Ranking the Studio Albums: Iron Butterfly

Join host Pete Pardo as he ranks the studio albums of San Diego's psychedelic/acid rock veterans Iron Butterfly. #ironbutterfly

[@planetbarrett6055]

I'm coming back to this Video to say Rest In Peace, Ron Bushy. I was just Listening to In-a-gadda-di-vida the other Day.

[@sspbrazil]

Iron Buttery “Metamorphosis” is a great album.

[@rickleblanc8900]

Yes. Underrated and unknown by most

[@ferbeneca]

Mike Pinera..... great

[@brucefranklin6295]

Rhino ,later of Captain Beyond, doing most of the awesome lead guitar work.

[@Humb7757]

I wanted to add how this Album Sounds…on a Good hi-fi Sound system!! so well recorded!! It’s their best!! A killer Guitar Duo!! The best iron butterfly lineup…and then Dorman and Erik Brann!! IAGV!! Made mesmerized moments

[@johnmozina]

I love it when Pete acknowledges the greatness of an album like Metamorphosis which came out 50 years ago. Very few people remember it now. The people who are familiar know about the killer guitar solo in Butterfly Bleau that I still play in my head today.

[@JohnAudioTech]

Flip over "in a Gadda..." and listen to the other songs. Dorman's bass playing is top shelf.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Good advice, my favorite Iron Butterfly song is My Mirage, a great Doorsish psych track.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Are You Happy and Most Anything You Want are great

[@matty1953565962]

Yeah, the second side of "In a Gadda...." is my favorite music by them. Ingle is an innovative, classically-influenced keyboard player, and the rest of the band was pretty fierce as well. Flowers and Beads is a minor classic.

[@MrMusic193]

I’ve been listening to a lot of iron butterfly of late and lo and behold leave it up to you to bring this band up. As much as I enjoy In a Gadda Da Vida, there is much more to this band than that song.

[@planetbarrett6055]

My Top 6 Favorite Iron Butterfly Albums 6. Scorching Beauty 5. Sun And Steel 4. In-A-Gadda-Di-Vida 3. Heavy 2. Metamorphosis 1. Ball Yeah........

[@joseluisgomezmunoz3071]

Ball, the Best album by Iron Butterfly and the GOAT album of all times, in my opinion.

[@modestoney1577]

Their first three albums are all great really - i still have to check out the rest.

[@davidryan6441]

For Some Weird Reason They never Took off In The UK...I saw them when they came to England and they were awesome....Supported By Yes.. Who didn't even come close to Iron Butterfly that night. Without Doubt "Metamorphosis" is their best as far I am concerned..."Soldier in our Town" That Vocal performance is Brilliant and "Butterfly Bleu" What An Awesome Song......The UK missed out on these Guys....Their loss ..

[@johnr3546]

R.I.P. Doug Ingle, my favorite Iron Butterfly album id thier debut album. Heavy, the Iron Butterfly theme is mind blowing!

[@bluedream9668]

A patient of mine used to Repo cars (Repo Man!) with the drummer (Ron).

[@billmann6278]

100% agreed. Butterfly & Steppenwolf fan since 1968.

[@curtharvilla958]

Hi Pete! Another great video

[@paulporto1318]

Totally diggin’ on the videos man.... definitely, they are helping in this difficult time

[@edmojenks1]

Metamorphosis may be one of my top 5 fav albums of that period, along with Captain Beyond, CB.

[@ralphmarrone3130]

I was 12 years old when Inna Gadda da Vida came out. I loved the song. One time when my parents were away I drove my sisters nuts when I played it 17 times in a row. Once for each minute. To this day I can’t believe they didn’t kill me 😂

[@rockingman2543]

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

[@ralphmarrone3130]

sv troshin Oh well. Won’t be the first time, nor the last time I misspelled it 😊

[@davidgreenberg5517]

Don't write off The Butterfly - they are very original, quality musicians.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I love your UFO shirt! I don't own Iron Butterfly CD's /albums or know much about them. I'll check them out! Thank you for your information about Iron Butterfly and ranking their studio albums/CD.🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@ChrisStrat67]

I think my order is : Heavy, In A Gadda Davida, Metamorphis,and Ball. They have been fitting my mood lately with this crazy virus scare going on.

[@zeraphking1407]

Keep up the videos Pete! This is one of my favorite music channels on here. I am a thrash/heavy rock guy and you've introduced me to so many great bands and albums.

[@dmitrysobolin5158]

Thank you for your great words about the gift of music, Pete. Take care

[@michaelgregory2231]

One of my greatest musical influences. Great guitar work from Danny Weiss, Erik Braun (RIP), Mike Pinera... Very dense classically inspired arrangements. Even if the lazy owners of the In-A-Glob-O-Velveeta would simply flip the record over and listen to side 1, a treasure of psychadelic treats awaits. I love Heavy, Gadda and Ball equally.

[@donmoore7785]

Nice sentiment at the end, Pete. We do need something to calm and keep us engaged. Keep up the great work. My older brothers were listening to I-B when I was 9 years old.

[@jamiebelilah193]

Pete thanks for doimg this one. Its one of my favorite bands very unappreciated very underrated. So good and so important. My favorite album is actually their first album but i do love the innagaddavida album. I just really like them.

[@lexpeters735]

Well done Pete, music has always been the great soother during hard times. Keep those videos coming.

[@JosephFrancisBurton]

It’s going to be a bumpy ride for some of us, but Pete thank you again for coming on to talk a bit about the amazing power of music.

[@jetpowers7332]

hi pete your show is helping with these strange days thats found us keep up the good work

[@vinylrecordplayer]

Love the message, Pete. Even now, 7 months in, I appreciate the shelter from the storm your channel provides!

[@daveduane2699]

My first love.One of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal

[@abe3802]

Good advice in this crazy times. Keep on running the shows so we have something normal. And now many of us have some extra time to listen to music and discover new stuff.

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Ball kicks ass!!!!! Thank you so much for the video!

[@scotterrebo7118]

Reinhardt and Dorman went on to Captain Beyond.

[@kevindirito2919]

Wishbone Ash did some good work'

[@fredfox3851]

I credit Iron Butterfly ( mostly because of Inna Gadda Davida) for being prototype progressive rock, (album side long compositions, heavy classical sounding organ, trippy sound) and prototype heavy metal, (distorted repeating riff based guitar, evil minor key feeling etc). I once read that Iron Butterfly sold their P.A. to upcoming band Yes, at the end of a European tour.

[@richarddrolet7746]

Pete......your the greatest.....thanks. The message you sent at the end of your review was heartfelt......you take care also.

[@raymcgrath4116]

Great review, really enjoyed your informative commentary and perceptive insights, keep up the good work and maintain the faith, thanks once again, this group deserves more recognition for the two albums from 1969 and 1970.

[@jimrutherford6926]

I was 14 in 68 and high-fidelity came to our house with Allied Amp, Gerard turn-table and two 12” three-way speakers, Wow what a change from old record player. Love that In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida cranked-up! (Agree Metamorphosis is best album) Keep doing these show they take be back, thanks!

[@davevogelar9965]

I always like the Iron Butterfly moving it's wings up-and-down.

[@KevinOrtega1980]

Thank you again for this awesome band. Well put together

[@redx1708]

Metamorphosis and Iron Butterfly live are my 2 favorites :)

[@steveseim]

From the snippets I've heard, that Metamorphosis album really reminds me of Blood Sweat & Tears.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Minus the horns...

[@thBrilliantFool]

*Rare Earth* is a lot closer to sounding like Blood Sweat & Tears than Iron Butterfly in my opinion.

[@donaldellis8952]

I actually quite like the Sun And Steel album.

[@cowprez]

Ahh the memories.... My favorite group growing up. I remember hearing 'Real Fright' at the Filmore west in San Francisco - before the Ball album came out. They told us they wanted to 'test' the tune out for the first time for us. The crowd went WILD. MAN I miss those days. Thanks for your video on these guys.

[@musicisajourney]

Wow! My pick order exactly! I usually agree with you pretty closely. This time totally!

[@shanewright2772]

Two Iron Butterfly fun facts: For a time, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was the biggest selling album of all time, with 8 million copies in its first year. I imagine The White Album surpassed it in short order, but still... They were booked to play at Woodstock, but got stranded in NYC and couldn't make their stage time. They sent a telegram off to Festival management asking to be rescheduled, but no dice. they were told to charter a helicopter, haul ass up state and they would take the stage immediately on arrival. When they protested this, they got this rather wonderful telegram back: For reasons I can't go into Until you are here Clarifying your situation Knowing you are having problems You will have to find Other transportation Unless you plan not to come. and that was that for Iron Butterfly.

[@gerhardvanderwesthuizen842]

Silence of the Lambs, yes, but also in The Simpsons, where it's a hymn at church.

[@ijeff2005]

Always enjoy your lists especially some of these underappreciated bands that have been off the radar for decades. I bought the In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida single back in the day and that's about the only thing I remember from them except for the B side instrumental. So, getting your feedback on all their albums is a real treat. Now I'm looking forward to checking them out.

[@ollyolly8004]

Hello Pete, Greetings from Greece !!!

[@JeffYoungTube]

"Termination" was always a cool jam. :)

[@JeffYoungTube]

n' "Are You Happy"!!! #WHOOT

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

@@JeffYoungTube Yes indeed!

[@garyjoyce2160]

Are u happy? I met a pretty girl on a date last night, and let me tell you know, she was groovy. LOL

[@garyjoyce2160]

Sorry. Now. Not. Know.

[@bogapos2330]

I am personally happy you put ball pretty high because there are lots of people that think that album lacks in a lot of qualities and think it’s mediocre.

[@josercoha4389]

Good morning Mr. Pardos. I was a boy, when that psychedelic sound of In A Gadda da Vida traveled the air waves, made me fall in love with the remarkable sound, with its guitar delusions and juggling. 17 minutes + were few to express so much virtuosity.

[@dennissweeney6774]

I saw them a hand full of times in the 80s and the 90s they played the old Fillmore East it was called the saint at the time it was 1988 89 three nights IRON BUTTERFLY THE CHAMBER BROTHERS and a band that called themselves DINOSAURS with John Cipollina and Country Joe and others all three shows were a good time glad I went.Thanks Pete for the rankings.

[@seagullpoet]

Saw them live. In the 80s. I was 20 or so. For kicks. What a crowd. I went by myself - what a unbelievable concert. An afternoon show. They made a huge impression upon me that day that I wasn’t expecting.

[@_fabio1978]

"Heavy" is my favorite! Thanks for the good content.

[@paulcooper5748]

Iron butterfly where awesome i love butterfly bleu especially the live version great musicans.

[@gerstrootker6248]

The only song of IB I know is inagadda (yes, because of manhunter) and honestly I dont care about it much. But I just listened to Metamorphosis and that sounds great. And maybe its the youtube filter or something but those drums sound really good! Thanks again Pete.

[@Synnystershy]

I got a box set of Iron Butterfly's first 4 albums and the live album. I'm loving it and also a 1970s vinyl repressing of In-A-Gada-Da-Vida. I'd love to have some original vinyls though. I'd probably say Heavy is my favourite album.

[@christopher9152]

Great choice. They're well worth a second look.

[@brucefranklin6295]

I was pretty into Iron Butterfly's first 4 albums. Doug Ingle's voice and organ work were very unique. 1.Heavy ( the one I still listen to most.Psychedelic classic) 2.Ball (some very cool dark and haunting songs on here) 3.Metamorphosis (A bit more blues rock with 2 guitarists.) 4.Inna Gadda Da Vida I got a chance to meet Doug Ingle in 1991 on his last tour (I think) with Iron Butterfly. Very cool and down to earth guy.

[@gordonhunt8946]

I agree metamorphosis is their best. Doug switched over to the Hammond organ sound on this one, great song arrangements and writing!

[@gabrielheftye973]

Heavy and Metamorphosis. I used to have the Jerry E. Clarke Butterfly on a target shooting poster.

[@danohstoolbox]

Good morning pete good choice to checkout

[@tomek453]

hey !

[@captain2man713]

I've been on an Iron Butterfly kick recently and came across this video. I'm sure no one will ever read this comment being posted four years after the fact. Just wanted to say that for anyone who's never heard 'Heavy' -- one song Pete didn't mention that is absolutely killer is "Unconscious Power".....if for nothing else alone - Jerry Penrod's bass playing on that song is out of this world. My ranking: 6. Scorching Beauty 5. Sun and Steel 4. Ball 3. Metamorphosis 2. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 1. Heavy

[@hajosteffen1793]

totally agree the ranking

[@AndyMangele]

My favorite is "Metamorphosis" - song-wise as well as production-wise!

[@axxellein]

TRES Cool!

[@Lepotadneva]

I have very good memories on Iron Butterfly, and Metamorphosis was my first album but Iron Butterfly Theme from Heavy album was and still one of their heaviest songs ! My top five 1.Metamorphosis 2.In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 3.Heavy 4.Ball 5.Sun and Steel

[@ZMsoloman5000]

I got the vinyl for their big single at a goodwill for 0.99$. My favorite thing about them is the similarity in band names to something like Led Zeppelin. As both band names were basically HEAVY/light; which perfectly described their music.

[@byronofcalgary6985]

look for the deluxe reissue of In A Gadda Da Vida - contains orig album plus a long live version plus short studio single edit version - like most Rhino label special ed'ns there's a full booket-bio - plus the case cover is grooved like those kids decoder rings [ Rhino did the same decoder cover on ELP's Brain Salad Surgery - great effect ]

[@mulemusic]

My line up exactly!!

[@peterm.fitzpatrick7735]

Cool! Thanks for the information on their discography. I only had Inna-Gadda-Vidda on my tiny swimming waterproof I-pod to listen among other songs. Why? Because I swim Butterfly a lot. Iron -Butterfly = swimming butterfly, lol. Swam 2.6 miles last night, with about 1000 yds. fly and 3200 yds free. Why so long? Because they are shutting the gym down today and are going to remain closed for the next two weeks because of Coronavirus. Thanks for being here, Pete, to keep us entertained and informed while we remain dormant in our homes.

[@fraternachash6015]

They might be the first hard rock band from Southern California. The spooky, moody atmosphere of some of their songs must have influenced a lot of Goth music as well as Metal. My dad was a fan before they had become popular. He referred to them as the "Metal band" before Zepp and Sabbath. Heavy was heavy as a mother for it's time. Love this band

[@BlitherVids]

I had "Ball" years ago and I really dug it. I always really enjoyed "Lonely Boy".

[@LookUpSnowden]

RIP, DOUG 🦋🔗

[@christophertomlinson3907]

Hey Pete Great ranking of Iron Butterfly! Only ever heard In-A-Gadda-Da- Vidda.... definitely a product of it's time but still pretty cool. I'll have to give the others a try. Just bought the excellent Tucky Buzzard boxset after your ranking of their albums the other day. Since subscribing to your channel I think it's fair to say I've increased my cd collection considerably! Lol Thanks for introducing me to so much great music....keep up the great work ✌️☮️

[@scottmyers9360]

Not sure if it's mentioned below, but it was actually Manhunter, not Silence Of The Lambs. Pretty damn effective use of a song I might add!

[@keithdonald6583]

Just got into this band after listening to the long version of In a Gadda de Vida .Just started collecting the back catalogue..thanks for the heads up on the best albums.

[@jonatanpinadulucmusic]

Butterfly live is my go to with them. Metamorphosis is great also.

[@marciopainhas5828]

Gee!!! In-a-Gadda-da-Vida, and Flowers and Beads. Very cool songs.

[@wendytipton6260]

Hi Pete, I'm very much looking forward to watching this tonight whrn I get home from work. Thanks for ranking Iron Butterfly! I have been a huge fan of their first 3 albums for over 30 years so I'm glad to see you discussing them. Judging by the comments Metamorphosis must be your favorite. For whatever reason, I have never listened to it. Sounds like I need to check it out. Ranking the first 3.... 1. Heavy 2. Ball 3. in a Gadda Da Vida

[@brucefranklin6295]

Right with you.Ranking Metamorphosis #4,which is definitely worth checking out.

[@Naflemac]

Always interesting to hear your rankings Pete. Stay safe (and listen to some prog hehe)

[@jimmyhawke]

Actually, I think Heavy is their best full album. Unconscious Power is a great tune! The reason I picked this as number one, is just the sheer raw energy of it comes true on this recording.

[@brucefranklin6295]

I think it is their best all around album too.I definitely skip songs on their other albums,but I like Heavy from beginning to end.

[@Humb7757]

I agrée…this was the first Album I listened to the year it was released…Still listening to it today in 2023, with full emotions remembering my childhood!

[@KirkSlinkard]

6:08 Their original lineup in 1966 was: Doug Ingle (vocals, organ) Jack Pinney (drums) Greg Willis (bass) Danny Weis (guitar) Their 2nd lineup in 1966 included replacements: Jerry Penrod Bruce Morris Then in 1967 their 3rd lineup recorded "Heavy".

[@MrROTD]

Youre awesome Pete I am not even familiar with Iron Butterfly I know of only one song but you kept me interested anyway

[@DadE.O.Records]

Good list! Could you please fit in a Captain Beyond list sometime? I've only got the first 2 & love them both, would enjoy hearing your opinion. Keep up the good work!

[@brucefranklin6295]

The third one is fairly good,but with a different singer.It's third best of the 3.

[@DadE.O.Records]

@@brucefranklin6295 Right on! I'll definitely be on the lookout for it. Thanks!

[@mountain66diecast]

awesome choice my friend .

[@devilsrejects7058]

My list is 6. Scorching Beauty (just not a fan) 5. Heavy (yet Unconscious Power is one my all time favorite songs by them) 4. Metamorphosis ( awesome album but almost not like a Iron Butterfly album) 3. Sun And Steel (love this album because of the songs Sun And Steel, Scorching Beauty, and Scion) 2. In A Gadda Da Vida (classic) 1. Ball (I believe this is their heaviest album. My favorite song "In The Time Of Our Lives") I'm a big fan of all of these albums except Scorching Beauty.

[@JonJon-sd1fp]

Pete, thank you so much for ranking the Iron Butterfly albums! My favorites are In Inna Gadda Da Vida and Heavy!

[@mikeshannon658]

Metamorphosis is their best with Ball and the hugely underrated Sun and Steel close behind. That latter album might not sound like earlier Butterfly but man, the title track, Scorching Beauty, Scion, Lightnin', Get It Out, Watch the World Goin' By and I'm Right, I'm Wrong are GREAT mid-70s jams. The late Erik Braunn lays down some superb solos and his voice, weird warble and all, fits the tunes to a T.

[@hovis13579]

excellent band........any chance of doing the groundhogs ?

[@sakblabbath65]

I only know Indagiddadavida and heavy. I've seen Ball.Never see Metamorphosis in the wild. Can't wait till the Humble Pie video.

[@SWEETFA24]

Hope you can do a Rant on the band Spirit Pete.

[@lizfowle2473]

I love Iron Butterfly !!!!!!!!!!

[@johnw706]

I was wondering if you were considering a show on what you consider some of the most uplifting songs that you know. We could sure use a few of them in these turbulent times. I will throw out there a song that would likely be at the top of any such list that I might create: Coming from the great Klaatu album Hope. The song Hope. Thanks for any consideration that you might give to this. Can't wait to see your next video !

[@JR-fv2pk]

Unconscious power is their best song. Very underrated song

[@cheezruff]

Have to mention Lee Dorman and 'Rhino' Reinhardt forming Captain Beyond after Iron Butterfly.

[@theoldscout3478]

I was Captain Beyonds sound man on their first tour. They were ahead of their time and people weren't ready for such a progressively new sound. They were actually booed. Made me very sad that people couldn't recognize the massive talent that was on stage. The line up was Lee Dorman -bass, Bobby Caldwell -drums, Larry Rhinehardt -guitar and Rod Evans -lead vocal.--------------------Turtle - D-HI Sound(Iron Butterfly original concert sound system).

[@roxannewalsh]

I have their whole catalogue and listened to them quite a bit in the 70s. Thanks for reminding me of them, I almost forgot about them. A lot of good deep cuts in their repertoire. 1. Metamorphosis 2. In A Gadda Da Vida (has more than the title track, really) 3. Ball 4. Heavy 5. Sun & Steel 6. Scorching Beauty Their live album is worth mentioning as well. Lee Dorman later turned up in Captain Beyond along Deep Purple's first singer Rod Evans.

[@awickedtribe]

The drummer is the only original member still around but it's not surprising... he will go on forever.

[@michaelpdawson]

Good take on the catalog--I would put Ball at #1 myself. Never owned the post-Ingle albums, although I have a 45 with the Jon Anderson co-written song "Pearly Gates." I grew up in San Diego where the Iron Butts were hometown heroes. They were also my first live show in late 1969 (supported by It's a Beautiful Day and an unknown acoustic duo called Too People). They announced from the stage that they were recording the show for a live album, and sure enough, Iron Butterfly Live appeared a few months later, complete with a between-songs mention of San Diego. Apparently that night was also the last show by the In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida lineup until they did a reunion tour many years later.

[@vinnieoskokie]

the problem with the best of collections is that they use the 45 version of in a gadda da vida.

[@cincilitigator5108]

Nice. Can’t wait for Humble Pie. Going to listen to me some Iron Butterfly. Peace.

[@Joker6052-v7k]

All iron butterfly albums are great

[@tomlangley6236]

Scorching beauty in my opinion is no.1. Iv'e had it on 8-track-then vinyl-now CD. After nearly 45 years it still sounds great! One of those rare Albums that doesn't have a bad song on it.