![]() Steve Howe, yes (see what I did there? sorry). The influence on Lou Reeds lead playing, I'd forgotten about that, he was quite open about his admiration for McGuinn. Whether or not it was the first "psychedelic" chart hit or not is largely irrelevant, it's become iconic, a touchstone, in a way that "Shapes of Things", truly great though it was/is hasn't. My argument, which I articulated earlier, is that while "Shapes of Things" (and to an extent "Heart Full of Soul") may have eastern/psychedelic tinges to their solos, "Eight Miles High" is psychedelic all the way through.Īs I said in my original post, the song (and in this case, more importantly the setting, the performance) didn't take shape in a vacuum, there were creative ideas flying around from the communication with other high level musicians of the time, don't forget the influence of Jim Dickson here who would have certainly introduced them to music outside of the diverse set of experiences the individual members already had. I love the song immensely, but it's still not all the way there in a way I find "Eight Miles High" to be. but did OK in the UK, and it has some elements of psych with the Indian drone and the unusual sound of Ray Davies' Framus 12-string. If you're looking for earlier examples of psychedelia in the Top 40, you could look to a song that has been discussed in previous threads but not yet mentioned here: The Kinks' "See My Friends." If anything, the original, RCA version of "Eight Miles High" was, I believe, recorded before "Shapes of Things" was ever committed to tape. Both songs were composed and recorded independently, without one artist being aware of the other's work. The minor key, Crosby's suspended chords behind the lead (and obviously, the lead itself!), the unexpected harmonies (e.g., the wide split on the title phrase, the interval on "you'll find that,") Clark/McGuinn descending three intervals while Crosby ascends two at the end of the verse, etc.), McGuinn's addition of the 2nd note (D over C) at "known," and the lyric all contribute.īy the way, the fact that "Shapes of Things" hit the charts three weeks before "Eight Miles High" is immaterial. "Eight Miles High" starts with a long, free-form solo (had there ever been a Top 40 song that did that?) and maintains a psychedelic feel from beginning to end. Gene Clark's surreal lyrics were amazing for its time, "shapeless forms" and all.Ĭlick to expand.My argument, which I articulated earlier, is that while "Shapes of Things" (and to an extent "Heart Full of Soul") may have eastern/psychedelic tinges to their solos, "Eight Miles High" is psychedelic all the way through. The only notable immediate cover version of "Eight" was done by the Index.ĭefinetely one of the greatest 2-sided singles in rock history. But in general I don't remember the 'hip-factor' of this single influencing 60's bands initially (probably because it was difficult to play). For one thing the mono 45 mix was muddy and not as good as the stereo mix so I can understand it not burning up the AM charts.Īs for the influence, it's apparent the single had high street-cred in the UK as bands like Tomorrow and the Move included the B-side "Why" in their live act. I think it's one of those tracks that gained praise well after its initial release (ala the Velvet Undergrouund). That attests to the timelessness of the track. However I do remember the stereo lp version getting a regular rotation years later on Boston's progressive FM stations. I don't ever remember Eight Miles High being played much on Boston radio stations when the single was issued. I am suprised it charted as high as it did nationally (#14). Heres' a neat link to check out w/r to the facts on this landmark single:
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