13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators were pioneers of psychedelic rock, forming in Austin, Texas, in the mid-1960s. Fronted by the charismatic and enigmatic Roky Erickson, the band is best known for their innovative use of electric jug sounds, provided by Tommy Hall, and their experimental approach to rock music. Their 1966 debut album, The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, is considered one of the earliest examples of full-fledged psychedelic rock, featuring their most famous song, "You're Gonna Miss Me." The band’s sound was a swirling, mind-expanding mix of blues, garage rock, and trippy, otherworldly effects, making them a crucial influence on later psychedelic and alternative rock movements.
Despite their creative brilliance, the band struggled with legal troubles, drug-related issues, and mental health challenges, particularly for Erickson, who was institutionalized after being arrested for marijuana possession. Their second album, Easter Everywhere (1967), is regarded as a masterpiece of the psychedelic era, but by the late '60s, the band had largely disintegrated. However, their legacy has only grown over time, influencing artists such as The Flaming Lips, Primal Scream, and The Black Angels. Roky Erickson's later solo career further cemented his status as a cult figure in psychedelic rock history.
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