13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS "SLIP INSIDE THIS HOUSE" (reaction)

[@GorgonTheHybrid]

I can only hope in the year since you've done this that you've come to realize this is one of the greatest songs of all time with some of the coolest lyrics in music history. I can hope...

[@orangeandblackattack]

Bob Dylan himself said that he couldnt come close to writing lyrics like these. He is a HUGE Roky fan.

[@dmskon]

One of my favorite garage psych bands. Roky Erickson's vocals are epic.

[@RRaquello]

Forget the Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Hendrix & the rest. This was the greatest rock & roll album of the 60's.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

They were THE 1ST true psychedelic band ,No other band came out first with an album as being specifically that variety music before they did .

[@garethjenkins6273]

This and Forever Changes best 2 albums of the 60s.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Before the Elevators, there was nothing. Thanks folks this got me going.

[@ironrose2672]

"Those were some interesting lyrics." Yes, the Oracle spoke. This song is musically entrancing, as Dan said. And the lyrics are apocalyptic and transcendental. Everything that happens is connected, and you have all the power of the cosmos at your disposal. Don't misuse it, but don't neglect it, either. You receive all you can hold.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

The lyrics are the kicker in this one.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

This is one of my favorite songs EVER.. Thank you for rocking it here, and thanks to whoever requested it.. absolutely amazing tune!

[@zappafan012]

13th Floor Elevators was the seminal garage group from Houston, TX, that defined Texas psychedelic punk in the late '60's. Lead by singer/songwriter Roky Erickson they ushered in that tough underground sound that majorly influenced such groups as ZZ Top. Easter Everywhere was their more polished follow up album to 1967's Psychedelic Sounds which contained their national hit "You're Gonna Miss Me."

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the info James!

[@maskedman1337]

They were from Austin.

[@zappafan012]

@@maskedman1337 Some say Austin, some say Houston. In a vintage TV interview they say Houston.

[@maskedman1337]

@@zappafan012 Fair, but there are several books and documentaries about them. They're from Austin but got early attention when playing Houston/Corpus.

[@bobschenkel7921]

The 13th Floor Elevators, the beginning of "Keep Austin Weird."

[@billythealiensmiller]

That is RIGHT ! And they were what inspired music Halls because the crowds that flocked to see them were too big and subversive for clubs. Austin is now the undisputed music capital of the world and it is because of Roky Erickson. Others take the credit because they sold more records than the Elevators. Austin was always weird, for a fact. Where else would Roky Erickson be from ?

[@bobobryan8834]

@@billythealiensmiller And before they helped spawn the Austin music scene, they were a Houston based band. I was there.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

@@bobobryan8834 Me too! Saw them at The Catacombs. Cheers

[@brandonhendrix7223]

Being Zappa-centric made your channel more interesting and better than the rest. But reacting to an Elevators song while wearing a BOC shirt!? You just became the only music reaction channel worth a damn!

[@SightAfterDark]

Glad you’re here Brandon!

[@markbyers1651]

ah yes .Roky Erickson the unsung hero of garage / psych rock from Austin Tx .Don't Shake Me Lucifer another great one

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Mark!

[@billythealiensmiller]

@@SightAfterDark If you are wondering what ever happened to Roky Erickson, after the Elevators, he emerged 10 years later as the guru of punk and new wave. He is the only 60s icon who had 2 careers in 2 eras. The first mention in Rolling Stone was a review of Roky and also The Sex Pistols, from opposite ends of the Earth. It was also the first time they had reviewed a single. It was Roky's first single and The Sex Pistols first single, both reviewed. This song is from the late 70s. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5bQlGilp8iUfbs

[@Cathain78]

First heard this about 30 year ago in a compilation tape that came with a music magazine. Was a slow burner but eventually blown away by the music and the lyrics. Love it.

[@asdfqwer1234zxcv]

I used to go to this record store called Soundwaves where they would order CD's before the first release date, Easter Everywhere had a waiting list. This band is from Texas, there's also a documentary about Roky Erickson, the singer. It's called You're Gonna Miss Me. The weird sound is one of the band members blowing into a whiskey jug.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the history Piranther!

[@kmaher1424]

Tommy Hall played electric jug. He also wrote these lyrics. And insisted the band take huge amounts of acid which led to some unwise career decisions The Elevators came from Texas. Their Hit was You're Gonna Miss Me written by lead singer Roky Erickson with a previous band. He wrote the band's best songs and continued to produce fine if deeply weird tunes throughout an erratic solo career Recorded at International Artists in Houston. Owned by Lelan Rodgers brother of Kenny

[@WMalven]

The sound you hear is an electric jug. 13th Floor Elevators were in the heart of the Texas psychedelic movement.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks W! How in the world did they electrify a jug?

[@WMalven]

@@SightAfterDark Have no idea, but I would guess they put a guitar pickup or a microphone on or in it.

[@N_A_Lund]

I believe the jug was electrified using a contact microphone, though I may be misremembering that.

[@davetothebeard]

This reminds me of a lot of smokey parties I went to back in the 70s. The songs go on forever (in a good way) and the music is loud. I love that vibe of the 60s and 70s. So now I’ve got some old yet unheard songs to listen to to. Great reaction, both of you. And don’t forget the trippy cover. L

[@SightAfterDark]

Glad you enjoyed David, thanks!

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

My kind of music, psychonauts from Texas. Exellent one!

[@N_A_Lund]

I did not expect to find a reaction video to this, honestly! “You’re Gonna Miss Me” was their biggest hit and one of their most straightforward garage rockers.

[@SightAfterDark]

We’re glad you found us Nate, thanks for watching!

[@garethjenkins6273]

I love the Elevators. Easter Everywhere is up there with Forever Changes as the best 2 albums of the 60s. It is a difficult reading their history. How they were screwed over by their record company, harrassed by the Texas cops, how Roky went to a mental institute instead of prison for possession of 1 cannabis joint. Roky ended up having his brain fried by Electroconvulsive therapy. How Tommy Hall, the song writer, electric jug player and LSD disciple ended up losing his mind and living in a Californian cave. It is Hall's lyrics that give this song it's intrigue. Based on Eastern mysticism, spiritualism and a quest for transcendentalism.

[@SightAfterDark]

Woah that’s some information!

[@billythealiensmiller]

@@SightAfterDark This is the most extensive and strangest music legend of them all. The things that have been posted here barely even scratch the surface. Rocky (pronounced, ("ROCKY") was a serious child actor and appeared in professional stage productions. People were sure that he would be the next James Dean. Then he got involved with Rock n roll at age 13. People were convinced that he was the next Buddy Holly. Then, at age 17 he found himself cast in the role of the ultimate psychedelic messiah and prophet of the space age. Incidentally, his first stage appearance as a child was in a Stage version of "Alice In Wonderland". He was cast as "The Mad Hatter". He was typed cast in that role which followed him all the rest of his long life. He could never escape that.

[@shakypuddin9857]

Nice.. love this band. A huge influence on ZZ Top. One of the few psychedelic band’s from Texas.

[@donberry6079]

I think the song is about Christ. The line, "Water brothers trust in the Ultimust" and, "The center of this house will never die" Water brothers are baptized Christians, as their underground symbol was a fish ("Come with me and I will make you fishers of men". The center of the house is of course, Jesus who will never die. Then there is "Bedoins in tribes ascending" (Abraham and his family), and Alpha information sending (God said he is the Alpha and Omega and was sending information to Abraham and later to Joseph and Moses. The singer constantly urging the listener to "Slip inside this house" - the house of God. Many other clues if you listen.

[@billythealiensmiller]

They were from Austin and there is no doubt about that. But they were SO underground that efforts were made to obscure their actual locations. They were advertised on radio as being "L.A.'s hottest psychedelic band". They stayed in Houston at times and also San Francisco, where the whole psychedelic movement seemed to spring from them after their arrival. You'll notice that Janis Joplin sounds a lot like Roky Erickson. Her manager suggested that she emulate Roky and hooked her up with her own psychedelic band. Roky himself sounds like James Brown on acid. Roky did not write the Elevators lyrics but later emerged as a brilliant writer in his solo career. He was the guru of punk. Gurus always seem to have long hair, right ? A sample of Roky's lyrics reads, "... A death to life seance with ghostly powers all the time...". Roky was a hit in Europe and is often credited as being the creator of horror rock and Goth rock. There is some truth to all of this. He was enigmatic, probably more than any other rock artist. The Elevators story beats all others.

[@CliffordLake]

These guys had the oddest rehearsals.

[@SightAfterDark]

Tell us more….

[@CliffordLake]

@@SightAfterDark "Almost from the first, Hall insisted that the band members ingest LSD before every show and “play the acid.” KZbin won't let me post the link apparently, but they rehearsed on acid as well.

[@RobertNelson-b9g]

I am eternally grateful for the 13th Floor Elevators

[@mooninites3]

The greatest jug player of all time.

[@alxrchn]

The most doomy but uplifting riff ever, Stacy was badass

[@nomisnestral6956]

It's either 1. you're a 60's legend; 2. you're in the Scream Team; 3. somefin else. I'm 2.

[@philipsanders9192]

They totally sound like PLACEBO !!!.... IM CALLING THEM AND TELL THEM TO RECORD IT !!! OUT

[@winmachielse1233]

They were an American band from Texas. Their producer was Lelan Rogers, Kenny Roger’s brother.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the info!

[@garethjenkins6273]

The Elevators were screwed over by Lelan Rogers and the record label - International Artists.

[@mattjohn4731]

Roky was Great! And Dan I dig your B.O.C. tee. Happy 2023 you two, and all viewers etc

[@mattjohn4731]

I think his voice sounds very Southern. (They were from TX). But indeed European rock singers were obsessed with American accents

[@SightAfterDark]

Happy New Year Matt!

[@jamesooley8771]

Easily may favorite Elevators song. For better or worse, it was always about LSD. Leader Tommy Hall wanted the band to be on it whenever they played or recorded. The lyrics of this song, maybe even more than others of theirs, reflect this state of mind, I think. I lived in Houston during their heyday and remember them as the most notorious band around. It's not that surprising that they didn't last long given the troglodytic Texas culture of the '60's, the constant drug use, and the fact that they were basically a garage band which happened to discover acid before most of the rest of us.

[@jua-rez]

Epic song. In my top 5 for sure. Rocky had more talent than most, even after he lost his mind. Legend.

[@jua-rez]

Couldn’t agree more jua-rez. U Have great taste brother. That voice is amazing too. Both classic & unique.

[@jua-rez]

Thanx dawg. Yeah, rumor has it Janis Joplin was heavily influenced by Rocky’s vocals. Wouldn’t doubt it, both from Texas too….

[@jaycee2392]

It was about LSD..Great Band from late 60s..

[@damonhines8187]

Yo and yo!! Instant flashback!! Nevermind shopping for 'shrooms again, this was freeeeeeeeeee! Key. The birds of Maya flew off with my recollection of the nursery rhyme they're referring to. Legendary Texas band, couldn't begin to guess where I first heard 'em, what condition I was in, nor the cause of it. Had to check out the window instead of my phone to see if my foam shell will get washed away if i get out to do some shopping. It's gotta get done. No worries.i'll put on a hoodie anyway. It's 9 C, so I can unzip. My jacket. btw, funniest thing i heard this week: "Must be cold out." "Keep my small penis out your f#@kin' etc." lmao x2 for full effect. They came back...they must be mine. 'Sing a Song of Sixpence.' Whew! That could have cast a serious pall on the day. Re: the electric jug question; Les Paul jammed a record-player needle into the wood of his guitar for his 1st foray into electrification, iirc. Where there's a will, etc. Howard Hughes pulled off some downright spooky fixes, again, iirc. And don't get me started on Nicola Tesla. Anyhoo, the feds likely Hoovered up all the evidence. Same with Wilhelm Reich, whatever you make of HIS theories. Short version - too late!! - it doesn't take Gandalf or whoever. I've lived in a few of these places.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the info Damon!

[@billythealiensmiller]

@@SightAfterDark YES ! Tommy Hall was indeed a mad scientist. He was working on a degree in chemical engineering and philosophy when he had a vision of using a rock band to bring human evolution up several notches. Then he met a trio of Texas beach musicians who were dopers who planned to move to Australia and become the next Beatles. Tommy hooked them up with Roky Erickson, whom he put great faith in, and they formed a 5-piece band in Austin. Tommy enlisted Powell St. John to write their first songs, including "Kingdom Of Heaven" and "You Don't Know (How Young You Are)". Tommy and Powell St. John had taken their first LSD trip together as part of a government paid experiment. You could say that Powell St. John is the grandfather of psychedelic rock though Roky, gets the credit, being the front man. It seems like Roky was always getting involved with one mad scientist or another at key points in his life. Roky and Tommy soon learned that they could write songs with Roky writing the songs and Tommy writing the lyrics. Powell St. John was like a hidden "6th member" of The Elevators until he moved to San Francisco with Janis Joplin, whom he also wrote songs for at some point.

[@bendbadgersteve]

No band ingested more acid between 1966-68 than these dudes. Intensely trippy.

[@SightAfterDark]

😆

[@matthewhunt6525]

Next you should listen to step "you really got me going" by 13th floor elevators

[@lavekmeerzxy6702]

Acid was legal till Sept.!967 in Texas it was a misdemeanor till then.

[@lavekmeerzxy6702]

This album sold over 500,000 copies 1n 1966 between Texas,California, and DC. the only market it was played.The Elevators were an Austin band but played all over Texas from 1964 till Texas busted Rocky Erickson with 2 joints Rather spend 30 years in prison the record company had Rocky into and insane State Hospital . They fried Rocky's brain with electro shock. Rocky was still an underground rock god of Austin. The electric Jug is Tommy Hall and a metaphysical Acid Wizard' He lived in a cave for 8 years some friend from boulder supported him. They turned on Texas and the the State wasn't going to let them go for doing that.Tommy was living in SF last L. heard.Happy They got $25.00 each for the royalties for this album by the crooked record company. A radio in Southern California once a month played only the Elevators one day each month in the late 60's and early 70's. Try playing your gona miss me by them 1964 this in probably the first punk driving beat ever.PEACE

[@SightAfterDark]

Woah what a story! Thanks for sharing!

[@sixbladeknife44]

Not many react to or discover this one, consider yourselves fortunate 👌

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

Listen to the master of the electric jug. This song is the Gospel according to Saint Alice D

[@robertknuist9754]

You 2 rock..13th floor elevators. Awesome.. So how about some Roxy Music that no one else seems to b reacting 2

[@SightAfterDark]

Done😉! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqqUoKqon6-YqLs Thanks for watching Robert!

[@mattjohn4731]

lamb's blood on the door?

[@cazgerald9471]

The 13th Floor Elevators and the Butthole Surfers - Texas far-out music a couple decades apart XD This is from the Elevators 2nd album "Easter Everywhere" released in 1967 - the 1966 debut "The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators" is no stranger to best of all time lists.

[@SightAfterDark]

We remember Butthole Surfers!

[@mikedemike5393]

I'm glad you did not succumb.. to subway jungle...Dan that is.

[@vangannaway1015]

Did you EVER Grok it? Probably not.

[@SightAfterDark]

We haven’t ☺️