“Set the Wayback Machine for 1968, Sherman!”

Psychedelic Rock always brings back memories of the 1960s for me. The music was unique in rock with its extended instrumentals, trippy effects and dreamlike lyrics. Certainly, artists such as Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, and Donovan led the way. Lesser bands like Vanilla Fudge and Iron Butterfly were just as influencial.

Then there were hundreds of unknown or forgotten bands firmly in the shadows of the Psychedelic movement. I have never heard of J. P. Sunshine but this 1968 self-titled album is a delightful relic of this era. It has its problems, It not closein qulaity to even the b-list of sixties psychedelic bands. The production values are inferior even for the sixties. The vocals and presentation is somewhat amateurish. But there still that sense of innocence and wonder that made this genre so attractive. The title track is a good example with its folkish guitar, obtuse but optimistic lyrics, and an appealing fuzz guitar solo. “Hey Girl” has some nice moments despite its silly lyrics (”Hey Girl whats that look in your eye. / Looking high so am I”). Most songs continue in the same folk-pop vein except for the last track, “Dirt Blues”. It’s a bluesy departure reminiscent of Canned Heat or Al Kooper. It’s my favorite track but I’ve always been more of a blues man than a hippie anyways.

The album is available in 160kbps MP3.

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