IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA

There is a side full of short songs which can't be really considered as outstanding numbers of the rock music. It is fully in line with the psychedelic production of the late sixties. When you listen to these tracks today, there is hardly a possibility to be overwhelmed with Most Anything You Want or the childish Flowers And Beads.

The next My Mirage is a little better although it remains 100% in the same psyche mood: once you hear this track, you understand better why Mark I (Purple) were so successful in the US. I guess that they had listened to IB while writing their songs.

Are You Happy is also above average: it is a fine combination of real heavy sounds and crazy psychedelia. Drumming is top notch (some sort of hors d'oeuvre-but better IMO- for the monster track) and the strong bass offers a superb support for the guitar solo. It is my favourite song from side one.

Now; the title track. It is the reason why this album has sold in access of thirty (yes 30) million copies. Mostly in the US to be complete.

It is real heavy music, with an hypnotic bass riff for (almost) the whole length of the track. The other band members will come and play their own part accordingly. It was verya very popular track during surprise parties (les surboums) as Get Ready from Rare Earth. I write this because I remember a famous sequence during one of my first parties (in 70) while the DJ played I A Gadda Da Vida, Get Ready and the formidable Woodstock trilogy form Sly & The Family Stone : DanceThe Music - Music Lover - Want To Take You Higher. This was quite a treat, believe me.

To be honest, when I listen back to this song these days, my feeling is that it doesn't sound as great as in those times. The song (and the album) didn't pass the proof of time very well. Mainly the section of the drum solo sounds rather obsolete while the keys and the guitar sections are still capable of raising my emotion while listening to this legendary piece of music.

This is a landmark of rock history. Certainly worth five stars at the time of release. I would be more conservative now, but still respectful: three stars. A good album.