Fantastic Dom. You've chosen a big hitter. In my not so humble opinion this debut album and 'Easter Everywhere' are the two greatest psych records from the US ('Piper at the Gates of Dawn' in the UK). Not only that but 'The Psychedelic Sounds of the Thirteenth Floor Elevators' is also the standout album in the hard hitting Texan garage rock/punk scene of the mid 60s. Writer and now the band's music curator Paul Drummond wrote a first rate biography on the Elevators that explored what you were saying about the many troubles they experienced at the hands of the law in highly conservative Texas ('let me take you to DMT place in my fire engine'). It was that along with Roky Erickson's breakdown that brought down the band. As I am still attached to the humble CD I am very happy with my Charly label reissues of the first two albums that include both mono and stereo versions (bonus material on the stereo only release of 'Bull of the Woods'). I'm totally ok with the electric jug. Couldn't imagine the band without it. So, so good!
Same for me with the jug. Love the jug! I'm right there with you with those records (and Piper) being the greatest ever. In this case they are well known for a reason. Seminal stuff, still sounds fresh today even. Great recommendation on that book. Fascinating, yet sad, story. thanks again Daniel!
Paul Drummond - 'Eye Mind: The Saga of Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators, the Pioneers of Psychedelic Sound'. Drummond has also authored '13th Floor Elevators: A Visual History'.
Thankful to grab original (or early press) copies of all 4 IA LPs quite a while ago before prices went insane. Still need a stereo original 1st LP, though, and a mono stock Easter (have a mono WLP). In an update to the Acid Archives book, I think mixdown masters for the studio LPs do exist, certainly stereo masters for Psych Sounds, Easter Everywhere and Bull. Mono reissues seem to be needle drops, which isn't ideal given IA's tendency to cheap out on mastering and cutting.
Very nice, I've owned reissues in multiple forms, then sold those for the boxset from 10 years back which I still have. I had a beat stereo Easter Everywhere original but sold it. Not in a hurry to get those, they are around just waiting for the right timing and price. I thought the same about the masters thinking they used those copies with digital remastering for the box set. IA definitely not shy from "cheaping out"!
Dom, great video. I traded a Nazz II (Nazz Nazz) album for my mono copy years ago. I just recently repurchased the original version to replace my Rhino reissue. Thanks, Chris
All of em, this is the only one I have. Being patient until I come across them at the right price. I bought a very reasonable copy of Easter years back but it was just too rough.
I use to have an OG but to you point it was not in the best shape. I did buy that repress which was done by nicely. Gat album though I have found I can only handle electric jug in small increments ll
Hey Steve. Funny how much dislike there is for the jug. I never felt that way about it. Seems I am in the minority. Many prefer Bull of the Woods for this reason exactly. Hard to beat the songs and Roky's howl though. hope you are well and congrats on selling the house!
