Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Media:	Audio CD
Record label:	Rhino / Wea
Release date:	31 October, 1995
List price:	~~$11.98~~
Our price:	$8.99 that is 25% off!

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Average rating: Stars

A curiosity at best.

Of course, the title song is basically the only thing of mention on this CD, and the rest of the tunes, while not horrible, have aged about as well as a glass of milk in 400 degree heat. While some great psychedelic records like the Grateful Dead's Anthem of the Sun and Pink Floyd's Piper at the Gates of Dawn have aged remarkably well (not to mention Cream's Wheels of Fire), this, with 100 percent certainty, has not. I mean seriously, how can you resist a giggle at a little ditty called "Flowers and Beads"?

Which brings us to the notorious title song, which, truthfully sounds like ersatz-Cream. That great band gave an amazing sense of musicality and spontaneity to their improvisation; meanwhile Iron Butterfly simply plods along, just giving some excessive and rather uninspired solos to each member rather than actually listening to each other and taking some collective risks. I mean, Erik Braunn's solo on this song has one of the worst guitar solos I have ever heard from anyone. The solo is just BAD. The drum and organ solos are OK, I guess, and their bass player, while no Jack Bruce, keeps extremely solid time. But In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida is mainly just a curiosity, though it sounds pretty cool, I guess, in the context of the era, where it should belong.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida - Iron Butterfly

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida [Deluxe Rhino]

Thanks for getting it to me as fast as you did,My husband loved it. Thank You

Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

It's a trip.

This is a great album to own, and for more than just the title track. The original album is only 36 minutes, roughly half of which is "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". The preceeding five tracks aren't just "bonus" songs, they're actually pretty decent, though more pop. Think Strawberry Alarm Clock meets The Doors. Obviously the draw here however is the title track, 17 minutes long, and pure psychedelic bliss. The remastering and extra tracks aren't essential to me, but may be to you. The beauty of this album is that the music can be heavy AND light, kind of like an iron butterfly.