Chris Robinson: 5 Songs for Psychedelic Inspiration
“If I can be a miniature Johnny Hempseed for psychedelic music, then so be it,” Chris Robinson told Rolling Stone before the launch of his new Sirius XM radio show, Gurus Galore, last month. As he geared up for the release of a new Chris Robinson Brotherhood album – Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel – in July, the former Black Crowes singer shared his picks for some particularly heady jams from his extensive collection.
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Gong, “I Never Glid Before”
Don't mention "psychedelic music" if you aren't familiar with Gong. This is the perfect union of great jazz and rock, under a psychedelic dome.
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Broadcast and the Focus Group, “The Be Colony”
There's a darkness in the vocals, but it's wrapped in a beautiful pop moment of great imagination.
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Canned Heat, “Poor Moon”
This is a song about the environment, where they basically say, "If we could, we'd fuck up the moon."
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Judee Sill, “Enchanted Sky Machines”
Judee was the first artist signed to Geffen Records, but there's little info out there about her bizarre life. This song has a heavy message, but it's still beautiful.
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Ariel Kalma, “Ecstasy Musical Mind Yoga”
The track is so expansive, and can take you so many places in a few minutes. It's New Age, but incredibly dynamic.