Ladybug Transistor

OK, on Ladybug Transistor, my best friend/room mate in NYC had been friends with Gary since they were kiddies. He was part of the Spacemen3, Loop, JAMC, early MBV-loving social scene I fell into in NYC in the late 80s/early 90s, as described in my "how you first heard your favourite band thread. (I'm not saying this to name-drop, thanks, I'm just saying where I get my information from- you do get a different perspective on people you've had smoking pot and eating macrobiotic food in your kitchen.)

So, well, do they/have they used actual hallucinogenics? Erm, well, they have in the past. Don't know if they still do, as we lost touch about 5 years ago, so I can't help you there. But to answer your question, yes, I believe in his case, yes, it is "true" psychedelia, and not something aped off a record collection. (a feeling I *do* sometimes get from other bands.)

However, I do have to venture my own personal theory on these things... I often think that liking or creating a certain kind of music is a result of a certain *natural* brain chemistry rather the result of drugs. People who have this kind of brain chemistry are actually attracted *to* hallucinogens because the drugs (and druggy music) recreate a sensation or a longing that already exists.

I know that I heard and loved, and just *bonded* with music of a "psychedlic" nature years before I ever even smoked pot. (I can't even smoke pot any more, it turns me into a raving, paranoid wreck.) Many of the people in that (I hate to use the word "scene" because it wasn't- it was just a group of friends who hung out at the same places and liked the same music, while "scene" implies something negative.) social circle had very similar experiences.

So, even though I've probably strayed pretty far from your question, sometimes I don't even think that taking psychedelic drugs are even *necessary* to the creation of truly psychedelic (meaning "mind- expanding") music. Some of the most psychedelic stuff I've ever heard is His Name Is Alive, for example. Warren DeFever didn't even drink when much of that stuff was recorded- the gorgeous and often highly psychedelic soundscapes were recreations of hypoglycaemic episodes he suffered as a teenager.

Then you get bands like the Dandy Warhols, who started out making incredibly mind-blowingly psychedelic and textural music. But as soon as their recording budget started expanding to fit proper, hardcore rock star drug habits, their music sometimes strays into Eagles-like stoner-boredom. Especially live. (BTW, I say this as a huge DW's fan, rightfully criticising a band I have a great regard for.)

I think the affinity for music of that colour and texture is something hard-wired into the brain. In my experience, drugs mimic a state that already exists, and is expressed in the music that I love. Hence why, for me, drug use *did* "all get boring rather quick".

I've spoken to many people about this subject- just funny cause Gary was one of the first people I spoke to it about ages ago. And a lot of people who have "got over their drugs phase", and also a reformed heroin addict who loves dronerock- many of them have actually agreed.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Sorry.

ladybug transistor's first two records are dreadful, maybe the second has a few nice tunes but the remarkable advance they have made on the last two is actually, well, remarkable. albermarle sound seemed more studied than this record, this new one isn't all that psychedelic to my ears, unless everything paisley and hippy is considered psych?