Music Review by Bill Rendall

In A Gadda Da Vida - Iron Butterfly

Before heavy metal there was Iron Butterfly. In addition to being forerunners in sound they were forerunners in band naming. They didn't follow the convention of using a plural name. The juxtaposition of contrasting elements (heavy and light) was subsequently used by other bands. For example, Led Zeppelin.

Iron Butterfly released their first album with the simple but apt title of Heavy in 1968. Shortly afterwards three band members left. The band recruited Erik Braunn and Lee Dorman to combine with original members Doug Ingle and Ron Bushy. This lineup released In A Gadda Da Vida which proved to be their most successful album.

The title track of In A Gadda Da Vida plays for the entire length of a side of the original vinyl record. The song is held together by one of those classic riffs which insinuates its way into your head to remain there forever more. A church organ sound and trumpeting elephant guitar effects add to the allure.

The title track includes a lengthy drum solo. Generally I consider drum solos to be one of the most boring excesses of rock but this one is interesting. When the solo starts the drum kit expands to fill the stereo field. It sounds like the drums are moving around, which results in phasing effects and tonal variations.

In A Gadda Da Vida's place in popular culture has been assured through it's inclusion in an episode of The Simpsons TV show. Although the title track stands out as the most memorable thing the band recorded if you are in the mood for some sixties nostalgia the other tracks on In A Gadda Da Vida are enjoyable. The music may be heavy but the lyrics certainly aren't. Peace, love and flowers are in abundant supply.