Thu Mar 11 2021
1
Sometimes you discover a great new band. This wasn't that time.
This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1969
- Album Summary
Happy Trails is the second album of the American band Quicksilver Messenger Service. Most of the album was recorded from two performances at the Fillmore East and Fillmore West, although it is not clear which parts were recorded at which Fillmore. The record was released by Capitol Records in 1969 in stereo.
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Mon May 24 2021
2
I enjoyed side 1 as, despite it being a 26 minute song in 5 movements, it was accessible and a pleasant listen. Perhaps helped that it was a well known cover ('Who do yo love?'). It was also well performed - I didn't realise it was a live version until the applause at the end. Side 2 is somehow even more self indulgent. 4 songs this time. 2 are ok covers (although Henry from Neighbours still has the definitive version of 'Mona') and the other 2 just sound like dull jams with nothing going on to keep my interest. My snap judgement: QMS maybe good at noodling on a guitar, but are not blessed with much in the way of creativity or songwriting talent.
Fri Mar 26 2021
2
Quite a confusing album. Didn't really read or hear anything to suggest it's a worthy "1001" album and didn't massively enjoy it either. 4/10
Wed Nov 17 2021
2
"Extended free-form jazz excursion" - Spinal Tap
Mon Sep 13 2021
2
Maybe it was subversive, edgy or outsider when it first came out but it sounds a lot like every jam band since. Reminded me of the Grateful Dead or Jefferson Airplane. I'm not sure why this would be considered important unless it were earlier than the Grateful Dead or Jefferson Airplane and influenced them.
Fri Mar 05 2021
2
Saved Prior: None Saved Off Rip: None Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: This is one of those albums where it inspired a lot of music that ended up being much better. The first couple of tracks were pretty cool how they overlapped and sounded like one long jam session, but not something I'll be returning to.
Wed Mar 16 2022
2
You know, they could've shot the messenger.
Sat Aug 14 2021
1
Oh Christ, here we go. Even just looking at the cover I can guess two things: nowhere near as country as you'd think, and (probably) psychedelic rock instead. Plus it's 1969, so expectations are low. aaaaand boom, not country at all! Just psychedelic rock, extended jam SHIT. It was so boring I forgot it was on and only paid attention once spotify started playing "radio based on" songs. Fuck this stuff. it's an angry 1/5.
Tue Jul 06 2021
4
pretty accessible psychedelic rock with some darker, jazzy blues riffs, and a vague desert-y vibe. Good contemplation music. A bit too long for a casual listen.
Wed May 05 2021
2
Its ok but not interesting enough to get away with no Lyrics. 2/5
Mon Jan 31 2022
2
This album is a great guitar solo, don’t think I needed to hear it though
Thu Jul 07 2022
2
The first 25 minutes or so is a very long and experimental version of Bo Diddly's 'Who Do You Love'? that meanders around pretty aimlessly and doesn't ever come close to being as good as Bo's version. So there's that. It's not a 1/5 but it's unspectacular. Heard better stuff from bands who were wildly off their tits in the same era.
Fri Mar 26 2021
1
As much as the music wasn’t at all offensive, I didn’t really enjoy listening to a band jam for 30mins. It wasn’t terrible music and would normally be a 2 star, but because half the album is a cover, I have to mark it down as I did for The Sonics. The infamous “star rating system” is nothing without consistency.
Sun Apr 24 2022
1
A song I vaguely know followed by 40 minutes of what sounds like people tuning their instruments, concluded by the worst version of Happy Trails I've ever heard.
Fri Jun 18 2021
3
It's ok. Just fine. Don't know why I had to listen to it though. I'm from the SF Bay Area and never heard of Quicksilver Messenger Service before.
Thu Oct 21 2021
2
Per Wikipedia: Quicksilver Messenger Service began as a SF-based horseback courier, but was forced to pivot their business to psych rock after an unfortunate sexual incident involving a large, valuable parcel and an Appaloosa. Tip of the hat to QMS for somehow, against all odds, squeezing a half hour of juice out of the 2 chord Bo Diddly beat and keeping it pretty interesting. C+ Also very interested to see Josh's review since he usually isn't a fan of live albums but has a special place in his heart for QMS.
Fri Apr 16 2021
1
Wow drugs
Tue Oct 27 2020
5
the past 2 acid rock albums ive heard were both pretty underwhelming, but this one was great!!! about half the album is taken up by one long continuous track, apparently it's a bo diddley cover? im gonna be honest ive never heard a bo diddley song i dont think. maybe one on the radio but thats it. the cover is really good though, it goes thru a ton of sections that're all pretty cool (Where You Love is some rly weird improvisational bs for 1969), and the guitar tones are really good. Mona isnt my favorite thing ever but it picks right back up after that! also worth mentioning: this is the first live album ive gotten from this site! not sure how many there are :o very nice guitar tones on here, cool noodling. most of it is instrumental (i kept forgetting there was a vocalist at all) so its pretty nice to put on in the background and just let it go wild in the back of ur brain. great stuff :D 9/10
Sat Jul 03 2021
5
Love that this was recorded live and hat hte musicians just put thier stamp on some Bo Diddley tunes. Great psych rock record to listen to.
Thu Feb 11 2021
5
Loved this.
Thu Jan 21 2021
5
Loved it, loved their other music as well
Fri May 14 2021
5
Loved this album. A staple in psychedelic rock
Mon Sep 13 2021
5
I dig this a lot.
Fri Oct 15 2021
5
Alright I’m biased as a big fan of psychedelic bands from the 60s, especially ones from San Francisco, but surprisingly I didn’t know much about quicksilver other than hearing who do you love on car commercials. I thought about giving it a 4 because it certainly won’t appeal to everyone or be “objectively” great, but it’s accomplishes everything it’s going for and more. It’s an impressive feat to be a musically talented half forgotten live acid band in the 60s and yet still have your music played in mainstream 2020 commercials.
Thu Dec 09 2021
5
Awesome psych rock album, great solos
Wed Apr 06 2022
5
Fantastic freak out medley on side 1. Then "Mona" Maiden Of The Cancer Moon" Does any other album scream San Francisco more than this?
Fri Apr 08 2022
5
This was right up my wheelhouse. I was wondering how long track 1 could be when I looked and realized I was deep into track 3. I mean that as a compliment. The whole first side of this album was a fantastic and interesting jam. Like the pig-pen era Grateful Dead with a harder and tighter edge. Great guitar parts. I never heard to this and will come back to this for sure.
Fri Apr 08 2022
5
This is a wonderful tribute to Bo Diddly. Most of the album is comprised of Bo Diddy covers or Bo Diddly inspired tunes. Side one is a tour de force - Who Do You Love Suite. Almost all rock groups in the late 60s and 70s wore the Bio Diddly influence on their sleeves for a song or tune. What Quicksilver Messenger Service did was something different. Rather than simply play or modify the famous Bo Diddly rhythm, they use it as a starting point and explore all the intricacies contained therein. I also love that it was recorded live at Fillmore East and Fillmore West, but they don’t tell us which coast.
Sat Apr 09 2022
5
Meu favorito até agora! Kkkk Muito bom. É bem mais rico do que os outros que eu escutei até agora. 5/5. Definitivamente.
Wed Aug 10 2022
5
очень круто! треки перетекают один в другой, альбом как одна полу-импровизационная композиция (как выяснилось (так пишут в вики) - смесь рока и джаза) захотелось снять короткий метр построенный полностью на хэппи трэйлс (что опять же говорит о его структуре)
Wed Aug 10 2022
5
Возвращаюсь в игру. Тру Детектив + Джентльмены Гая Ричи (в подтверждение!!! у меня после окончания альбома медиатека продолжила проигравание похожего и включила Cream — Sunshine of your love из Джентльменов) Такое я люблю Очень приятные мне звучание и музыкальность, кайфово просто сидеть и слушать, следя за мелодией
Fri Sep 09 2022
5
Over half the album is one big fucking jam. Sick
Fri Sep 09 2022
5
10/10 super nice, proggy stuff love it
Tue Oct 18 2022
5
YES! So trippy. Where has this been all my life???
Fri Jan 27 2023
5
Three takeaways: - Kevin Bacon was a terrible day trader, but didn't know he made music - "happy trails" -heh - Where You Love is terrible - otherwise this is one of the greatest stoner rock albums ever -
Sun Jan 29 2023
5
Holy fuck. What have I been doing with my life that I haven't listened to this before now? This is exactly what I want out of psychedelic blues rock. A whole side dedicated to an absolute killer rendition of "Who Do You Love?" Yes please! I am now looking for the Pure Pleasure pressing of this as soon as I'm done my vinyl diet.
Thu Apr 27 2023
5
This album shouldn’t work as well as it does. I feel like if you asked anyone if they want to listen to a half hour rendition of Who Do You Love they would say no. But if you just put this album on without any context they’d think it kicks ass
Wed Sep 27 2023
5
Dødskult og rar psychedelisk rock med innslag av americana/country
Wed Nov 25 2020
4
Good psychedelic rock, but sort of spirals into repetitive instrumentation at times
Thu Apr 01 2021
4
It was good. Jazzy in a way that reminded me of Jethro Tull. I would definitely listen to it again.
Wed Jan 20 2021
4
4/5. Jammy electric guitar riffs and solos, with upbeat drum kicks and deep-voiced vocals. The first 25 minutes is just one long, rambling and waning guitar riff. Great background music for introspective, manly things.
Mon Jan 25 2021
4
Sounded like a jam session or an experimental album -- didn't realize it was a live recording until I heard the crowd. Luckily, it's a jam session I enjoyed. Would listen again!
Thu Jun 24 2021
4
Cool jam bad album, starts out strong with "Who do you love" and is basically a set. Solid song changes. Lots of mood changes. Cool album
Tue Jan 26 2021
4
@@@½. all-time classic, nice playing, hippie stuff.
Thu May 13 2021
4
Pretty good sound. Like it but it’s not likely to make my rotation. 3.5
Fri Feb 19 2021
4
What the f——-? Mind blowing guitar solos. Like Roy Rogers on acid. Loads of fun but I don’t think I’ll be listening to it again except as mood music for my apocalyptic western RPG.
Thu Feb 11 2021
4
Alrighty, from Donovan's drippy end of psychedelia, to the proggy jam band guitar wailing end. I enjoyed this a lot. Fave track - the entire first 6 tracks being one long noodly "Who Do You Love?"
Mon Feb 08 2021
4
Cool mostly instrumental album.
Tue Jan 26 2021
4
Und so sehr der Adamsapfel vor Virilität wie bei Morrison zu bersten droht, und so sehr die Anfänge ein Pendeln im comme il faut der Zeit zwischen Santana und Led Zep gefangen sein mag, es gibt ihn dann doch, den spielfreudigen, freien, jazzig-psychedelischen Ausbruch ganz weit raus. Dorthin, wo der Art Rock das Licht der Welt erblickt hat, Jodorowsky einsam diese Welt zu fassen versucht, Motorpsycho durchs Wurmloch hinüber wandern auf Happy Trails, tripping but not falling.
Fri Feb 05 2021
4
Exceeded my expectations. Starts as fairly common 60s rock, then shines with seamless song transitions and fascinating experimentation.
Sat Jul 10 2021
4
A nice slice of psychedelia. Like a DJ trance mix with guitars. A total surprise and definitely one I'll revisit.
Sat Jul 10 2021
4
Half the album sounds like an improvised jam session and I am absolutely on board with that. A joyous treat of psychedelic rock and amazing guitar work. Will definitely stay in rotation for me.
Mon May 31 2021
4
Really cool, A side is phenomenal but B side got a little boring, it’ll get played again
Tue May 18 2021
4
Hmmm. They show up with three KSHE Klassics, but none on this album. Fun to listen to, but mostly instrumental. Many of the songs are variations of Bo Diddley's "Who do you Love". I like it. Good jamming background music.
Sat Jun 19 2021
4
Yup. Gonna keep this one on a faves list for a while. I can see it now.
Fri Aug 06 2021
4
Love me some psych rock and extended jams are my jam so this was right up my alley. The side B tracks are great too.
Sun Sep 05 2021
4
I could listen to this again. Got a cobra snake for a necktie
Thu Oct 21 2021
4
Cool psych music. Gets pretty far out there at times, perhaps too far out there on Song three. Some of the songs sound straight out of the Mayonnaise fake book, specifically Calvary, which slaps real hard. 4
Thu Dec 23 2021
4
A little self indulgent, but a lot of fun nevertheless.
Mon Jan 03 2022
4
Psychedelic Rock Bo Diddley remixes 13 minute instrumental A lot of guitar riffs
Wed Feb 23 2022
4
I really dig it
Wed Mar 02 2022
4
Happier trailing
Thu Apr 07 2022
4
Opens with a group of songs based around Love, and they're all pretty good. Where You Love gets a little grating to the end with the screaming, but then kicks into the next tune and picks things back up. I should have realized Who Do You Love is a cover, I only know the Thorogood version. After the Love set, we get into "some Rock" as the frontman puts it. It definitely turns away from the bluesy-ness and leans into the psychedelic guitar with the next few songs. Calvary is looooong, I don't know that it needs to go as long as it does. Overall, was excited when the album started as I'm into this type of music, but Calvary was the point I was ready for it to end. Still lots of good in here so it's getting 4 stars, but I think if it was a bit shorter it would have been a 5.
Fri Apr 08 2022
4
Wow, hard to believe that they made an entire album out of two classic, short songs. I liked this a lot, although some of the more trippy parts of of the jams were a bit much. That said, great guitars and mostly great jams. You can clearly see why they played so many shows on the same bill as the Dead. I will listen to this again and probably download.
Fri Apr 08 2022
4
I imagine this album is going to score quite well in this group. I thought it was a very interesting concept to have one long song broken up into segments for half the album. I really enjoyed the guitar in When you love. Like when the Dead jam there were some parts I didn’t enjoy as much (where you love) but overall liked this one.
Fri Apr 08 2022
4
1969 - Rock, Psychedelic rock, Acid rock, Jam band, Art rock
Wed Jun 08 2022
4
Alkupuolen Who Do You Love Suite on suorastaan jazzahtavaa klassikkorockia! Sen perusteella annetaan 4/5, ei ne muutkaan biisit huonoja olleet.
Fri Jun 17 2022
4
Starts off shy, but later progression makes it shine. A solid prog-rock album. Highlight: Calvary
Sat Jul 16 2022
4
very good. Valente seems like a cool guy
Wed Jul 27 2022
4
A whole lot of fun jams. Best track: Calvary
Wed Sep 07 2022
4
Well I was kind of distracted so I will listen again. Sounded indulgent. But I think when I listen again with my headphones I will really like it. So going to give it a four.
Fri Sep 09 2022
4
So 60s, so viby
Sun Sep 11 2022
4
A very specific mood. It's nice, hippie alt rock realness
Mon Oct 17 2022
4
really enjoyed listening to the first few, nothing mindblowing
Thu Oct 27 2022
4
Loved it, very chill.
Fri Oct 28 2022
4
My dad has this record, I heard it a few times in high school because it was one of his favorites so even though it's the 1990s this is blasting out of the speakers in our home. It's a good record to my ears still. I like the psych. And I probably got that from my POP. But also, you see, there's this Boris record Rainbow with guest guitarist Michio Kurihara who likened inspiration for his tone to the tone of the lead guitar on this record. And, all I have to say is that as good as Happy Trails is that Rainbow record slays it. So it's hard to not rate this one relatively and in that context.
Wed Nov 02 2022
4
I wasn't holding out a lot of hope for this based on the name and the cover art, but it's true what they say about assumptions. I really liked this album. It was really ahead of its time given the whole "do you love" theme, connected tracks that bleed together, and the fact that they seem to have beaten everyone to the drug-rock era (clear and obvious influence on the Doors and others). I'm giving it a bump in the rating just for being early to this scene.
Sun Nov 20 2022
4
Zuivere rockmuziek live gebracht. Erg leuk album
Wed Dec 14 2022
4
Groovy, gritty and legit bluesy psychedelia. The vocals aren't exactly soaring, but the axe explorations are steadily impressive and totally diggable. Dumb ending cut, though. Had to be there, one supposes, and wouldn't that have been fun, at either Fillmore.
Thu Dec 15 2022
4
Good album! Transitions songs really well
Mon Jan 02 2023
4
Great psych/acid rock. Really shows the artistry that took over Haight/Ashbury in the late 60s.
Thu Jan 05 2023
4
Verloop good music, i like the guitar parts
Thu Jan 05 2023
4
Love the concept of blowing a song up this much but a lot of it winds up sounding samey
Fri Jan 27 2023
4
What a great album. It was like discovering another early Grateful Dead I never heard of. Must have been a wild party in those San Fran days!
Fri Feb 24 2023
4
I kinda dig this album. The guitar-work in particular is awesome.
Wed Mar 22 2023
4
Vaguely remember the group's name but never heard their music. Liked it.
Wed Mar 22 2023
4
This album cover really made me think this would be a country soundtrack or something so I was pleasantly surprised by the club style psych rock I was met with. The first half being split up seemed a little pointless to me but if that's the way they wanted to present it, I think it's a cool idea. Overall - 8.1
Fri Apr 07 2023
4
Every so often there comes an album where the music does more of the talking than the vocals do. This is one of those. It is not for lack of singing, but for what little lyrics are presented on this album, the music makes up for in giving those few words gravitas and meaning. This is hard to do either direction, but QMS dare it be said delivers so nicely here. This is not a well-balanced album in that sense, there are moments where a verse or at least a bridge would be a welcomed break in the groove, but overall no regrets are to be had here. While not exactly experimental in which the music feels aimless, it does have a trip-trance-like ebb and flow where the journey does not feel blind, as though the music is the resolve and that is where the strength of this album lies in comparison to other psychedelic offerings. Each key change, or change in melody is a resolve, the music feels complete in that sense. While some experimental or psychedelic music puts an emphasis on being lost, where QMS delivers better is best summed up by Tolkein's Gandalf, where not all who wander are lost. The 12-minute track "Calvary" is a decent example of this. If using one's imagination they could build an anthology story in their own mind of what each section could be about, and build a fitting end to each. The album is simply satisfying.
Fri Apr 07 2023
4
Enjoyable classic rock music.. right up my alley.
Mon Apr 24 2023
4
I really liked this album so much more than expected.
Wed May 03 2023
4
Not bad but not perfect, side one is just really nice though
Wed May 17 2023
4
super pour marché à l'ombre quand il fait chaud
Thu Jul 27 2023
4
Very good.
Wed Aug 02 2023
4
4.25
Wed Aug 09 2023
4
Somewhere in the last 30 years I became that guy that can happily listen to something like this because I wouldn't have had the patience years ago. Don’t know how that happened but I don’t mind that it did. Some of my friends today will likely be dismayed by my favorite song pick. I really was surprised how into this I was. Closing with "Happy Trails" was a great touch! The perfect transition back into real life after a groovy listen.
Wed Aug 09 2023
4
I don't always love long long wandering rock, but it must have been the day because I liked this fine. It went well with a long long wandering walk.
Fri Aug 18 2023
4
Better than I was expecting it to be, based on the reviews. Unlikely to make it into rotation though.
Fri Sep 15 2023
4
Achei que fosse mais musica de cowbory corno mas parece mais um Deep Purple!
Sat Sep 23 2023
4
little bit led zeppeliny at times, quite different to what i usually listen to but very enjoyable
Wed Sep 27 2023
4
was actually fun!