I knew Surrealistic Pillow as far back as mid-2019 but I properly dove into Jefferson Airplane's discography starting in April 2023.
Jefferson Airplane Takes Off (1966): B
Surrealistic Pillow (1967): A-
After Bathing at Baxter's (1967): C
Crown of Creation (1968): C+
Jefferson Airplane Takes Off (1966):
Jefferson Airplane became a hot commodity in the California music scene before being signed by RCA Victor. No doubt, their initial hype was well-deserved: they have a great sound--a folk rock lean with good bass and electric guitar--and all their vocalists are strong, particularly Marty Balin. Lyrically, they have edge (one reason Columbia decided to pass on them): they aren't afraid to flaunt their free love and drug-filled lifestyles. This sometimes spices up their songs but too often it's displeasing that this is the side of hippie culture that they choose to align with. They would argue their counterculture free love is political enough and that I'm not open minded; I think their blunt lyrics aren't calculated and their brains are fried. B
Surrealistic Pillow (1967):
Psychedelic rock is among the first indulgent subgenres of rock but as one of the genre's inventors, the Airplane's folk rock aesthetic grounds their trippy queues and their songwriting is so irresistible that it's easy to turn a blind eye to the excess. Grace Slick is an incredible addition to the lineup--"White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love" still sound like classics today--and the band's musicianship continues to impress. There's even a few strong outtakes if this stacked track-list wasn't already enough. A-
After Bathing at Baxter's (1967):
On their last album, it was important to note their tastefulness in spite of the psychedelic rock but it was only a matter of time before the original LSD druggies also felt the need to sail to the worst corners of the genre. Although Surrealistic Pillow is often associated with the Summer of Love, it was released in February, before Sgt Pepper and Are You Experienced (both released in May) forever changed what your average Joes thought they could accomplish. This came out right at the tail end of 1967 when only Dylan was wise enough to hurry back to the country. C
Crown of Creation (1968):
Slick was indeed a great addition to their lineup when she joined for the band's second album. Despite arguably writing their two best songs, however, she has no business suppressing this folky band's last gasps of modesty. Her buying into the abomination that is "Triad" is all that I have held my breath for since this band's debut. I lament: what happened to Marty's leadership? C+
