Love is the Song We Sing: San Francisco Nuggets 1965-1970
Various Artists
1965-70 [Rhino] 4CDs

Pure Bay Area bliss from go to whoa. While there are plenty of bands here instantly recognisable to psych-otics, as a Nuggets collection there is also a smorgasbord of obscurities. The raw garage-style rock typical of the series tends to give way to the hippie peace, love and understanding ethos. Essential for fans of the Frisco sound.

Psychedelia at Abbey Road: 1965-1969
Various Artists
1965-69 [EMI]

One of the better British psychedelia compilations, although don't expect any Beatles or Pink Floyd. What is here is fantastic - with tracks from Donovan, the Hollies, Tomorrow and the Pretty Things showing why they were the giants of the genre. Offerings from the more obscure outfits are also consistently groovy.

Insane Times: 25 British Psychedelic Artefacts
Various Artists
1966-70 [EMI]

This set mines the EMI vaults for the more commercial side of UK psychedelia. The big names here include the Hollies, Yardbirds and Syd Barrett. A few of the lesser lights featured managed to make some topnotch albums - including July, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Rainbow Ffolly and Tomorrow. A far-out collection well worth having.

This is Psychedelia
Various Artists
1966-69 [Metro Triples] 3CDs

A bargain-basement set that makes no bones about including anything vaguely popular. As a starting point it would be hard to pass this one up. Beefs are few, although some of the tracks struggle to qualify as psychedelia. The liner notes however are superb, with plenty of info justifying the inclusion of every track. Grab it while you can.

Summer of Love: Hits of 1967
Various Artists
1967 [Time/Life WEA] 2CDs+DVD

Not strictly a psych set, but certainly one of the better compilations chronicling the Summer of Love. The two audio discs here are split into AM and FM, with the latter containing the stuff of most interest to psych fans. The DVD strays from the confines of 1967, but provides a welcome counterculture bonus that is sure to delight.

Monterey International Pop Festival
Various Artists
1967 [Razor & Tie] 2CDs

Monterey Pop was the first of the big rock festivals, happening during San Francisco's 1967 Summer of Love. The original feature film whetted appetites, culminating in this collection that includes stuff from the Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother & the Holding Co and the Byrds. Superbly remastered and available at a bargain price.

My Mind Goes High: Psychedelic Pop Nuggets
Various Artists
Late-60s [WEA]

This WEA set features 24 rare tracks from artists who for the most part unashamedly targeted commercial success. The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band and the Electric Prunes are standouts, while the rest is a relatively lightweight but highly listenable psychedelic pop pastiche. The Monkees kick in with one of their less-commercial tracks.

Swinging London: A Trunk Full of 60s Pop Exotica
Various Artists
Late-60s [Retrodisc]

Britain's legendary Saga Records was a budget exploitation label that paid its artists very little and used scrap vinyl to make their albums. The basic plan here was to rip-off every good psych idea that might possibly sell and churn out music for the masses. Very few bought it, but the legacy left is some of the grooviest sounding psych around.