IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA

"In-a-gadda-da-vida" is the principal reason for Iron Butterfly being listed on this site. More specifically, it is the side long title track which contains the real prog interest. The song's title is taken from band member Doug Ingle's attempts to convey the intended "In the garden of Eden" title to his bandmates.

The 17 minute piece is driven along by a heavy Hammond organ sound, which both solos and provides the basis for some lengthy improvised guitar work. In a misguided fit of self-indulgence, the track is marred by an excruciatingly dull drum solo, eventually saved by the return of organ. It is though the place of this piece in the rock timeline, rather than the quality of the music, which gives it its significance. It must be remembered that this album was released in 1968, the same year as Procol Harum's "In held 'twas in I" ("Shine on brightly").

While "In-a-gadda-da-vida" is of epic length, the structure is that of an extended blues jam, rather than a prog classic. There is little if any variety in the pace, and the vocals are simply used to bookend the jam. There is no doubting the excitement and pioneering spirit of the track, but it now sounds decidedly dated and indulgent.

There has always been an element of dubiety as to whether the title track was on side one or side two of the album. My (for some reason which I cannot recall) Greek pressing of the album lists it as forming side two on the sleeve, but the label indicates it is side one. In any event, the other side of the album has five more orthodox early heavy rock songs. These tend to be in the vein of erstwhile fellow travellers Vanilla Fudge, based around a heavy beat and swimming in organ. Unlike Vanilla Fudge however, the songs here are original compositions.

There are strong pop overtones in "Flowers and beads" and "Termination", the latter having a highly appealing melody. "My mirage" is a rather dull piece of west coast rock, while "Most anything you want" is pleasant but forgettable.

Iron Butterfly inspired many bands who followed them. Their influences can be heard across a broad spectrum of acts including The Doors, Ten Years After, Uriah Heep and many more. It is that influence which dictates their place in the history of rock, rather than the variable quality of the actual product.

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