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For "acid rock" as a geologic term, see Igneous rock.

Acid rock is a form of psychedelic rock, which is characterized with long instrumental solos, few (if any) lyrics and musical improvisation^[1]. Tom Wolfe describes the LSD-influenced music of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jefferson Airplane, New Riders of the Purple Sage and the Grateful Dead as "acid rock" in his book about Ken Kesey and the Acid Tests, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.^[2]

"Acid rock" also refers to the subset of psychedelic rock bands that were part of, or were influenced by, the San Francisco Sound, and which played loud, "heavy" music featuring long improvised solos.^[3]

History and use of the term

Acid rock got its name (which is a slang term for LSD) because it served as "background" music for acid trips in underground parties in the 1960s (e.g. the Merry Pranksters' "Acid Tests"). The term is generally equivalent to psychedelic rock.

The term was much used in its heyday of the late 1960s and early 1970s, but has fallen into disuse; it is now only used as a means of putting this music into historical perspective.

When hard rock and heavy metal became prominent in the late 1970s, the phrase "acid rock" was sometimes generically and erroneously applied to these genres. This use of the term was often negative in nature, and was generally attributed the heaviest forms of rock; often perceived as abrasive or un-listenable to the individual using the phrase. Over time, the common use of the term "heavy metal" replaced "acid rock" for these styles of music.

Genre description

Historically and more accurately, the term refers to the relationship between music and LSD, commonly called "acid". "Acid rock" can connote music recorded under the influence of LSD, or intended to be experienced in conjunction with LSD. These associations can be a matter of the musician's intention, the listener's intention, or even just a general perception on the part of the person using the term. Often the lyrics deal with drug-induced psychological themes as well as references to mind-altering techniques.

Characterized by an off-beat style, vivid imagery, and sometimes strange sound/musical effects (e.g. backward recorded music)^[1], acid rock often settles into a hypnotic groove wherein a listener (and possibly even the band) can "get lost" within a song.

References