis impression. That might be some people's idea of a good time, but it's not for me. Best Songs: Most Anything You Want, Termination, Worst Songs: Flowers and Beads, My Mirage, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
my general feeling of this is that i don't like it, but if anyone puts up a 17 minute track i feel compelled to give it the full listen.
Good evening dickheads! Let me tell you all a little thing about this record. It fuckin' sucks, man! My daughter could make better music, and she's dead.
🐙😰🔥❤️😬😪🦈💔🧊🐧🐊🐓🦋🐷🐿🦙🐀✊️🏆🎀🏆🏀🥇🥇⚾️🥉🎫🎍🎐
I was fully expecting a band called Iron Butterfly to be some sort of proto-metal band. This very much isn't proto-metal. It is much, much more butterfly than it is iron. It's a butterfly that went absolutely massive on the '60s California flower power scene.
-Side A was pretty good, but not the most thrilling or innovative rock I've ever heard. All quick pleasant tracks that sound like relatively standard psychedelic rock tracks with a single tick more intensity. Not bad by any means, but also not as intense as side B would have led me to expect -Side B: aka just the one song: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida." A classic rock tune with a killer riff. Overall the jam is great, I like the individual solos. At one point the Jan really slows down and that part was weak, but the whole intro and all the singing parts are killer and absolutely classic pieces of rock music.
An infamous album due to its long organ song. It was fine at best.
For the love of god, WHY? Why, out of all the great music made in the late 60s is this fucking album on this list Okay kids, it's story time. One time, when I was in high school, My friends and I got ahold of some weed from a dealer who was not esteemed either for his intelligence or for his scruples. A bunch of us gathered at my friend's house and got stoned. No big deal. Except this weed was laced with PCP, and rather than getting stoned and sitting on the couch laughing, we went to the fucking moon. I don't have a lot of memories of that night, apart from the fact that I was involuntarily walking around with my arms in front of me like a T-rex, and I kept opening sodas, taking one drink, and setting them down and losing them forever. Why does this story matter now? Someone put on this album, side 2, and my friend Johnny and I did an interpretive dance to all of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. He was spinning in place and I was dancing around him in the opposite direction. At the time it was a beautiful expression of the power of the music that we transmuted into physical movements as we became the song. Somehow I think it would have looked a lot stupider to an outside observer who wasn't on drugs. It's a funny memory, though, and I tend to forget all about it until I am reminded that this album exists. Anyway, this album is really boring and people mostly remember it for the interminable song that takes up the entire second half of the album. It just keeps fucking going without much purpose other than to exists for as long as it can. In some ways it's a perfect metaphor for the perpetual struggle of living things to continue to exist, moment by moment, despite the fact that we will all eventually fail and be returned to the earth Or anyway it would be a perfect metaphor if this album was less fucking boring 3/5
Very cool! An interesting piece of music for sure.
Very heavy sounding psychedelic rock for being from 1968. I like it! The main riff in In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida sounds very similar to Cream's Sunshine of Your Love. You can sense the hard rock and almost proto heavy metal vibes but the album doesn't quite reach that heaviness. It's good heavy psychedelic rock.
His voice is weird. Feels like nickelback cringe + elvis. I'm feeling annoyed. The guitar / rhythm is good though. one star
First-time listening to the whole album, though knew the title track of course. A lot of boomer rock noodling, but My Mirage was pretty good
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.
Very prog, but also pretty heavy at points. Title track is my favourite, but not just because of the Simpsons!
Not my type of rock but I did enjoy it as a different vibe. Better to listen to on loud speakers than headphones. Super short album
I get what it was, I just didn’t care much for it. It had a few areas that weren’t terrible.
Think I was way too sober to enjoy this entirely, but nonetheless, it's a great psychedelic album.
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!
Enjoyed it more musically, but some very dodgy lyrics distracted me a bit. Can see how it leads onto other things, but unsure I will be back for more.
Iron Butterfly was an awesome band. I listened to this album as a kid. Totally amazing
Skipped my way through
Endelig nåke eg kan legga til i "songar som varar i 17 minutt" listo mi
Trudde detta skulle falla i smak, men den gang ei
The rock and/or roll.
Now I know what that Simpsons joke is about.
was gonna say short and sweet till i got to the last track. i’m exhausted.
A good listen and a good length
It was fine. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is good for a bit but christ it's long.
They should have called themselves The Mediocre Doors.
Decent 60s jam jock.
Flat production means a lot of this plods along. There were some interesting tracks like the trippy 'My Mirage', fuzzy pop-psych on 'Termination'. The title track takes up half the album and thankfully this is a good one, but it is overlong. In the right environment (on campus in a smoke filled room back in '68) I imagine this was quite a cool stoner album. I've rated it in that context.
elvis got duped into buying fake lsd and had a good ish time.
Who thought this was a good idea?
These hippies! Not my thing.
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is one hella-long track, so awesome though.
Wow, ok, great prog, epic song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida glad to have heard it.
Well, I like psychedelia. So, will be listening again, especially the eponymous song.
I love the title track because why not. The rest isn't bad, but loses points for have the exact same mix on every song.
Rock psicodélico agradable. Un 4.
30 mins of filler + inagaddadavida. And inagaddadavita isn’t that good. Ok it has a great riff and some good organ. Still.
Dragged on a little too long, but was overall enjoyable. Lots of solos.
Reko, baš me zanima koji će album biti danas na Marinin svadbeni dan (30/04/22), i eto rezultata. Dobar, ništa prestrašno, ali prolazan. Oooooh, ali sad znam odakle je Nas za pjesmu Hip Hop Is Dead koristio sample! (In-A-Gadda-Da-Ilida, krenuvši od početka) - ujedno i najdraža sa albuma (iako možda solo bubnjanje nekad ide na đigire).
Not really my favorite, but it is iconic.
Solo por el tema final y que da título al disco es probable que merezca la pena. El In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida casi que no encaja con el resto de temas y está claro que supuso un cambio en la música de esa época. Tal vez se abuse del órgano Hammond y de los coros de voces. Interesante.
ok hippies weren’t totally a mistake
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.
Really cool psych rock
Classic rock is classic, but I enjoyed this more as a Simpsons gag than an album.
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.
Sounds like The Doors and I'm not the biggest Doors fan. The first 5 songs are basically just filler. There is nothing memorable about them and they are absolutely eclipsed into the shadow realm by the title track "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
03/23/2022 Not for me, but also... what the fuck? A 17-minute long track? Absolute insanity. Good for them!
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
This is the first song I ever listened to the first time I ever smoked weed.
All very unmemorable
Príma psychadelic rokk.
ещё бы stereo звучание подвезли
The classic "In-a-gadda-da-vida" and some other songs. The other songs were decent but this band seems like a one-hit wonder.
Rating: 6/10
Wowa-Whata-Greata-Albuma
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.
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.
The title track is a pretty iconic psychedelic rock anthem, but the rest of the album doesn't quite stand up and sounds horribly dated today.