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The Deep – Psychedelic Moods (1966)


Good evening readers! Today I will expand your music view with an album that was one of the firsts (if not the first, historians still can’t fully agree) representation of psychedelic rock music. When the album was released, it didn’t get too much attention but now, people who are into that kind of music, see that record as a very important. Whole recording took only two days, with a lot of strange and spicy stories tied to this record session (for more details I suggest you to check the Wikipedia page). As a pioneer of a psychedelic rock genre, The Deep took me for a short (around 29 minutes) but very memorable trip (fully sober!). The album starts with song “Color Dreams”. It’s a very catchy song, that can give you a small representation what is upon you in the next tracks. As recording session was strongly infused by different type of drugs, lyrics don’t add up. It is a logical mess but, as we know now, it’s a beauty of this genre (my research skills are definitely need to be in better shape as I found only Color Dreams lyrics). “Pink Ether” is full of unusual sounds, creates a little bit disturbing feel. “When Rain Is Black” is a ballad type song, almost a lullaby that can in delicate way feel you relaxed. Soothing voice add even more to the sound, almost in hypnotic way. “It’s All A Part Of Me” is a very jumpy, almost ready for a dance song that makes my leg move. Once again lyrics are strange and confusing but I had a large amount of fun! (and adding sounds of a bullfrog adds even more unique vibe!) In “Turned On” I admire Hammond organ the most. They drive through almost whole song and open another dimension to already crazy record. Distinguishes and rhythmic floor tom keeps that song in check, letting vocal go raw, taking the lead and focus most of the attention. “Psychedelic Moon” opens you for what is actually main dish on this album. Despite all the music/cacophony in the background, vocalist uses melodeclamation to express himself. He is of the tempo with instruments, but surprisingly keeping that way through whole track. The song can make you feel uneasy, a bit disturbed. It’s not an easy cake to deal with it, I found it very interesting from a historical point of view. Also don’t forget that the record was also some kind of experiment so you just can’t translate it to the records that are strictly planned. Another song brings something of a strange and twisted vocal’s canon (male the lead and female the follower). Ballad “Shadows On The Wall” is another layer to already mind-bending music. After all that unusual collective we receive more coherent songs. “Crystal Nite”, “Trip#76”, “Wake Up And Find Me”, “Your Choice To Choose” and “On Off – Off On” ale more approachable for everyday listener. If “Psychedelic Moods” actually become successful when it was released, one of those song could be as know as old but gold hit in our times. Conclusion: The first and only album of The Deep can open a completely new door for you. It’s not an easy path behind it but maybe you would like to drift and discover something other than everything you know from the radio!

PS: Music streaming services offer a stereo version of this record!

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Location: Edinburgh, UK

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