Strange Days
The Doors
1967 [Elektra]

The follow-up to their electrifying self-titled debut is the Doors' most psychedelically infused effort. Frontman Jim Morrison's chaotic poetry on 'Horse Latitudes' led into a run of pretty spun-out stuff, culminating in another 11-minute opus with 'When the Music's Over'. The mildly hallucinogenic 'People Are Strange' eventually became an FM staple.

Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
1967 [Columbia]

While not quite as psychedelically in-your-face as their previous album Younger Than Yesterday still has plenty to offer fans of the genre. David Crosby's compositions are certainly the most out-there, with Chris Hillman generally going country. The obligatory Dylan cover 'My Back Pages' sounds more like the Byrds of old.

Part One
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
1967 [Reprise]

Rich kid Bob Markley hit LA in 1960, by 1967 finally finding a way to become a star of sorts. Looking at the band's name one would be entitled to expect something a bit avant-gardean, but in reality this is a pretty straightforward psychedelic album with some nice tight tunes and a fair degree of pop sensibility. Holding up better than expected.

Da Capo
Love
1967 [Elektra]

A multi-racial outfit from LA, Love was led by the emotionally erratic Arthur Lee. Blending folk, psych, classical and jazz into a delightfully pleasing arty concoction - the first side here is on a par with their classic Forever Changes follow-up. The 19-minute 'Revelation' isn't as terrible as some say, but these guys could do much better.

Clear Light
Clear Light
1967 [Elektra]

As evidenced by their later careers, most of this LA band's members had a fair bit of talent. Here they sound like a stablemate Doors wannabe, scoring a hit with Mr Blue and minor play with a couple of other tracks. Guitarist Bob Seal in particular offers up a couple of topnotch compositions… and got sacked from the band for his efforts.

Goodbye and Hello
Tim Buckley
1967 [Elektra]

Buckley's second LP built on the psychedelic trimmings of his debut under the obvious influence of Sgt. Pepper. It peaked at #171 on the charts and earned him enough critical plaudits to score a guest spot The Monkees TV show. Buckley wrote or co-wrote all the songs, with Jerry Yester's production making good use of his outstanding voice.

A Beacon From Mars
Kaleidoscope (US)
1968 [Epic]

Not to be confused with the UK psych outfit of the same name, Kaleidoscope hailed from LA and epitomised the non-Frisco West Coast sound. With superb musicianship and a stylistically diverse set of songs, psych fans will no doubt be drawn to the two extended tracks - the raga-influenced 'Taxim' and the trippin' title track.

The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
1968 [Columbia]

Internal ructions in the band saw a revolving door policy during the Notorious recording sessions - with the lineup officially McGuinn, Hillman and Clarke by the time of release. Nevertheless it has emerged as one of their best albums, with a kind of sonic 'whooosh' pervading throughout and some country-rock infusions pointing to the future.