It's hard to talk about about the history of psychedelic rock without mentioning The 13th Floor Elevators. Considered perhaps one of its earliest movers, they pioneered the practice of saturating guitar riffs with reverb and echo. Another unique element of the The Elevators' sound came from the use of Tommy Hall's electric jug; his instrument helped provide that characteristic distorted quality we now associate with psych rock. It wasn't just the technique setting the them apart: they were also well-known for both performing and recording under the influence of LSD. While the band emerged on the local Austin music scene in the mid-1960s, they disbanded a short four years later. However short a run that may be, The Elevators' influenced a number of other artists of the day, like Janis Joplin and Billy Gibbons, as well as generations of 90's alternative rockers including R.E.M and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Early success of the single "You're Gonna Miss Me" in 1966 helped the Elevators push their popularity beyond the borders of Texas. The song shows the band at its best. We hear the low fidelity effects of those signature sounds, punctuated by lead vocalist Roky Erickson's yelping cries. After chugging along on guitar and drum, the harmonica delivers a bluesy solo to finish. How can you say you miss my lovin, when you never needed it? <TM>
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