Following the discovery of the properties of lysergic acid diethyamide (LSD), by Albert Hofmann, in 1943, its early utilization was limited to the medical profession in treatment of psychiatric disorders (Hofmann, 1980 Chapter 4), and in research to understand the etiology of schizophrenia since LSD induced symptoms of the latter (Dyck, 2005). The CIA also was investigating the possibility of using LSD as a possible speech-inducing drug (Lee & Schlain, 1985).
However, by the mid 1960s, widespread use of LSD, as a recreational drug had occurred. This was largely due to the efforts of Timothy Leary, on east coast, who became its biggest advocate, espousing the spiritual benefits of the drug. At the same time, Ken Kesey, on the west coast, also advocated LSD usage, but as a recreational drug rather than as a means of becoming more spirtual and would figure prominently in the start of psychedelic music.
LSD had an enormous effect on popular music during the 1960s. Rock music during the early 1960s was perceived as being formulae and simplistic. Their sentiments are described here by David Quanta, narrator of the BBC documentary History of Psychedelia. Inspired by their LSD experienced, musical groups began making their musical compositions more complex, and added more sound effects to their music. Their music was an attempt to recreate their experience while still under LSD. As an example, here is Donovan describing his composition and recording of Sunshine Superman. Unlike Donovan, some groups, such as the Jefferson Starship (nee Jefferson Airplane), did attempt to create their music while under the influence of LSD. Their second album, After Bathing at Baxters, was an example of such an experiment, and is described here by former band member, Paul Kantner.
The Beatles: A Case Study
The Beatles began as a pop group in the early 60's and maintained their presence through the psychedelic era until the members, due to creative differences, as well as other conflicts, parted company and pursued their individual careers. In following their career, we will be able to see the change in the direction of their music after they began taking LSD.
The Beatles were already a group that was immensely popular by 1962. However, they could be classified at that time as a pop group, albeit a pop group with a new look and sound. When they first appeared in the United States, there was always the mention as to the length of their hair (Fig. 1a) because it was thought to be too long. However, if we look at pictures of them during the late 60's (Fig. 1b), their early look is almost conservative.
Even before the onset of the psychedelic era, The Beatles began experimenting with their music and were demonstrating that they were not just another teenybopper group settling with a tried formula. Subtle changes could be seen starting in their Rubber Soul album, in 1965, but a radical change would take place the following year with the release of their Revolveralbum. There was little doubt with the release of this album that the music was inspired by LSD. The album cover mostly line drawn, in the psychedelic art style
The most controversial part of the album, however, would be the last cut, Tomorrow Never Knows. The beginning of the song, "turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream..." was taken from the introduction of the book, The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner and Richard Albert. This would be The Beatles first effort into psychedelic music and was not their last. This was followed by the double-sided hit, Strawberry Fields, Forever and Penny Lane, and in 1967 by what is often regarded as the best album ever recorded, and the inspiration for all the music that was to follow, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Although it has now been 36 years since the release of this album, it is still amusing to find that there is controversy concerning Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. When it was released, it was believed, and there are those that still believe that because hidden in the title of the song are the initials "LSD", that it was a composition inspired while under the influence of that drug. However, John Lennon has offered an explanation that was contrary to this belief, and it has been an answer that he had not changed up to the last interview that he granted for Playboy Magazine
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