Country Joe and the Fish were pioneers in the psychedelic rock genre, blending folk, blues, and rock into a unique and influential sound. If you’re a fan of their music, you’ll love exploring these 20 similar bands and artists that also capture the essence of the 1960s counterculture and the psychedelic rock movement.
1. Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane is one of the most iconic bands from the San Francisco psychedelic scene. Known for their hit songs “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit,” their album “Surrealistic Pillow” remains a cornerstone of the genre.
2. The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead are legendary for their improvisational live performances and eclectic style. Albums like “American Beauty” and “Workingman’s Dead” showcase their blend of rock, folk, and blues.
3. The Byrds
The Byrds were instrumental in popularizing folk rock and later ventured into psychedelia with hits like “Eight Miles High.” Their album “Younger Than Yesterday” is a must-listen for fans of the genre.
4. The Doors
The Doors combined rock with blues and jazz influences, creating a dark and atmospheric sound. Songs like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm” from their self-titled debut album and “L.A. Woman” are timeless classics.
5. Quicksilver Messenger Service
Quicksilver Messenger Service was another key player in the San Francisco psychedelic scene. Their album “Happy Trails,” featuring the extended jam “Who Do You Love,” is a psychedelic masterpiece.
6. Big Brother and the Holding Company
Fronted by the powerful vocals of Janis Joplin, Big Brother and the Holding Company delivered raw and emotional performances. Their album “Cheap Thrills” includes the iconic “Piece of My Heart.”
7. Love
Love, led by Arthur Lee, produced a unique blend of rock, folk, and psychedelia. Their album “Forever Changes” is often hailed as one of the greatest records of the 1960s.
8. 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators are considered one of the first psychedelic rock bands. Their song “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and the album “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators” are essential listens.
9. The Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes are best known for their hit “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night).” Their experimental approach to music is evident in albums like “Underground.”
10. The Zombies
The Zombies combined psychedelic rock with baroque pop, resulting in timeless tracks like “Time of the Season.” Their album “Odessey and Oracle” is a psychedelic pop masterpiece.
11. The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground, associated with Andy Warhol, pushed the boundaries of rock music with their avant-garde style. Albums like “The Velvet Underground & Nico” and songs such as “Heroin” are groundbreaking.
12. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Jimi Hendrix revolutionized the electric guitar with his innovative techniques and psychedelic sound. Albums like “Are You Experienced” and “Electric Ladyland” feature classics like “Purple Haze.”
13. The Pretty Things
The Pretty Things were pioneers of psychedelic rock with their ambitious album “S.F. Sorrow,” often considered one of the first rock operas. Songs like “Defecting Grey” highlight their unique sound.
14. Cream
Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce, blended blues and psychedelia. Their hits “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” from albums like “Disraeli Gears” are legendary.
15. The Strawberry Alarm Clock
The Strawberry Alarm Clock are best known for their hit “Incense and Peppermints.” Their debut album of the same name is a quintessential example of 1960s psychedelic pop.
16. The Mothers of Invention
Led by Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention were known for their satirical and experimental approach to music. Albums like “Freak Out!” and “We’re Only in It for the Money” are essential listens.
17. The Soft Machine
The Soft Machine were pioneers of the Canterbury scene, blending psychedelia with jazz and progressive rock. Their debut album “The Soft Machine” and “Volume Two” feature innovative compositions.
18. The Small Faces
The Small Faces combined mod rock with psychedelic influences, producing hits like “Itchycoo Park.” Their album “Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake” is a psychedelic rock classic.
19. Spirit
Spirit blended rock, jazz, and psychedelia, creating a unique sound. Their album “Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus” includes standout tracks like “Nature’s Way.”
20. Iron Butterfly
Iron Butterfly are best known for their epic track “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” which epitomizes the psychedelic rock era. The album of the same name is a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Exploring these bands will give you a deeper appreciation for the diverse and experimental sounds of the 1960s psychedelic rock scene. Enjoy the journey!
