13th Floor Elevators Vinyl Records Lps For Sale
Check out these new and used 13th Floor Elevators vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your 13th Floor Elevators vinyl collection with the essential albums 13th Floor Elevators (Self Titled), The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators and 13th Floor Elevators Live. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.
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In the annals of psychedelic rock, the 13th Floor Elevators stand as pioneers who dared to explore uncharted musical and spiritual territories during the mid-1960s. Hailing from Austin, Texas, this band, led by the enigmatic Roky Erickson, left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their mind-altering sound and provocative lyrics. This article delves into the fascinating journey of the 13th Floor Elevators, examining their influence on the psychedelic movement, the challenges they faced, and the enduring legacy they left behind.
The Birth of the Elevators:
The 13th Floor Elevators emerged in 1965 when Roky Erickson, an aspiring musician with a penchant for the unconventional, joined forces with guitarist Stacy Sutherland, bassist Benny Thurman, drummer John Ike Walton, and electric jug player Tommy Hall. The latter, in particular, played a unique role in the band’s sonic identity, using a jug – an ordinary jug, typically employed for moonshine, blown into to produce a haunting, otherworldly sound. This distinctive touch became a signature element of the Elevators’ music.
The Psychedelic Sound:
At the core of the 13th Floor Elevators’ appeal was their groundbreaking sound, a fusion of blues, rock, and a heavy dose of psychedelia. Their debut album, “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators” (1966), stands as a landmark in the history of psychedelic rock. The album introduced listeners to the band’s mind-expanding musical approach, featuring Erickson’s howling vocals, Sutherland’s fuzz-drenched guitar, and Hall’s hypnotic jug, all underpinned by a rhythm section that gave the music a primal energy.
Songs like “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and “Reverberation (Doubt)” showcased the Elevators’ ability to create aural landscapes that transported audiences to unexplored dimensions. The lyrics were equally unconventional, often exploring themes of consciousness expansion, inner exploration, and a rejection of societal norms – hallmarks of the psychedelic movement.
The Elevators and Psychedelic Counterculture:
The mid-1960s were a tumultuous time in the United States, marked by social and political upheavals. Against this backdrop, the 13th Floor Elevators became inadvertent champions of the burgeoning psychedelic counterculture. Their music resonated with a generation seeking to break free from societal constraints and explore altered states of consciousness.
The band’s association with LSD was open and unabashed. Tommy Hall, in particular, was an outspoken advocate of the psychedelic experience, believing that the judicious use of LSD could lead to expanded consciousness. This philosophy found expression not only in their music but also in their lifestyle, as the band embraced the countercultural ethos of the time.
Challenges and Controversies:
However, the 13th Floor Elevators’ journey was not without its challenges. Legal troubles, particularly related to drug use, plagued the band members. Erickson faced legal issues that would later contribute to a tumultuous personal life. Furthermore, the overt promotion of psychedelic drugs and a confrontational stance towards authorities attracted unwanted attention, resulting in canceled gigs and a strained relationship with the mainstream music industry.
The legal battles and societal backlash took a toll on the band’s cohesion, and internal conflicts exacerbated the situation. The Elevators’ second album, “Easter Everywhere” (1967), while critically acclaimed, did not achieve commercial success, adding financial strain to their already precarious situation.
Repercussions and Disbandment:
By 1969, the 13th Floor Elevators had disbanded, leaving behind a legacy that would only gain recognition in later years. The members went their separate ways, with Roky Erickson pursuing a solo career marked by personal struggles and intermittent musical output. Stacy Sutherland tragically lost his life in 1978, marking a somber chapter in the band’s history.
Legacy and Influence:
Despite their relatively short-lived existence, the 13th Floor Elevators left an enduring imprint on the musical landscape. Their influence is evident in the work of subsequent generations of musicians, particularly in the realms of psychedelic and alternative rock. Bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, and R.E.M. have cited the Elevators as a profound influence on their sonic experimentation and lyrical themes.
Roky Erickson’s solo career, though marred by personal challenges, produced gems that showcased his enduring talent and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. The Elevators’ influence extends beyond the music itself, permeating the ethos of countercultural movements and serving as a symbol of resistance against societal norms.
Reappraisal and Recognition:
In the decades following their disbandment, the 13th Floor Elevators experienced a reappraisal, with their contributions to psychedelic rock gaining recognition. The band’s albums, once obscure and hard to find, were reissued, allowing new audiences to discover their groundbreaking sound. Documentaries and retrospectives shed light on the band’s tumultuous journey, casting them as trailblazers who challenged the conventions of their time.
The Elevators’ impact on the psychedelic movement and the evolution of rock music cannot be overstated. Their fearless exploration of uncharted musical territories laid the groundwork for future generations of musicians to push boundaries and defy expectations.
Conclusion:
The 13th Floor Elevators, despite facing numerous challenges and a premature demise, stand as iconic figures in the history of psychedelic rock. Their pioneering sound, marked by distorted guitars, hypnotic jug playing, and introspective lyrics, carved a path for future generations of musicians. The band’s association with the psychedelic counterculture and their unabashed advocacy for mind-altering substances placed them at the forefront of a cultural revolution.
As we look back on the 13th Floor Elevators’ journey, it’s evident that their impact transcends the confines of their time. They were sonic explorers, pushing against the boundaries of musical convention and societal norms. Their legacy endures not only in the echoes of their music but also in the spirit of rebellion and artistic daring that they embodied.
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