The Psychedelic Sounds of the Kaleidoscope
Compilation album by Kaleidoscope
Released 1984
Recorded 1960s
Genre Rock
Length 23:05
Label CBS/Back-Trac
Producer unknown
The Psychedelic Sounds of the Kaleidoscope is a compilation album collecting together some obscure cuts and singles.
Kaleidoscope were arguably the most eclectic band of the psychedelic era, weaving together folk, blues, Middle Eastern, and acid more often and seamlessly than any other musicians. The California group were formed under the nucleus of multi-instrumentalists David Lindley and Chris Darrow in the mid-'60s. Adding fiddle, banjo, and various exotic string instruments such as the oud and saz to the traditional rock lineup, Kaleidoscope complemented their experimental sounds with taut and witty (if lyrically eccentric) songwriting. With the exception of their mawkish forays into old-timey music, Kaleidoscope's work holds up very well. Their first three albums were their best, highlighted by the lengthy tracks "Taxim" and "Seven-Ate Sweet", which are groundbreaking fusions of Middle Eastern music and rock. Kaleidoscope were a popular live act, even incorporating some flamenco and belly dancers into their performances. But in commercial terms their very eclecticism probably worked against them. Hit singles, too were a difficult proposition for such a versatile group to get to grips with, although several of their 45s were pretty good. - Richie Unterberger
LP track listing
Side One
1. "Keep Your Mind Open" (Chris Darrow) - 2:16
2. "Elevator Man" (D. Feldthouse) - 2:55 [mono]
3. "Lulu Arfin Nanny" (David Lindley, Paul Lagos, Connie Crill, Solomon Feldthouse, Stuart Brothman) - 3:12
4. "You Don't Love Me, Yes I Know" (Willie Cobbs) - 3:58
Side Two
5. "Lie to Me" (David Lindley, Solomon Feldthouse, Stuart Brothman, Paul Lagos) - 2:46
6. "Just a Taste" (Solomon Feldthouse) - 2:12 [mono]
7. "Egyptian Gardens" (D. Feldthouse) - 3:04
8. "Killing Floor (Tempe Arizona)" (Chester "Howlin' Wolf" Burnett) - 2:42
Personnel:
* David Lindley
* Chris Darrow
* Connie Crill
* John Vidican
* Solomon Feldthouse
* Stuart Brothman
* Paul Lagos